yoonholee/reddit_100wordstories_71 · Datasets at Hugging Face

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I want to Go Back To Sleep... I wish I had never woken up at all. My family and I were supposed to be woken just before the Eucla arrived in-system. We were supposed to have tea and be escorted to the viewing deck, along with the other pilgrims to gaze upon the vibrant blue sphere of Ancient Earth, the home of humanity. Instead, I'm all alone, trapped in this cryo-chamber, in this broken ship, surrounded by thousands of corpses. Something must have hit us in transit. My family lies dead before me. The crew is missing and out the window lies a pale blue star that cannot be Sol. God, please, please let me sleep, I want to forget waking up. I want to forget how hungry I'm starting to feel.	30	0.88	2	1,259,205,864	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89iq/i_want_to_go_back_to_sleep/	a89iq	100wordstories	Sylveran-01	top_all
Oil Shock I could not look away, just like on 9/11. The Alaskan pipeline. The El Ferdan bridge over the Suez Canal. An oil tanker at Pembroke Dock in Wales. Another in the Persian gulf. All attacked within minutes. Bloomberg showed oil passing $200. The phone calls would start soon. I loosened my tie and opened my briefcase. Best to be prepared when the questions started. I had, after all, predicted an attack like this. I cleared my head. One question needed an answer before others asked it. Did I predict this, or did I put this idea in the wrong head?	15	0.79	1	1,259,208,233	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89tf/oil_shock/	a89tf	100wordstories	Will_Power	top_all
It's cold outside It's cold outside. Walking in the blizzard; it's his only option. His feet carve a route to her house, drowning themselves in order to stand next to her's. Two miles round trip, but he can warm up with her halfway. As he passes a few strangers he shares the little grin you share with people you see while your walking in a blizzard, the grin that says you're walking for something important. He stomps out his boots in the elevator. After she begins to shouts he turns around and walks back, his feet carving their way home. It's cold outside.	11	1	3	1,260,333,887	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acn14/its_cold_outside/	acn14	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Trying it out? They looked up at the stars, like when they were kids and threw blankets over themselves to see the sunlight streaming through the holes. She looked at him. He turned his face so she wouldn't see the thoughts in his head. Something about her was so different, so absolutely perfect. So right. But not for him. He didn't want to hurt her, bruise her. She was so fragile, he thought. Will she let it go, understand his choice? His face brushes her cheek and she leans in for that moment, the solitary kiss. I'm in love with someone else.	10	0.79	1	1,259,387,611	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8vvs/trying_it_out/	a8vvs	100wordstories	sophieasmith	top_all
Modern Philosopher He only listens to instrumental music. Voices ruin songs for him. Not quite a misanthropist, just annoyed by most people. He only shares his thoughts with a few people, not even friends, just other not-quite-misanthropists. Fancies himself a modern philosopher. On Saturdays he gets drunk and writes manifestos. On Sunday he throws them all out. He used to be so witty, so critical, so social. He must have bloomed too early and wilted too slow. His most memorable characteristic is his brain, and now he is scared to death because it is starting to go, some modern philosopher.	10	0.92	8	1,259,812,509	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/aaiui/modern_philosopher/	aaiui	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
The Nudge He was sure he felt it. Something had nudged him while he slept. Confused, he wondered who the perpetrator could be. Had his dog Rex been a bad boy and snuck into bed while he was asleep? Did a spring in his old, tired mattress suddenly burst forth in a futile attempt to kill him? Or was it all a dream? Panic swept over him as he realized what the nudge had been. He lifted the covers all at once and saw his wife still sound asleep, snoring peacefully. His eyes traveled down her body to her stomach. He softly placed his hand on her lower abdomen and waited.	9	0.86	2	1,260,213,662	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ac32g/the_nudge/	ac32g	100wordstories	JoeTheG	top_all
A Brief Exchange We’re gonna kiss those condoms goodbye; no more pauses before penetration, fumblings with foil wrappers or latex slick floppy cocoons. Just sex sans plasticky layers and god-awful smegma encrusted baggies that need extraction and tying off before tossing as far away as possible. Taking the safe route, we order the battery of STD tests because we’ve been not quite around the block, but certainly half way. Mailed results arrive; I open hers and she opens mine. While I smile reading down the list of negatives, a quick glance at her face reveals a look I did not suspect.	8	0.91	0	1,259,692,580	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a9yp6/a_brief_exchange/	a9yp6	100wordstories	cirquelar	top_all
Descent This is a story I wrote over five years ago for my 12th grade creative writing class. In defiance of my internal editor, it is posted here exactly as I wrote it in high school ** Despite doctors' disease-defenses, Diane Dursley died. Diane's dad, Darius, demanded detective duties done. Detective Dirk DiAngelo didn't dare defy Diane's dad. Deciding directly, Detective Dirk declared decisively, "Disease didn't destroy Diane; demons did". Dun dun dun... Dirk drove down, deeper, deeper. Deluded, determined, defying danger, deceiving devils, defeating dragons, Detective Dirk drove down. Delving deeper, Dirk discovered demons dancing, delightedly defiling Diriel's demonic door. "Diane's death?" Dirk demanded. "Delightful destruction," Demonic Diriel declared. "Diane's death, DiAngelo's doom..." Desperately, Dirk DiAngelo defied demonic defilement. Dirk decried Diriel, "Dio di Dolore!...dolore...dolor...". Dropping down, defiant, determined, deluded, Dirk DiAngelo died.	8	1	3	1,270,826,078	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/booyj/descent/	booyj	100wordstories	daytodave	top_all
Sunny Days and Cold Nights She slammed the door in my face. I deserved it. I took a deep breathe with intentions of yelling for her, but I didn't. I stood there for a moment. Maybe if I waited awhile, she would open it. She'll come out smiling and the sun would catch her auburn hair just that way it does. She'll laugh, the laugh that I daydream about when riding the train to work. She'll say, "I can't stay mad at you! Let's go get a hotdog from Charlie's and eat them on the swings at the park!" But girls like her don't give you a second chance. I'll never drink again...	7	1	1	1,260,947,026	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/af7i4/sunny_days_and_cold_nights/	af7i4	100wordstories	JoeTheG	top_all
Found In Space I wrote this for a Boing Boing competition. There were about 1,000 entries, so I'm sure mine went over looked. Still orbiting 174.8 miles above the surface of Earth, and not expecting change, Rory remained posed at the window. His eyes fixed on nothing, something thousands of light years away. “Can’t look any longer”, he muttered. The Earth was making another appearance in the empty window; the only thing he cannot bare to see anymore. Weeks later, it’s the same routine. Any minute now he will have to look away, again. A deep rattle keeps his attention, the first unknown in months. A dark shadow crawls across the window, blocking the horizon of Earth. “They found me, finally” he thought.	7	1	1	1,259,265,107	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8hje/found_in_space/	a8hje	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Shock therapy It had seemed a good idea at first. They would break in, tie him up, throw him in the trunk of the car, then drive to Mexico and leave him to come back by his own means. Some sort of shock therapy for the morbid agoraphobia that now ruled his life. It would force him to be in the open and speak with people. Survival instinct would kick in, we had thought. And then he'd come back being the awesome guy we remembered. Yeah, it was a good plan. Well, except for the part about survival instinct; the dark waters of the rio came before _that_.	7	1	1	1,259,253,160	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8fvy/shock_therapy/	a8fvy	100wordstories	Yabbaba	top_all
The road not taken I remember our teacher coming in that day, tearfully announcing that a girl in our class had committed suicide the previous evening. We were in the middle of reading poems out loud, and our teacher decided that we should continue despite the tragedy. The poem I had selected was "The road not taken" by Robert Frost. It had seemed especially poignant, and there were no shortage of misty eyes in the room. The next day, the girl was back in class as usual. The incident was never mentioned again.	7	0.83	2	1,259,209,103	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89x0/the_road_not_taken/	a89x0	100wordstories	clambucket	top_all
