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101 Word Short Stories

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The Tree of Lost Things

March 29, 2026 7 Comments

By Kerri McCourt

Hand in hand, we’d walk this trail, your whispers dangling shiny promises. We’d pass the elm tree, always adorned with a toddler-sized mitten, sock, lost toy, or keychain.

Did those who lost them ever come back? Maybe people took what they wanted, even if it wasn’t theirs.

When you returned, olive branch heavy with excuses and apologies, it was no longer what I was seeking.

I drape the bracelet you gave me over a branch.

If someone else wants it, they can have it.

It sparkles in dappled sunlight, among golden leaves, on a branch, swaying like a hand waving goodbye.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Greg Nooney says

    March 29, 2026 at 9:36 am

    Beautifully done. I especially love the last sentence, understated and deeply felt.

    Reply
  2. Nan says

    March 29, 2026 at 1:48 pm

    I agree, last line was perfect, I could see it.

    Reply
  3. David says

    March 29, 2026 at 3:40 pm

    Beautiful, poetic piece.

    Reply
  4. Jacqueline says

    April 1, 2026 at 8:22 am

    Well done, from beginning to end! Your ending took my breath away, and the reference to the olive branch, so clever!

    Reply
  5. Marie says

    April 1, 2026 at 3:35 pm

    Loved it, the imagery was perfect!

    Reply
  6. Brigitta Scheib says

    April 1, 2026 at 8:48 pm

    Wow, I felt this in my heart-beautiful

    Reply
  7. Bruce says

    April 2, 2026 at 8:19 pm

    Reminds of the small bridges I’ve seen in Europe where lovers leave their locks to pronounce their undying love. A bridge may have hundreds. Wonder if they ever return to remove the lock that has been broken. Thanks for the memory

    Reply

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