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101 Word Short Stories

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The Shape of Words

June 25, 2023 9 Comments

By Rebecca Lambert

“Nan-nan’s very poorly at the moment,” we say. “But she’s having treatment to make her better.” We never call it what it is.

I buy her a bandana; it’s pink with paisley swirls. She prefers it to the wigs she’s offered. “Does Nan-nan look like a pirate?” she says to my kids the first time they see her wearing it. I’m glad she says something because I don’t know how to; I can’t find the shape of words to fill the space. I tell them everything’ll be fine; doctors can do marvellous things. I tell her, too. Then I tell myself.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Doug Jacquier says

    June 25, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    Poignantly well observed.

    Reply
  2. Trenton Pomeroy says

    June 27, 2023 at 9:52 am

    Well done. the last line captures the narrator’s fears and doubts so well.

    Reply
  3. Ekta R. Garg says

    June 28, 2023 at 3:48 pm

    This is so sweet; lovely!

    Reply
  4. Jane Hirschhorn says

    June 28, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    “I can’t find the shape of words to fill the space.” Great line.

    Reply
  5. Marie says

    June 29, 2023 at 6:22 pm

    Really liked it!

    Reply
  6. Marie says

    June 29, 2023 at 6:23 pm

    Ha! Enjoyed it!

    Reply
  7. Paulene says

    June 30, 2023 at 11:53 am

    Sad. So true. Well done.

    Reply
  8. Sandra L. Todd says

    July 4, 2023 at 8:45 pm

    We can hide it well sometimes. Bitter sweet. Thank you.

    Reply
  9. Pamela Cartlidge says

    August 4, 2023 at 4:31 am

    A lot of emotions captured in a few words. Well done.

    Reply

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