untitled Iris didn’t stand a chance. She lived in a trailer and never knew her mother. In third grade, Mr. Patterson, on a whim, began telling each child how he envisioned their future. Iris held her breath when Mr. Patterson’s eyes fell on her expectant face. She thought she would be a weather girl or a teacher. Mr. Patterson said she would end up in the factory. That’s what her dad did, and he came home smelling of oil and sweat. Iris began kissing boys behind the dugout at recess. Mr. Patterson got fired.	7	0.74	0	1,259,192,106	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a87vj/untitled/	a87vj	100wordstories	hgielrehtaeh	top_all
Child's Imagination There is no bottom to my well. It goes straight through to China. I use it mostly when I am afraid of the dark. I stick my head in as far down as I can, and let the sun shine on my face. Some times I yell down "Hello Chinamen!". They yell back in gibberish that always makes me giggle. One time a dragon made its way through to my side! No really, it did!	6	0.81	0	1,262,931,221	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/an0sm/childs_imagination/	an0sm	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
(sorry) There, in a worn blue chair with just her thoughts and a cup of tea, warm and sweet. Tossing a blanket over her cold toes, she smiled thinking of the night when he rubbed her hands just to keep them warm. Her hands missed his. Dust particles danced through the sun that slipped through the faded curtains. Will anyone love me? she wondered. Maybe, she thought, she will find one. Perhaps not the one, but one that will make her happy and give her presents with her name on them. And she will keep the cards. She is empty inside.	6	1	1	1,259,471,874	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a943v/sorry/	a943v	100wordstories	sophieasmith	top_all
Midlife crisis Two gleaming predatory eyes stare with hungry intent at the front door from the driveway. Its shiny muscular dark green carapace hunched in a perpetual state of readiness. Jill knew this was a brash decision, but how could she resist… Wasn’t her relationship on the rocks anyhow? “It’s me or that car, Jill. You decided!” had been Fiona’s ultimatum. How could she do that? How could Fiona have put her in that position? Jill had only one true love... The night was dark, cradling a Whiskey on the front verandah, Jill stared intently down the driveway. Was it worth it?	6	1	0	1,661,380,548	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/wwwywx/midlife_crisis/	wwwywx	100wordstories	Icy_Umpire992	top_all
Statue of Imhotep Statue of Imhotep Rare find at the bazzaar. In my possession the dwarfish statuette of Imhotep, the mastermind of King Djoser. I display my new acquistion on top of the polished ceramic pedestal in my room full of statues. Surrounded by lively six-feet marble Egyptian priests in adoration. As the shadow of darkness desends on the fragile sunlight of sunset I’m spellbound And enter a deep sleep. Motionless in bed I all of a sudden felt invigorated when I awaken in ancient Egypt in the year 2600 b.c. A birds’s eye view reveals the great secret of Egypt. The life giving Nile river is guarded like a fortress by the uninhabitable massive Sahara desert. The impenetrable distance maintained peace for thousands of years. Until the deafening silence was broken by frightening thunderous echos of invading war-chariots. The war-chariot the greatest weapon of war and the human imagination. Made fantasies of time travel beyond Ancient Egypt forty-two nomes a reality. Akhenaten dreamt of future possibilities. At 6:00 King Tutankamun felt the presence of doom. All through out ancient Egypt thepeople chant Ramesses is the greatest	6	1	1	1,654,229,407	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/v3r09a/statue_of_imhotep/	v3r09a	100wordstories	Hahuwa	top_all
3. The Start of Something Great “Riley, there you are,” Emory exasperatedly exclaimed. Riley winked, “Shall we?” Emory nodded, and led them into the cinema. They both stopped to get some popcorn and use the toilet before the film, then proceeded into the screen room. After the adverts, the film that followed was alright. The film itself didn’t really matter to either of them. What mattered was spending time with each other. After the film, they headed towards the restaurant they’d picked out. They ate a hearty meal, while having a long conversation about all kinds of subjects. After the meal, Emory asked, “My place tonight?”	6	1	0	1,579,718,833	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/esg9k1/3_the_start_of_something_great/	esg9k1	100wordstories	AndroidLord	top_all
Walking South It's been nearly 22 weeks since my trek began. Life in the city was no longer safe. Food and water was scarce and expensive. Walking to work in the blistering heat, surrounded by throngs of defeated, smelly people just so I can live in a 12m³ box. That’s not how I want to spend the next 50 years of my life. So I packed up what I could, sold the rest and began making my way south. Oh, everyone thought I was insane."There's nothing there! What hasn't been flooded has been picked clean by refugees heading north to the Cities! You'll regret it when they kill you for the contents of you backpack! Why would you want to leave? We live in the BEST city in the world!" Today, I reached a beautiful beach, by the shore. I think I’ll stay here for a while.	5	0.79	2	1,262,515,692	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/al0x1/walking_south/	al0x1	100wordstories	Sylveran-01	top_all
Dreams It beats down on us, the rain of our dreams. We feel it on our faces, in our hairs, and in our cold and tired bones. Where were you when the weather changed? Where were you when your dreams became your nightmares, when your joy became your chore? And what's wrong with today, when this is exactly where you had hoped you'd be? Well, not exactly, but not exactly not.	5	0.86	0	1,261,596,642	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ahyc9/dreams/	ahyc9	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Inheritance There he lay, upright against a fallen tree. His blue uniform had faded to dampish grey and the brass buttons fastened on his coat were corroded green. On closer inspection, his skin matched the dull hue of his uniform while his face mirrored the corrupted buttons running down his midsection. His nose was obliterated; it was quite difficult to tell. A line of ants trailed along his bloated yellow lips- the lower still baring the scar I gave him in childhood. The scar answered everything… It was him. Now, at least, I won’t have to share the inheritance after all.	5	1	0	1,578,089,949	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ejmset/inheritance/	ejmset	100wordstories	Purko383	top_all
The Barn This had been our road, Daddy and I, we delivered feed, stacked high on his straight job trucks. I had worked my first days, carrying 50 pound bags of beet-pulp for cattle-feed, tossed across my back, sweating alongside our men, their skin blackening under the sun, my legs straining with effort to climb the stack. 12 years old and doing a man's day. I climbed to the ceiling of the feed-barn, 25 feet up, the moist grassy aroma overwhelming in the heat of day, and tossed down the sack.	5	0.78	3	1,260,147,708	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/abs93/the_barn/	abs93	100wordstories	usern4me	top_all
Waiting for the Train. 4:25pm: It's almost time. I've been counting the minutes all day long. I'm ready to go. Mustn't be late for the train. 4:33pm: Free! Can there be a better time than when the last class is finished? And now I can finally see her, after waiting all day… 4:47pm: Dammit, Charlie - can't you walk any faster? I don't have time to wait for you! I'm going to be late! 4:51pm: Made it! Only one more stop before she gets in. I'll never forget the day I laid eyes on her. I fell in love right there. 4:52pm: There she is! Oh, how I love her! 5:01pm: And there goes, laughing with her friends as she exits the train. Maybe tomorrow I’ll say Hi. Edit: Dammit! 124 words! Can't condense it any further! :P	5	0.65	1	1,259,211,099	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8a6p/waiting_for_the_train/	a8a6p	100wordstories	Sylveran-01	top_all
Hipochondria I talked to my box, the other day, "what can you tell me about my health?" It came back with answers, too many to read, but I picked one that looked more applicable. This is it!, I thought, I found the one, I now know what I shall ask my doctor to fix! But then I looked back at the original list, and saw yet another answer to fix. Curiosity took hold, so I took a peek, and found that it applied just as the last. This is it!, I thought, I found the one, I now know what I shall ask my doctor to fix!	5	0.78	1	1,259,184,345	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86v6/hipochondria/	a86v6	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
2. Where It All Began Emory glanced at the party around them. They’d decided to attend this party on the basis that they wanted new friends, but they weren’t enjoying themself. After taking one last sip, they stepped out into the garden. “Hi!” Emory jumped at this. “I see I’m not the only one not enjoying the party,” the voice elaborated. “Uhm, hi,” Emory ventured. “Come on, sit and watch the stars with me,” exclaimed the voice. “Ok.” As they sat down, Emory extended a hand towards the hand of the voice’s owner. The voice enquired, “What’s your name?” “I’m Emory, how about you?” “Riley.”	5	1	0	1,579,628,113	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ery0y2/2_where_it_all_began/	ery0y2	100wordstories	AndroidLord	top_all
