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101 Word Short Stories

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You’re Gonna Need a Smaller Bill

March 14, 2025 7 Comments

By Juliana Maria Odoño

Matt swore he could hear the Jaws theme playing.

As the collection basket neared, he fumbled frantically for a small bill.

Drat. He’d given them all in the taxi.

Two pews away.

He went through his coins, silently cursing the genius who’d designed them to look alike.

One pew. Did the basket handle have to look like a fin?!

He was out of time.

All he had were two bigger bills.

He fished one out, dropped it, and passed the basket.

Lunch will be simple today, he sighed, eyes wistfully following the bulging shark—er, basket—making its rounds behind him.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy Hossain says

    March 15, 2025 at 7:30 am

    You captured real life anxiety so accurately here. Really enjoyed this piece 🙂

    Reply
    • Juliana Maria Odoño says

      March 15, 2025 at 8:46 pm

      Thank you so much! ?

      Reply
  2. Juliana Maria Odoño says

    March 15, 2025 at 8:46 pm

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  3. Ed Kratz says

    March 19, 2025 at 3:49 pm

    Well done. A fun read.

    Reply
    • Juliana Maria Odoño says

      March 20, 2025 at 9:36 am

      Thanks a lot!

      Reply
  4. Bud p says

    March 19, 2025 at 6:24 pm

    Been there! Nicely done!

    Reply
    • Juliana Maria Odoño says

      March 20, 2025 at 9:36 am

      Thank you so much!!!

      Reply

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