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101 Word Short Stories

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The Constant Companion

February 17, 2026 8 Comments

By Thomas Williams

He is always there. Right by my side. Uninvited but dependable. Sometimes whispering, occasionally shouting but always compelling. Because of this, I am never alone. I take comfort from it.

Through the good times—“Well done you, are we celebrating? Pub?” and bad—“Have a drink mate, come on, it’s a wake, you’re supposed to.” And the nothing times, where the suggestion of buying one for the road can turn a nondescript Wednesday into an adventure that ends in a police cell.

“My name is Tom and I am an alcoholic,” I say to the room.

“No, you’re not,” he whispers.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stella says

    February 17, 2026 at 10:55 am

    Great 101 words, thought provoking

    Reply
  2. Mary Anne Gorman says

    February 17, 2026 at 12:34 pm

    Amazing writing capturing the struggle ….absolutely wonderful

    Reply
  3. Kerri says

    February 17, 2026 at 3:14 pm

    Impressive 101 words.

    Reply
  4. Raymond Sloan says

    February 17, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Well done, Thomas

    Reply
  5. David says

    February 18, 2026 at 8:05 am

    Expertly done. And powerful.

    Reply
  6. Faith says

    February 19, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Very well done!

    Reply
  7. Pete K. says

    February 19, 2026 at 5:48 pm

    That’s really powerful writing

    Reply
  8. Lynn says

    February 20, 2026 at 12:37 am

    Reminds me of an old improv piece called Good Angel / Bad Angel. Strong.

    Reply

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