The Willow A cold wind blew over the lake; the branches of the weeping willow swayed dangerously, threatening to drop into the water with a plunk. Walter was sitting on the very tip of the willow's branch, his fingers wrapped around what seemed to be a tiny twig. "This wasn't supposed to happen," he whispered, his words caught by the breeze and torn from his lips, tumbling across the lake and falling in. Hands sore, Walter tried to move forward. He couldn't glimpse below him. He couldn't gaze above him. All he could do was look ahead of him. And he fell.	5	1	0	1,467,341,004	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4qpi05/the_willow/	4qpi05	100wordstories	RioTheNinja	top_all
Partners So I had lied. I stood in the reception area of the funeral home reading the names in Daddy's guest book. 'Namon Kent' boldly scrawled the first line. A proud black man. A powerhouse at 5'10", 230, he had beaten a man to death for lying down with his Inez. Daddy had been instrumental in securing his early release, manslaughter was different then; and it was after all another black man he had murdered. Partners forever; they were, I never doubted that Namon would kill again if anybody messed with my daddy, Mr. Johnnie. We spent long days in Namons house, early, late; it never mattered, his door was always open to us. There was always soul food and Namons high-pitched laughter. I signed in near the bottom, nodding to some, hugging and shaking hands. Namon was nowhere to be seen.	5	0.64	1	1,259,196,528	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a88dk/partners/	a88dk	100wordstories	KarmaToBurn	top_all
The Future Yesterday Mark from school made fun of me hitting on Andrea. He said “She’s out of your league, loser!” I stewed and sulked all day. I went home and posted a video telling how he buys and sells drugs to other kids at school. The next day, he was removed from the school with no reason given. I'm glad with what I've done, I have not seen him nor shall I ever. Tonight, I plan to talk about Andrea cheating on her homework. That conceited bitch, I‘ll show her who‘s better. I'm glad public journaling is mandatory in the future.	5	0.65	1	1,259,182,362	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86kv/the_future/	a86kv	100wordstories	Garfield_Polanski	top_all
My Thanksgiving I picked up Grandpa from his hospice and brought him to Thanksgiving dinner. In the car, he asked, "Can I borrow a few dollars from you?" I said, "Grandpa, you don't need to worry about money. Just let us take care of everything." After dinner, I took Grandpa back and hung out in his room. An orderly came in and said, “Time for your bath, Grandpa.” So he shuffled to the bathroom. And when he was done, the orderly said, “Time for bed.” So he said bye and lay in his bed. God, I wish I gave him a few bucks.	5	0.86	1	1,259,805,455	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/aahqf/my_thanksgiving/	aahqf	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Flirting With Hillary I talked to Hillary Clinton once. She was running for president. I answered the phone, and she said, “Hi, this is Hilary Clinton.” “Oh, OK,” I said. Then I was silent. I just listened to her breathing — in and out, in and out. Then she cleared her throat of phlegm. She broke the silence and started talking policy; others joined in and talked, too — important people talking about important things. Then I got a text message, from a girl — a cute brunette. I put Hillary between my chin and shoulder, let the others talk and flirted in 140 characters or less.	4	0.75	0	1,259,505,589	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a96sj/flirting_with_hillary/	a96sj	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
1. Where It All Ended As he walked into the room, Elliot instantly noticed something was wrong. He hadn’t walked into the room. He walked back into the hallway and, sure enough, he was in the hallway. When he walked back into the room, he realised that, again, he was not in the room. He could think of only two explanations for this; either he was a ghost, or he was in a parallel dimension. He decided this didn’t much matter when he saw the tall hooded figure gliding towards him. Elliot sighed. He’d seen this coming, but had imagined it would be somehow different.	4	0.84	0	1,579,487,068	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/er6ifx/1_where_it_all_ended/	er6ifx	100wordstories	AndroidLord	top_all
Worm Works Earthworms. Slimy, disgusting, insignificant. But hard workers nonetheless. No one really knows why worms work so hard, maybe for survival? Or even just a good appreciation for their job? No matter how hard a single worm works, it doesn’t have much of an effect on the world. Even if the lack of nutrients in the soil kills off the plants and shuts down a business, that issue is minuscule compared to our world. But that’s just how worms are, an endless cycle of hard work to feed the human race, but I can’t complain, it keeps food on the table.	4	1	0	1,517,743,171	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/7v682u/worm_works/	7v682u	100wordstories	Vulxure	top_all
Night Music It began with the wind, gently forcing the branches of the trees to rap together. Crickets rubbed their wings together in unison. Frogs added their unique voice. The rhythmic hoots of the owls added to the gentle beginning. Within moments, the wind picked up. This not only caused the branches to smack harder and louder, but added a howl of its own. The others took the signal, increasing their output until it reached a crescendo. “Oh for Christ’s sake, would you knock it off? Some people are trying to sleep!” Rob slammed the window closed and stormed back to bed.	4	1	0	1,495,469,807	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/6co7y3/night_music/	6co7y3	100wordstories	macguffinit	top_all
I Dipped My Toes in the Water Surfing through the websphere on a chipped old board. Catching the sun through the myriad of waterdrops as they dance in the air around me, each one unique. Similar in shape and consistency, yet each one was a world within which one could become lost, like a boat in the ocean. I turned my board from the main routes, cluttered with voices jostling for position on the main page. I surfed casually down this side stream. A river where people were quiet and the ghosts of surfers past left ripples in the water. I dipped my toes in the water.	4	0.76	0	1,468,246,581	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4sb46s/i_dipped_my_toes_in_the_water/	4sb46s	100wordstories	mybrotherjoe	top_all
no. 00002 It was cool now, but the remnants of the mid-day heat lingered as a vestigal stickiness that coated the skin. The day was nearly done as the earth slowly lumbered around the sun, laughing at the mimicry of the moon. Even if it weren't for such celestial clues the aching in his bones would have let on to the end of another day of toils. The world was dark, eyes saw with the borrowed light of the stars. But what you couldn't see, you could hear; in fact, it was impossible not to. The soundscape of insects set to the soft percussion of padded feet in the underbrush washed over him. Even while he sat so isolated, he could never begin to think he was alone.	4	1	0	1,268,044,013	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/baltl/no_00002/	baltl	100wordstories	patzors	top_all
Stay neutral, keep your life together. We used to spend hours lost in the forest. We found sheds, broke in, made stick people from straw. We would camp-out in the middle of December, only to hike back to your house at 3a.m. We would talk about passion, talk about life. Everything was perfect. Two modern philosophers living in a primitive fantasy. Then something happened. I was caught in a furor to hate vanity, and vanity consumed me. But I recovered. I'm the same as before. I must be. You've got new friends. I'm as lonely as ever. I'm as bitter as ever. What exactly happened.	4	1	0	1,261,545,891	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ahpwd/stay_neutral_keep_your_life_together/	ahpwd	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
I almost killed a woman -- almost My 8-year-old brother, a blob of fat, was hurtling down the street. He was big but nimble — still, no match for my water balloon launcher. I filled a balloon with just enough water to make the red latex translucent. My friends helped me load the launcher. And thooomp, it went, floating over the horizon, at the jiggling fat on my brother’s back. But then a car. From the horizon. The balloon. The car. The balloon. Shattered windshield. Swerving car. Screech. Crash. Run! The driver, a woman, found us. She said she almost died. I said to her, “Yeah, just almost.” EDIT: Grammar	3	0.6	11	1,259,170,590	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a84jp/i_almost_killed_a_woman_almost/	a84jp	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
