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101 Word Short Stories

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We Lost Our Umbrellas

November 22, 2023 7 Comments

By Sharon Gelflick

All over the city, umbrellas were flying away, against our will of course. We held onto them tightly for protection—from pestilence, from wide scary skies, from eye contact with strangers, from harsh realities—but they had the final word. No more shielding us! Our hands strained then let go, as those thin-ribbed bodies with black handles ascended—colorful jellyfish floating through liquid air, their earthly destiny complete. Finally exposed at last, you and I turned to each other without armor. Slowly we opened our eyes, and slowly we gasped at our mutual naked beauty shining in the deep blue sky.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David says

    November 22, 2023 at 4:10 am

    That’s a beautiful piece.

    Reply
  2. David Higham says

    November 22, 2023 at 8:15 am

    I agree. Wonderful flight of imagination.

    Reply
  3. Lauren says

    November 22, 2023 at 9:55 am

    Beautiful ??

    Reply
  4. Lauren says

    November 22, 2023 at 9:56 am

    That was supposed to be a heart emoji and not question marks but I found your story to be intriguing with an ending that leaves me with a lot of love and hope.

    Reply
  5. Cathryn says

    November 22, 2023 at 11:58 am

    Hello Sharon,

    Skillfully executed. Bravo!

    Reply
  6. Richard Mansbach says

    November 22, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    Lovely story Sharon. Dropping our masks to be fully present.

    Reply
  7. Valli says

    November 23, 2023 at 7:01 am

    Well done… lovely read and flow… kudos…

    Reply

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