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101 Word Short Stories

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True Crime

February 4, 2024 9 Comments

By Jade Jiao

“Two more murders have been reported—”

Why do I listen to this stuff at night?

No moon. A single, flickering streetlight. It’s fine, I’m almost back home.

What was that?

Earphones out, I turn around. A man. He’s big. Hands plunged into his coat pockets, grabbing something.

I pick up the pace. So does he.

Running now. Breathing hard. Can’t feel my keys in my bag. Shit.

A curtain twitches. A front door swings open. A woman.

“Get in,” she hisses. Thank God.

I dive for safety. “Close it!”

“Hold on,” she grins, “My husband is just a few steps behind.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Peggy Gerber says

    February 4, 2024 at 8:45 am

    You’ve really captured the stress women feel when they walk alone at night, even if they haven’t listened to news reports. I am glad, though, for the happy ending.

    Reply
  2. Rudolph Ferrro says

    February 4, 2024 at 8:57 am

    A true crime thriller with a funny angle. Wonderful micro story. Tell the author to keep sending stories like this for my enjoyment. I’ll gladly purchase one of his novels or short story compendiums if available.

    Reply
  3. Lisa H. Owens says

    February 7, 2024 at 9:40 am

    Oh wow! This gave me goosebumps. There’s gonna be a murder…

    Reply
  4. Bud says

    February 7, 2024 at 11:04 am

    Great build up that demonstrates power of imagination. Left me wondering if the husband was the real murderer.

    Reply
  5. Alan Moskowitz says

    February 7, 2024 at 2:48 pm

    Happy ending? Or horrifying twist. Well done.

    Reply
  6. Dee Lorraine says

    February 7, 2024 at 6:55 pm

    I love the tension and the ending!

    Reply
  7. K F Lerner says

    February 8, 2024 at 10:06 am

    Oooh. Twist!

    Reply
  8. Pat R. says

    February 8, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    Creepy! Love the build up to the tragic ending!

    Reply
  9. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    April 20, 2024 at 11:01 am

    That ending….superbly horrible. But it does make you want more of a similar style of story. Reminds me of an episode of the eighties series ‘Talea of the Unexpected.’ Great writing 🙂

    Reply

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