just say yes I run until i have no breath only to stop right in front of her. There person i didn't want to see, but my legs drove me too her. I didn't want to answer the dreaded question she asked. I couldn't. The answer was yes and will always be yes but the words wont come out. I stood there silent as a single tear rolled down her face. Why cant i say yes. Why cant i say one word. The silence that surrounded us was deafening. Stood still in front of a place i knew too well, time just froze.	3	0.81	0	1,667,819,973	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/yojrpf/just_say_yes/	yojrpf	100wordstories	Arwat08	top_all
Loss The night Sam lost her was ostensibly the worst night of his life. He was so used to the comfort of her fuzzy warmth against his body that he wasn’t sure what he would be without her. The trip to New York had been the absolute best. Every step of the way he brought her along. They climbed the tall tower in what seemed like the longest elevator right in existence. You could see everything. Excited and stunned Sam just wanted to show her the edge. Mom yelled, Sam didn’t listen and in a flash Snuggles was never seen again.	3	0.81	0	1,522,199,028	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/87nv0u/loss/	87nv0u	100wordstories	LightningStrikes2x	top_all
Proud After weeks of waiting, weeks of wishing one day she would wake up and this would all be a nightmare, weeks of sobbing while flipping through old photos, weeks of despair and heartbreak and confusion, she finally accepted that she was now missing from her life and nothing she could do would change it - no matter how hard she tried or how much she repressed her feelings, she finally realized that past events could not be changed and that the only way to move on with her life was to accept what had happened and make her mom proud.	3	0.81	0	1,504,727,788	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/6yi2qp/proud/	6yi2qp	100wordstories	rizario	top_all
Replay People are born to wait, I figured after I waited hours of queueing. I walked straight through the gates where people oblivious to my certainty lurk. I was led to a man with long white beard and wrinkles on his face. It seems he's much older that I am. He flashed a series of motion and I felt something familiar. "Damn," I said. "That is one heck of an evil story, y'all guys might as well make this a movie." With a sly smile the bearded man said, "I am Peter and this, right here, is your life on replay."	3	0.81	0	1,488,492,644	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/5x6d1a/replay/	5x6d1a	100wordstories	underbuster	top_all
Still looking It was regrettable, really. The plane was too low, and I was too high. Both of these were the problem. We had to equalise, find a good stable equilibrium where I could recover. The turbulence was too much. It assaulted my drugged brain in waves. I really think I could have straightened myself out if I’d survived that. It had been close enough. I was scared. I could have clawed back to reality. Unfortunately, the turbulence didn’t relent. I climbed higher, further, getting away from it. Reality slipped away. “I haven’t seen it, sir. I’ll keep looking.” I walked on.	3	0.72	1	1,464,418,107	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4letee/still_looking/	4letee	100wordstories	HermitOfHavoc	top_all
Over The Trench. I can hear the artillery barrage die down. That's the first giveaway. Soon, we'll be ordered to go over and capture that next trench. Serge died from a wound infection yesterday - he was the last of my original company. I said a prayer in front of the company to a God I no longer believe in. Now I'm surrounded by young boys. I hate what I'm about to do, but I have my orders. I hear the whistles from the other companies and it's time. I blow mine and order the 'men' forward. And I will lead them as best as I can. ###'Forward, Men! Get to that ne-'###	3	0.81	0	1,259,392,592	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8wdu/over_the_trench/	a8wdu	100wordstories	Sylveran-01	top_all
Of Time and Technology He felt uncomfortable in virtual reality, even after all this time. Jacen was born before computers were commonplace, 80 years ago. In his youth, he had always been at the forefront of technology. But now, he needed help using even the most basic virtual reality devices. He was tired of the constant change, he just couldn’t keep up. His granddaughter pulled his thoughts back to the checkers game they were playing in the virtual den. Being able to spend time with loved ones was worth the discomfort. At least it was less uncomfortable than the trip back to Terra Prime.	3	1	0	1,476,522,938	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/57lbxw/of_time_and_technology/	57lbxw	100wordstories	pro_deluxe	top_all
A Cotton Blossom Scented Inevitable by letting a co-worker know earlier in the week that i had a crush on meghan, calling it a "platonic work-crush" i was looking for someone to stop the inevitable. michelle wasn't all too surprised but she was appalled. meghan and i went to lunch together often. yesterday i reached across the table and held her hand while she talked. smooth cold unfamiliar fingers squeezed back. "this is strange but i like it" she said, and finished showing me her memory book, her photo album. finished the story about the roller coaster. today, on the precipice of cheating on my wife, i pulled my car to the front lobby where she waited, as everyday for the past two months. "wait" i asked and looked at her face eyes ears freckles. cradling her close, a cupped hand through her hair, i nudged her closer across the seat. face closer. tongue in her mouth softly, then inhaling her caressing her ears neck cheeks. "i've been expecting that. drive somewhere."	3	1	0	1,271,192,498	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bqgx6/a_cotton_blossom_scented_inevitable/	bqgx6	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Tresha G. Was I anticipating our beer together just because I enjoyed the way her t-shirts fit? The way her shaggy short hair came to a point on the nape of her neck? Her purring voice? Fashion style? Twenty-two year-old half-my ageness? Or was it just for her wit, confidence and insider knowledge? I reassured myself of the latter. Of course the issue is moot in a practical sense because she's a safe girl. Pre-approved for beers and general opposite-sex hanging out as far as my wife was concerned. Tresha isn't, has never been (as far as I know) into guys - apart from an appreciation of men as conversation and shopping partners. Never even as the gateway to career advancement. She owned that arena, literally. She knew things. I wanted to know these, too. These beautiful young woman secrets. Her wealthy well-placed fashionista cadre. Her beautiful world of continents and empires I've only read about in books.	3	0.8	1	1,270,302,539	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bm04o/tresha_g/	bm04o	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Where did my passion go? Everyday when I get out of bed it wears away at me, chipping. Constantly following me and constantly nagging me, an uncertainty about myself or my sanity looming behind it. The world's running away from me, from what it should be. I feel the apathy that I used to despise gripping me. I'm growing to have a placid face and a set of plain glazed eyes. I don't know what's happening, but the only time I'm not lonely is when I can't hear anyone else. I walk through the halls empty, I can't even remember when I was awake.	3	1	0	1,268,104,406	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/baxus/where_did_my_passion_go/	baxus	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Out There acapella i was always out there reading russian speaking spanish age 5 i sang all the time motown wqam miami the big 560 how surprised i was these are black people i still sing	3	0.81	2	1,260,319,370	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ackun/out_there_acapella/	ackun	100wordstories	usern4me	top_all
New Guinea The jungle sounds revealed a presence, "Fuck, Primo, its Japs" he hoarsely whispered. "Hold your positions" Johnnie had made sure his men were concealed, now not breathing, waiting for the Imperial patrol to pass. You could smell them as the wind blew down the gulley, urine, sake, blood and sweat. The morning sea-breeze wafted their sharp odor. The cap was open on the flask and Johnnie took a long draw as the bastards filed away. "Fuck, I hate that shit Primo, lets go get this fucking plane and get the fuck out of here!".	2	0.67	3	1,260,291,412	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acfsl/new_guinea/	acfsl	100wordstories	usern4me	top_all
