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101 Word Short Stories

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The Candy Box

May 16, 2026 5 Comments

By Huina Zheng

I was visiting my mother in the nursing home. As I stood to leave, she caught my hand. “Shh.” She locked the door and reached under the mattress. She pulled out a rusted tin box. Inside lay a handful of candies, some melted, others long past their time.

She handed me a White Rabbit sweet. “For your brother, his favorite.”

She had always hidden candy, afraid he would eat too much and get sick.

I wanted to tell her my brother died thirty years ago. Instead, I took the White Rabbit and forced a smile. “Yes,” I said. “He’ll love it.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Faith says

    May 20, 2026 at 7:25 am

    Well done. I know the reality of this scene.

    Reply
  2. Bud Pharo says

    May 20, 2026 at 12:32 pm

    Very poignant and touching. Nicely done!

    Reply
  3. Ranabrata Ray says

    May 20, 2026 at 10:53 pm

    Universal truth.

    Reply
  4. Sudden Flash says

    May 21, 2026 at 1:57 am

    Well done.

    Reply
  5. Ramona Taylor says

    May 22, 2026 at 2:16 pm

    Relatable, tender.

    Reply

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