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101 Word Short Stories

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Temporary Delight

December 31, 2022 18 Comments

By Geja Hadderingh

Bill held the fish steadily in his hand, admiring its natural beauty. Lowering it back into the burbling river, he pushed it to his left and watched it swim upstream. Filled with joy from his first catch, Bill flicked his hook in search of the next capture; another fleeting pleasure.

That evening, as he stared at the gorgeous blue eyes dominating his screen, Bill absorbed the comeliness and read about her sophisticated life he would never share. He swiped to the left and let her features float away. A new smiling face appeared, as quickly as the previous one drifted downstream.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John Holmes says

    December 31, 2022 at 7:47 am

    Funny, yet sad. Well written. Good end to the 101year.

    Reply
    • Andrew Hedgecock says

      December 31, 2022 at 8:09 am

      I enjoyed reading that: a clever and emotionally resonant observation.

      Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      December 31, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      Thank you for your feedback.

      Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      December 31, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you. Enjoyed writing it.

      Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      January 4, 2023 at 9:03 am

      Thanks John. Looking forward to a new year of 101 words.

      Reply
  2. Scott Bogart says

    December 31, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    Very nice, Geja! I’m sure things like this happen a lot.

    Scott

    Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      December 31, 2022 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks. There’s a lot of beauty around …

      Reply
  3. 2912 says

    December 31, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Nice metaphorical and creative writing.

    Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      December 31, 2022 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks for your positive thoughts.

      Reply
  4. Kathy Carroll says

    December 31, 2022 at 3:59 pm

    Very nice metaphor! Thoughtful and different.

    Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      December 31, 2022 at 5:26 pm

      Thanks Kathy!

      Reply
  5. ab says

    January 2, 2023 at 9:33 am

    Beautifully evocative. Strong imagery. Just… lovely.

    Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      January 4, 2023 at 9:04 am

      Hi ab. That’s very kind. Thanks.

      Reply
  6. Julie Haworth says

    January 3, 2023 at 10:02 am

    Aw. this was bittersweet. enjoyed reading it. cheers

    Reply
    • Geja Hadderingh says

      January 4, 2023 at 9:06 am

      Hi Julie. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers to a new year of 101 words.

      Reply
  7. Toni Brayer says

    January 4, 2023 at 10:55 am

    Fish and women. Nice metaphors for catch and loss.

    Reply
  8. Yvonne Eliot says

    January 4, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    I love the analogy that one can appreciate beauty without needing to capture or own it.

    Reply
  9. Ruth says

    January 5, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    Love the juxtaposition of fish with women. Seems Bill is happy with his fleeting moments of joy. Very original and well-done.

    Reply

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