The Shara Project C1 scientist Linus Sherman had created the first artificial mammal. He named it Shara. He put his cracked hands in the incubator and, with the back of his thumb, he stroked the smooth, pink skin that was stretched over Shara’s frail body. It opened its eyes — they were a murky gray. C1 scientist Linus Sherman smiled. He said, “I have done it.” And just then, everything went black and his world was no more. From the emptiness, B1 scientist Wallace Gray's deep voice emerged: “Let’s wrap it up for the day.” And his assistants cleaned up the artificial environment for tomorrow.	2	0.67	0	1,259,243,711	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8ei9/the_shara_project/	a8ei9	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Happy Cakeday, r/100wordstories! Today you're 13 Let's look back at some memorable moments and interesting insights from last year. Your top 5 posts: * "[Announcement: Sub is under New Management](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ua3naj)" by [u/AlarmingAlternative4](https://www.reddit.com/user/AlarmingAlternative4) * "[Midlife crisis](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/wwwywx)" by [u/Icy\_Umpire992](https://www.reddit.com/user/Icy_Umpire992) * "[Statue of Imhotep](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/v3r09a)" by [u/Hahuwa](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hahuwa) * "[just say yes](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/yojrpf)" by [u/Arwat08](https://www.reddit.com/user/Arwat08) * "[Insectophobia inception!](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/xn234k)" by [u/alekbarrjam](https://www.reddit.com/user/alekbarrjam)	2	1	1	1,669,396,508	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/z4in59/happy_cakeday_r100wordstories_today_youre_13/	z4in59	100wordstories	AutoModerator	top_all
Nothing good happens after 2am He sat at his computer, waiting for something interesting to happen. It didn’t. It never does. Boredom dominated Jacen’s life. It was 2am, but he decided to take his dog for a walk anyways. Jacen enjoyed the calmness of the early hour, and Scout was always up for a jaunt around the block. He stepped out with Scout at his heels, leisurely sniffing the air and wagging his tail. Jacen didn’t know what he expected to find at this time of night, but maybe that’s the point. Jacen knew, the most amazing things can after 2am in New York City.	2	0.76	0	1,474,012,544	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/530veb/nothing_good_happens_after_2am/	530veb	100wordstories	pro_deluxe	top_all
Don't Feed the Birds A new sign. Wasn't here yesterday. But he had the bird feed and sat down on the bench, tossing out handfuls. Who would stop an old man's pastime? "Can't you read?" some lady screamed. He ignored her, tossing another handful. She stormed off. The birds cooed. They had names. They made him happy. The lady returned with a cop who approached awkwardly. Stammered about private property. The old man ignored him too. A crowd gathered. People stared. The lady wanted the cop to arrest him. She screamed at him. "Why won't you stop?" He smiled. "They're all I have left."	2	1	0	1,392,417,757	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/1xxqqe/dont_feed_the_birds/	1xxqqe	100wordstories	gascanfiasco	top_all
Gamer There was a knock. He paused the game, got up, and opened the door. “Hello?” “Hi.” she said. They stared at each other. “You’re from 2-A.” he said. “Yeah, I was, uhh... sitting in my room and, um, I figured maybe I could come sit in your room.” He scratched his head. He was old. She was old. “OK, but I’m playing my game. Don’t bother me.” She sat down and lit a cigarette. The clicking of buttons was loud and hypnotic in the silence. “Open the window.” “What?” she said. “Open the window.” “Oh... OK.”	2	1	1	1,316,480,960	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/kl370/gamer/	kl370	100wordstories	clambucket	top_all
non-cousin parameters i had no spare underware, but her victoria's secret panties fit me, which was a good thing, since the shorts i borrowed from her were mesh. my cousin-in-law, Jane stole most of her sweats from numerous guy friends, and never looked put together as much as she looked smartly jockish. we were alone at the lakehouse, and alone for me usually meant taking cues from small impulses. plus i was currently out-of work, having been recently "position-eliminated", so was it really a vacation? panic followed me everywhere, i can't take a weekend off from that. Jane hugged my shoulders, it's been a while since i'd gotten casual affection like that, and she moved her arm down my back to my waiste. i put my arm around her, tentitively, around bare skin ten years younger than mine. Jane was 22, and this was just what i would have figured for "normal affection" to someone who had grown up whith a family, instead someone like me, who had been adopted by a large family of in-laws. Anyway, all reasoning aside, it felt good, her hair smelled good, and she was silky in her bikini top. i'm not sure why we were staring across the empty lodgehouse, at what, but CNN was on the TV. She lowered her affection a little more, and now rubbed my ass a bit. I didn't reciprocate, but i did pull her closer around her waist. "ready to go, Scott?" yes i was, if it was up to her sleeping bag on the third floor or to the Teahouse where we had planned to waterski, like i said i'll take any cue when i'm alone, i like to suspend reality, it comes easily for me, always has. __________ after waterskiing, and the hottub, back at the lakehouse she walked in on me as i was changing into my dry clothes. "hey", she said, "you could have done the same thing. i was naked just outside the door." in dry clothes, we walked together to meet the rest of the family at the clubhouse for dinner. i had left her mesh basketball shorts in a wet ball on the floor, but her Victoria's Secret panties were stuffed wet into my backpack.	2	1	0	1,274,453,267	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/c6pcy/noncousin_parameters/	c6pcy	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Still Purrs On I STILL LOVE YOU LIZ PHAIR Liz, what are you up to? your voice still purrs on and on in daily rotation across my CD player. you've inspired me to want to become a lesbian. you've inspired me to have an affair with a bisexual girl. i pretended i was a girl, too, but in our three brief encounters, i'm not suree she knew that (or did you, Meghan?) write back. Scotty	2	1	0	1,273,871,963	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/c48mz/still_purrs_on/	c48mz	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
the real theresa riccobene i knew the real theresa riccobene. face on a wall, plaque in a hall of fame. the legendary high school "it girl" hot and freckled, oh and her body.... but i knew the real theresa riccobene i felt her phero-moaning a moon over my tidal oceans dark moody eyes hiding infinite happiness i shared with her i knew the real theresa riccobene the clevergirl the whip-smart wisecrack and the deep convictions of her mediteranean emotions, her deep sea green eyes	2	1	2	1,268,327,095	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bc52v/the_real_theresa_riccobene/	bc52v	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
99 words yeah i figured out last night i have always been over the top musta scared mom and dad pretty good i was the brightest of the 3 of us kids them too i guess now i wonder if it was my fault i had quite a bit of influence over daily life i read russian at 4 spoke spanish at 3 i scared 'em like you did that day reading fables 'cept i did it all the time i sang all the time all the time it would be spooky to me i guess if one of you guys had done that i was always singing to you no one joined in so sry i am so out there didnt mean to hurt you love you dad	2	0.59	6	1,260,379,374	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acuqp/99_words/	acuqp	100wordstories	usern4me	top_all
Picking up Shells by the Beach. One of my earliest memories was going to the beach with my family and my cousins. We’d leave early and we’d travelled down the coast, away from all the popular beaches until we arrived at a secluded cove and we’d race down the almost-empty beach and pick up shells and mussels and hermit crabs, then race to the rock pools at the end and find all the wonderful, alien creatues stranded there – sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and small fish. It felt like my own aquarium and I will sit there and stare at all these creatures for hours, fascinated with the microcosm in front of me. I miss those days.	2	0.76	6	1,259,463,937	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a93d7/picking_up_shells_by_the_beach/	a93d7	100wordstories	Sylveran-01	top_all
Dead Dead. Dead as fuck, dead as shit. Dead as a fucking doornail, the stupid corpse just laying there, all innocent. And the god damn blood, the god damn blood everywhere. Blood crawling up the walls. Blood finding slight curves in the wooden floor and little cracks to slide along. Blood everywhere the fucking red shit could fit. Fuck. Shit. Look at you now, prick. Nothing was a big fucking deal, not big enough to warrant this bullshit! God damn it, you’re all over the fucking place now. Just couldn’t keep your fluids to yourself. I really fucked myself up this time.	2	0.62	0	1,259,208,659	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89v7/dead/	a89v7	100wordstories	LeonGrey	top_all
The Frog and the Ring I become a frog hours after my Stepmother catches me kissing Darla goodbye. It's a spell or a hex and I dart reflexively from my bed and into the closet, faintly remembering my hands and fingers, the plastic ring Darla told me never to take off. Hidden in laundry folds, I struggle to remember my name. Alice or Audrey or Anne. I'm a princess or a queen and I simply have to wait for my rescue, for her lips to press softly against mine, again or for the first time.	1	0.67	0	1,351,654,294	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/12dp24/the_frog_and_the_ring/	12dp24	100wordstories	sparrowtree	top_all
