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101 Word Short Stories

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The Last Laugh

March 29, 2021 7 Comments

By Angie Dent

The hollow eyes in his reflection probed deeply into his soul, questioning when and why the clown stopped being funny.

Heavy black eyes melted into stark white cheeks like grey raindrops on a miserable autumn window pane. The sad, oversized costume hung limply over the filthy bedsit door, clinging on to years of birthday parties, children’s grubby fingerprints, and happier memories. Children used to adore him, following him around excitedly like he was the Pied Piper. Now they only laughed at him in the cruelest sense.

Swilling vodka to down the last of the pills, Pierrot dolefully abandoned his own party.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Constanée Malik Hemedi says

    March 29, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    It is a sad truth that many clowns and comedians present a facade behind which often lies a sad and tormented soul. An exquisite piece with a perfect title.

    Reply
    • Angie says

      March 29, 2021 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  2. David Daniel says

    March 29, 2021 at 7:11 pm

    Bravo!

    Reply
    • Angie says

      March 29, 2021 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you David

      Reply
  3. Sue Baxter says

    March 30, 2021 at 2:38 am

    A sad but very true ending.
    I’ve missed you short stories Angie, keep writing.

    Reply
    • Angie says

      March 30, 2021 at 4:48 am

      Thanks Sue. Hope you’re all ok xx

      Reply
  4. Michael says

    April 4, 2021 at 6:43 am

    Well written from the title to the end.

    Reply

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