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101 Word Short Stories

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Time To Soar

February 11, 2023 14 Comments

By Wendy Markel

“It’s black as hell’s overcoat. Promise you won’t let go! I’m convinced there’s a stalker in those trees,” Jo said.

Sal brushed a withered leaf from her sister’s hair. “Shakespeare said the only darkness is ignorance.”

“Shakespeare didn’t lose his torch on a wilderness trek! I have deadlines. I should be working.”

Jo’s hand flailed; Sal seized it.

“Jo, I get you’re scared. It’s not about the darkness. Look up! Marvel! It’s time you soared.”

Sal unfurled her gossamer wings. Her sister’s feet inched from the ground. The watchers in the trees gasped, mouths agape, eyes agog as the faeries ascended.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julian Grant says

    February 11, 2023 at 7:47 am

    Well done. A nice twist at the end.

    Reply
    • Wendy Markel says

      February 11, 2023 at 2:13 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  2. Laura Besley says

    February 11, 2023 at 11:32 am

    I really liked that – well done!

    Reply
  3. JK Hayward-Trout says

    February 11, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    Nicely done.

    Reply
    • Wendy Markel says

      February 12, 2023 at 2:46 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  4. Paul Lewthwaite says

    February 11, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    Lovely neat twist…especially like the reference to Shakespeare, which both acts as a red-herring and a clue.

    Reply
    • Wendy Markel says

      February 12, 2023 at 2:47 am

      Thanks Paul, it’s nice to know what hits the spot.

      Reply
  5. A.M. McKnight says

    February 11, 2023 at 7:58 pm

    That ending is really good. Kudos!

    Reply
    • Wendy Markel says

      February 12, 2023 at 2:48 am

      Thank you, I’m glad it worked!

      Reply
  6. Melanie Mulrooney says

    February 12, 2023 at 7:50 am

    I want to be a stranger in the trees watching the faeries leave the ground! Great piece.

    Reply
    • Wendy Markel says

      February 13, 2023 at 3:00 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  7. Deanna Salser says

    February 13, 2023 at 11:46 am

    Nice twist at the end, I love that!

    Reply
  8. Robert Burns says

    February 13, 2023 at 2:26 pm

    Well done, Wendy! Great story!

    Reply
  9. Sandra says

    March 12, 2023 at 7:41 pm

    Beautiful.

    Reply

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