He sincerely hoped they knew it was directed at them. As the weather turned its back on summer and looked instead to fall, Zach walked Briskly between his morning classes. Ahead he saw a couple standing about 10 feet apart staring bitterly into each others eyes. The boy looked like he was chewing on the inside of his cheek, and the girl like she wanted to strike him down with her glare. As Zach approached she broke the silence with the words “this won’t make me happy.” Zach thought about the sonder he had just witnessed and laughed out loud, within earshot, and then continued on with his own life.	1	0.67	0	1,348,766,593	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/10klhc/he_sincerely_hoped_they_knew_it_was_directed_at/	10klhc	100wordstories	silentzed	top_all
clear frozen night sky the stars above cut in the clear frozen night sky. and christmas always reminds me of car rides as a kid. with my dad. around the holdiays. to dirty places with shitting perverts. joyful abuse. great time of year. thirty-five years later, hours of therapy later, 100's of 1000's of mg's of meds later, and i still fall in love with death at christmas. today i took a 6ft firewire cord and made a nice garrote. slug over a basement rafter, a slipnot cradling my head and the other end of the cord wrapped in my fist, it was a pleasure to hang for a while until the white lights and the buzzing started. i felt a little better. and returned to my home-office friday workday.	1	1	0	1,292,626,463	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/enneb/clear_frozen_night_sky/	enneb	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
no. 00003 You know it's funny. What's funny? It's funny that i used to think about us, like our lives were inexplicable intertwined, even when we were apart, especially maybe, delusions, i don't know, i used to think we would... I did too. It is funny. What's funny? How life works out. How's that? Not? No, just like it's supposed to.	1	0.66	0	1,268,046,586	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bam9g/no_00003/	bam9g	100wordstories	patzors	top_all
Mississippi Hex Montana and the Reginald's Originals in TOMB of the Unknown Menace. "Baby, you can make my day." Admission through the door was useless age. Through that stainless steel chasm, which opens quick and torn, the pork belly men strode through one by one like files stuffed into sarcophagus. “My name was made many years before me,” the man behind Hex said—his head cut by streaks of panicked hair. “I'll go behind the door and never see again. I'll call my life 'answered,'” the word said with a sad smile and fair-thee-well shrug. "My name is also Hex." “I thought I'd meet my doppelganger,” said the title Hex. “But you're all original specs. Someone might speak of this.” His turn to pass, title Hex lined his knuckles to the door and triggered forth with the power of all-Hex.	1	0.67	0	1,259,334,573	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8pko/mississippi_hex_montana_and_the_reginalds/	a8pko	100wordstories	alehasfriends	top_all
Vitamins Jenny saw on television a commercial for vitamin supplements. The models and actors had thick hair and muscular smiles. They laughed while they talked, so happy were they with their vitamin-filled life. Jenny asked her mother to buy her some vitamins. Her mother said, "We have vitamins, they're in the pantry." Jenny swallowed one nervously with a glass of lukewarm water. It was large and the edges rough, and it choked her on the way down. She awoke feeling radiant. She swallowed two more with breakfast and felt even better. She got on the bus with a baggie full of vitamins dangling from her fist and a grin.	1	1	1	1,259,184,311	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86uy/vitamins/	a86uy	100wordstories	mambotomato	top_all
SMS to an Attractive Wife how's your morning, sweetheart? i am jealous of the world that has you now... looking as you do and as smart as you are... this is my best time of day, and i spend it with people i care about the least. by the time they're done with me, only the worst remains... and that's all that is left for us on a typical day. where should i begin?	0	0.5	1	1,260,204,868	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ac14o/sms_to_an_attractive_wife/	ac14o	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
Callouses [75w] A bedtime snack. Rubbing my tired feet. Soft now, callouses, feet sweatboxed in sneakers. The aroma is delicious. I start to peel along the pad under my pinkie toe. Tickling pain, the skinstrip thickens and peels away from between my pinkie toe and my ring toe. The sweet tickling pain of bleeding. The skinstrip soothing lozenge on my tongue tastes of blood, sweat and me. Chewing, relaxing, drifting to sleep. The sweet pain of bleeding.	0	0.5	0	1,260,463,237	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ad8y3/callouses_75w/	ad8y3	100wordstories	[deleted]	top_all
werewolf When Todd arrived at the office that morning, everyone knew he was a werewolf. The blame for his outing was all Mrs. Harrows’. Mrs. Harrows was a devout widow who yelled at kids and left poisoned meat for cats. Mrs. Harrows hated cats, werewolves, rock musicians, gypsies and other agents of Satan. She was quite appaled that a gypsy lived in the neighborhood and no one cared (“Authentic Gypsy cardreader”, it was painted on his wall, “Tuesdays 09:00–12:00AM). Out of frustration, she turned her attention to the town’s wolfman. A good thing Mrs. Harrows never learned about Ms. White’s girlfriends.	0	0.5	2	1,259,240,508	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8e28/werewolf/	a8e28	100wordstories	leoboiko	top_all
The Dying Light It didn’t take long to change into the ‘After-Life’ gown, as I was already in one of those flimsy hospital half-dresses that never ever cover more than one side of your body at a time. In fact, the gown was merely a brief formality to preserve these last remaining seconds of dignity as it had to be removed before turning on The Light. As I lay on the table, naked, thinking “My son looks so sad. Don’t be sad; I’m leaving you to finish your radiant life with your son!” And then, a brief flash, and oblivion.	0	0.5	3	1,259,178,541	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a85zb/the_dying_light/	a85zb	100wordstories	cirquelar	top_all
The true story of a four-legged friend. So I'm relaxing in my flat watching Farscape when I hear a commotion outside, "What's this?" I think, and since I don't really like Farscape I decide to pop out onto the balcony with a smoke and have a gander. As I light up, I look down on the communal grassed area, and I witness a canine drama of Homeric proportion; an older woman with NHS specs is screaming as her middle-sized mongrel dog is choked in a death grip by a slightly larger mongrel dog, who is in turn being kicked by a slightly seedy looking young man decked out in the finest leisure wear JJB sports has to offer. His efforts appear wasted. An older man comes running over, obviously the husband of NHS Specs lady, and intervenes, trying to prise open the jaws of JJB dog; for his trouble he gets the end of his middle finger nipped off. NHS Specs Lady goes into conniptions. Mr NHS Specs goes into a foetal position. By now everyone in the surrounding flats is out on their balcony, there is a sizable crowd out on the grass milling around the scene. JJB dog still has the chomp on NHS dog. The police show up (two vans, a car and a third, smaller van marked "Dog Warden"), complete with the noose-on-a-stick gizmo you sometimes see them with. JJB dog gets lassoed, the noose tightens and he releases poor NHS dog (who is completely fucked), only to be shoved, snarling, into the back of the Dog Wardens van. Someone, who can only be Mrs JJB (that pizza-and-chips-fed-since-birth kind of overweight and falling out of a snazzy pair of white, Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a pink muscle top) runs over. JJB must've phoned her - he gave up kicking the dog a while back and is smoking furiously, pausing only to shout obscenities at NHS Specs Lady, her husband, the crowd, Mrs JJB and the police. The ambulance for Mr NHS Specs rolls up, who is cradling his severed digit. NHS Specs Lady is more concerned about her dog and is weeping loudly, making cooing noises. Mrs JJB throws herself onto the bonnet of the Dog Warden's van, screaming "YEH CANNAE TAKE MAH DUG, NOOOO, YAH BASTARTS". Grampian Constabulary's finest are on her like shit off a shovel in a rugby scrum of black trousers and white shirts. Mr JJB kind of hops up and down on the edge of the scrimmage. Tears, blood, I think there's even some dogshit smeared on people (the grassed area is littered with it). "What a clusterfuck", I'm thinking. Then, from a balcony above, a tinny melody drifts across the evening haze: "A four- legged friend, a four-legged friend..."	0	0.4	4	1,259,178,043	https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a85w9/the_true_story_of_a_fourlegged_friend/	a85w9	100wordstories	JeebusWept	top_all

