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101 Word Short Stories

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Why I Hate Elevators

March 4, 2026 6 Comments

By Amanda Rivard

In the elevator, a couple canoodles with their backs to me. He’s good-looking, with brown hair. She smells like peonies and smiles at my spying reflection in the silver doors. Embarrassed, I press into the corner, pretend to study the operating panel, and rush out when it’s my turn to apartment 405.

I give David his key. He says nothing while handing me a worn romance novel, a toothbrush, jeans, and a dried rose from our first date. When he closes the door, I crumple the rose and watch our relationship fall to the floor.

Then I take the stairs down.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jane B Hirchhorn says

    March 4, 2026 at 8:05 am

    Well done! I like the flower and elevator imagery. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Kerri says

    March 4, 2026 at 8:52 am

    Well crafted, great descriptive details.

    Reply
  3. Janet says

    March 4, 2026 at 9:20 am

    Was there with that broken person! Good job

    Reply
  4. Patti R. says

    March 4, 2026 at 10:50 am

    Nice descriptive snapshot of life, love the title!

    Reply
  5. Ramona Taylor says

    March 4, 2026 at 1:18 pm

    A small snippet that reveals a larger story, well done

    Reply
  6. Katie says

    March 4, 2026 at 3:51 pm

    Really enjoyed reading this!

    Reply

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