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101 Word Short Stories

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The Last Look

September 27, 2025 14 Comments

By Lynn M. Rice

Hugging Mom is like throwing my arms around a bolt of silk. Hugging Dad, like cuddling a pillow. Tears prickle.

My dad’s arms fold as he watches me inch through security. Mom plays with her purse strap. When I exit the metal Arc de Triomphe and grab up my backpack, I wave. They wave.

They don’t move as I tread down Concourse D toward my semester abroad. When I turn the corner by the closest gate, when they can no longer see me, I cheat. I peek.

Their backs are turning; they are the ones abandoning me. That’s when I cry.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah Kopf says

    September 27, 2025 at 3:07 pm

    Such a full range of emotions for a short story! Loved it!

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      September 27, 2025 at 7:51 pm

      Thanks, Sarah!!

      Reply
  2. Miriam B says

    September 27, 2025 at 3:11 pm

    Proud of you, Lynn!!

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      September 27, 2025 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you, Miriam!!

      Reply
  3. David says

    September 27, 2025 at 4:52 pm

    That ending really clinches this fine piece.

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      September 27, 2025 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you very much, David! I’m glad you liked it and am encouraged by your words.

      Reply
  4. Kathy Mann says

    September 27, 2025 at 11:23 pm

    Lynn, You capture the emotions so vividly in this saying goodbye
    piece. Loved the ending!

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      September 29, 2025 at 1:22 pm

      I’m so glad! Thank you very much!

      Reply
  5. Nadia Mikesh says

    September 30, 2025 at 2:29 pm

    Lynn, these 100 words deserve 100 percent. So, so poignant.

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      September 30, 2025 at 6:08 pm

      Thank you kindly, Nadia!!

      Reply
  6. Joanna G Gums says

    September 30, 2025 at 7:49 pm

    This was an interesting read considering that I will be saying goodbyes and heading to college next year. It comes quickly! Great job capturing this scene.

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      October 14, 2025 at 6:28 pm

      Thank you, Joanna, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation! It’s such an exciting time!

      Reply
  7. Meghashri Dalvi says

    September 30, 2025 at 10:48 pm

    Loved it!

    Reply
    • Lynn M. Rice says

      October 14, 2025 at 6:28 pm

      Yay! Thanks, Meghashri!

      Reply

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