I want to Go Back To Sleep... I wish I had never woken up at all. My family and I were supposed to be woken just before the *Eucla* arrived in-system. We were supposed to have tea and be escorted to the viewing deck, along with the other pilgrims to gaze upon the vibrant blue sphere of Ancient Earth, the home of humanity. Instead, I'm all alone, trapped in this cryo-chamber, in this broken ship, surrounded by thousands of corpses. Something must have hit us in transit. My family lies dead before me. The crew is missing and out the window lies a pale blue star that cannot be Sol. God, please, *please* let me sleep, I want to forget waking up. I want to forget how hungry I'm starting to feel.

30

0.88

2

1,259,205,864

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89iq/i_want_to_go_back_to_sleep/

a89iq

100wordstories

Sylveran-01

top_all

Oil Shock I could not look away, just like on 9/11. The Alaskan pipeline. The El Ferdan bridge over the Suez Canal. An oil tanker at Pembroke Dock in Wales. Another in the Persian gulf. All attacked within minutes. Bloomberg showed oil passing $200. The phone calls would start soon. I loosened my tie and opened my briefcase. Best to be prepared when the questions started. I had, after all, predicted an attack like this. I cleared my head. One question needed an answer before others asked it. Did I predict this, or did I put this idea in the wrong head?

15

0.79

1

1,259,208,233

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89tf/oil_shock/

a89tf

100wordstories

Will_Power

top_all

It's cold outside It's cold outside. Walking in the blizzard; it's his only option. His feet carve a route to her house, drowning themselves in order to stand next to her's. Two miles round trip, but he can warm up with her halfway. As he passes a few strangers he shares the little grin you share with people you see while your walking in a blizzard, the grin that says you're walking for something important. He stomps out his boots in the elevator. After she begins to shouts he turns around and walks back, his feet carving their way home. It's cold outside.

11

1

3

1,260,333,887

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acn14/its_cold_outside/

acn14

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Trying it out? They looked up at the stars, like when they were kids and threw blankets over themselves to see the sunlight streaming through the holes. She looked at him. He turned his face so she wouldn't see the thoughts in his head. Something about her was so different, so absolutely perfect. So right. But not for him. He didn't want to hurt her, bruise her. She was so fragile, he thought. Will she let it go, understand his choice? His face brushes her cheek and she leans in for that moment, the solitary kiss. I'm in love with someone else.

10

0.79

1

1,259,387,611

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8vvs/trying_it_out/

a8vvs

100wordstories

sophieasmith

top_all

Modern Philosopher He only listens to instrumental music. Voices ruin songs for him. Not quite a misanthropist, just annoyed by most people. He only shares his thoughts with a few people, not even friends, just other not-quite-misanthropists. Fancies himself a modern philosopher. On Saturdays he gets drunk and writes manifestos. On Sunday he throws them all out. He used to be so witty, so critical, so social. He must have bloomed too early and wilted too slow. His most memorable characteristic is his brain, and now he is scared to death because it is starting to go, some modern philosopher.

