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101 Word Short Stories

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The Perfect Gift

September 23, 2025 10 Comments

By Jo Gatenby

She found it by accident, hidden under his t-shirts.

A slim blue velvet box.

She reached out—hesitated, then couldn’t resist…

Just one quick peek.

Tiny stones twisted and danced in an elegant bracelet that was perfectly her. Tears sprang to her eyes. He knew her so well!

She re-hid it, eagerly awaiting their gift exchange at the party.

Now, surrounded by family and friends, frozen smile locking her lips, she stared down at the pair of books he’d given her.

Until sparks, glinting off tiny dancing stones, drew her eyes to the wrist of her best friend, who clapped politely.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stella says

    September 23, 2025 at 6:44 am

    Excellent! I did anticipate the end but her best friend!!! Clapping politely great choice of words.

    Reply
    • Jan says

      September 23, 2025 at 8:38 am

      I loved every word and phrase choice in this story. For example, when I read “pair of books,” it was like he’d actually given her socks.

      Reply
  2. Ephra Behn says

    September 23, 2025 at 9:03 am

    Obviously, she takes one book to bop her husband, the other to bop her best friend and be rid of them both. Leave the cheaters, take the bracelet. Good story, Jo!

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    September 24, 2025 at 2:07 am

    Great story x

    Reply
  4. Sharon Murphy says

    September 24, 2025 at 6:56 am

    Her hurt and disappointment shone through here. Great story

    Reply
  5. dlherrmann says

    September 24, 2025 at 11:49 am

    She should go to her best friend and gush over the bracelet, saying how wonderful it was and she certainly deserved it for all she’s done. Then, lock her husband out of the house!

    Reply
  6. Lisa H. Owens says

    September 24, 2025 at 12:29 pm

    Ugh! I had this happen to me in real life and you did a great job with the accuracy of this scenario. Men (and sometimes women)… amiright??

    Reply
  7. Jennifer J says

    September 25, 2025 at 2:12 pm

    Excellent twist! I love this.

    Reply
  8. K F Lerner says

    September 29, 2025 at 10:32 am

    Ouch. I felt that one.

    Reply
  9. N.E. Rule says

    October 1, 2025 at 10:31 pm

    ugh – he knew her so well…. felt her despair. Great story

    Reply

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