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101 Word Short Stories

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The Interception

February 9, 2023 2 Comments

By Michael Talledes

Bendetta Langley hovers her ear above the floor vent. The racking of guns distorts the conversation, concluded by footsteps rushing the staircase to the side door. Her son and five others flood into his van—masks ready.

“I do this for you, Ma.” That was his line—his lie.

Rotating the phone dial, Bendetta turns to her late husband. Framed above the stove, he smiles with sweat-stained clothes next to an automotive assembly line.

“Nine one one, what’s your emergency?”

Closing her inflamed eyes, Bendetta pauses.

“Hello? Ma’am?”

“Sorry…I’d like to…I’d like to report a robbery in progress…”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julian Grant says

    February 9, 2023 at 7:22 am

    So much to like here. Great detailing and a nice penny drop at the end.

    Reply
  2. AB says

    February 10, 2023 at 2:12 pm

    Very, very nice. Lot’s of tension and great imagery

    Reply

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