10

0.92

8

1,259,812,509

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/aaiui/modern_philosopher/

aaiui

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

The Nudge He was sure he felt it. Something had nudged him while he slept. Confused, he wondered who the perpetrator could be. Had his dog Rex been a bad boy and snuck into bed while he was asleep? Did a spring in his old, tired mattress suddenly burst forth in a futile attempt to kill him? Or was it all a dream? Panic swept over him as he realized what the nudge had been. He lifted the covers all at once and saw his wife still sound asleep, snoring peacefully. His eyes traveled down her body to her stomach. He softly placed his hand on her lower abdomen and waited.

9

0.86

2

1,260,213,662

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ac32g/the_nudge/

ac32g

100wordstories

JoeTheG

top_all

A Brief Exchange We’re gonna kiss those condoms goodbye; no more pauses before penetration, fumblings with foil wrappers or latex slick floppy cocoons. Just sex sans plasticky layers and god-awful smegma encrusted baggies that need extraction and tying off before tossing as far away as possible. Taking the safe route, we order the battery of STD tests because we’ve been not quite around the block, but certainly half way. Mailed results arrive; I open hers and she opens mine. While I smile reading down the list of negatives, a quick glance at her face reveals a look I did not suspect.

8

0.91

0

1,259,692,580

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a9yp6/a_brief_exchange/

a9yp6

100wordstories

cirquelar

top_all

Descent This is a story I wrote over five years ago for my 12th grade creative writing class. In defiance of my internal editor, it is posted here exactly as I wrote it in high school ** Despite doctors' disease-defenses, Diane Dursley died. Diane's dad, Darius, demanded detective duties done. Detective Dirk DiAngelo didn't dare defy Diane's dad. Deciding directly, Detective Dirk declared decisively, "Disease didn't destroy Diane; demons did". Dun dun dun... Dirk drove down, deeper, deeper. Deluded, determined, defying danger, deceiving devils, defeating dragons, Detective Dirk drove down. Delving deeper, Dirk discovered demons dancing, delightedly defiling Diriel's demonic door. "Diane's death?" Dirk demanded. "Delightful destruction," Demonic Diriel declared. "Diane's death, DiAngelo's doom..." Desperately, Dirk DiAngelo defied demonic defilement. Dirk decried Diriel, "Dio di Dolore!...dolore...dolor...". Dropping down, defiant, determined, deluded, Dirk DiAngelo died.

8

1

3

1,270,826,078

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/booyj/descent/

booyj

100wordstories

daytodave

top_all

Sunny Days and Cold Nights She slammed the door in my face. I deserved it. I took a deep breathe with intentions of yelling for her, but I didn't. I stood there for a moment. Maybe if I waited awhile, *she* would open it. She'll come out smiling and the sun would catch her auburn hair just that way it does. She'll laugh, the laugh that I daydream about when riding the train to work. She'll say, "I can't stay mad at you! Let's go get a hotdog from Charlie's and eat them on the swings at the park!" But girls like her don't give you a second chance. I'll never drink again...

7

1

1,260,947,026

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/af7i4/sunny_days_and_cold_nights/

af7i4

100wordstories

JoeTheG

top_all

Found In Space I wrote this for a Boing Boing competition. There were about 1,000 entries, so I'm sure mine went over looked. Still orbiting 174.8 miles above the surface of Earth, and not expecting change, Rory remained posed at the window. His eyes fixed on nothing, something thousands of light years away. “Can’t look any longer”, he muttered. The Earth was making another appearance in the empty window; the only thing he cannot bare to see anymore. Weeks later, it’s the same routine. Any minute now he will have to look away, again. A deep rattle keeps his attention, the first unknown in months. A dark shadow crawls across the window, blocking the horizon of Earth. “They found me, finally” he thought.

7

1

1,259,265,107

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8hje/found_in_space/

a8hje

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Shock therapy It had seemed a good idea at first. They would break in, tie him up, throw him in the trunk of the car, then drive to Mexico and leave him to come back by his own means. Some sort of shock therapy for the morbid agoraphobia that now ruled his life. It would force him to be in the open and speak with people. Survival instinct would kick in, we had thought. And then he'd come back being the awesome guy we remembered. Yeah, it was a good plan. Well, except for the part about survival instinct; the dark waters of the rio came before _that_.

7

1

1,259,253,160

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8fvy/shock_therapy/

a8fvy

100wordstories

Yabbaba

top_all

The road not taken I remember our teacher coming in that day, tearfully announcing that a girl in our class had committed suicide the previous evening. We were in the middle of reading poems out loud, and our teacher decided that we should continue despite the tragedy. The poem I had selected was "The road not taken" by Robert Frost. It had seemed especially poignant, and there were no shortage of misty eyes in the room. The next day, the girl was back in class as usual. The incident was never mentioned again.

7

0.83

2

1,259,209,103

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89x0/the_road_not_taken/

a89x0

100wordstories

clambucket

top_all

untitled Iris didn’t stand a chance. She lived in a trailer and never knew her mother. In third grade, Mr. Patterson, on a whim, began telling each child how he envisioned their future. Iris held her breath when Mr. Patterson’s eyes fell on her expectant face. She thought she would be a weather girl or a teacher. Mr. Patterson said she would end up in the factory. That’s what her dad did, and he came home smelling of oil and sweat. Iris began kissing boys behind the dugout at recess. Mr. Patterson got fired.

7

0.74

0

1,259,192,106

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a87vj/untitled/

a87vj

100wordstories

hgielrehtaeh

top_all

Child's Imagination There is no bottom to my well. It goes straight through to China. I use it mostly when I am afraid of the dark. I stick my head in as far down as I can, and let the sun shine on my face. Some times I yell down "Hello Chinamen!". They yell back in gibberish that always makes me giggle. One time a dragon made its way through to my side! No really, it did!

6

0.81

0

1,262,931,221

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/an0sm/childs_imagination/

an0sm

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

(sorry) There, in a worn blue chair with just her thoughts and a cup of tea, warm and sweet. Tossing a blanket over her cold toes, she smiled thinking of the night when he rubbed her hands just to keep them warm. Her hands missed his. Dust particles danced through the sun that slipped through the faded curtains. Will anyone love me? she wondered. Maybe, she thought, she will find one. Perhaps not *the* one, but one that will make her happy and give her presents with her name on them. And she will keep the cards. She is empty inside.

6

1

1,259,471,874

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a943v/sorry/

a943v

100wordstories

sophieasmith

top_all

Midlife crisis Two gleaming predatory eyes stare with hungry intent at the front door from the driveway. Its shiny muscular dark green carapace hunched in a perpetual state of readiness. Jill knew this was a brash decision, but how could she resist… Wasn’t her relationship on the rocks anyhow? “It’s me or that car, Jill. You decided!” had been Fiona’s ultimatum. How could she do that? How could Fiona have put her in that position? Jill had only one true love... The night was dark, cradling a Whiskey on the front verandah, Jill stared intently down the driveway. Was it worth it?

6

1

0

1,661,380,548

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/wwwywx/midlife_crisis/

wwwywx

100wordstories

Icy_Umpire992

top_all

Statue of Imhotep Statue of Imhotep Rare find at the bazzaar. In my possession the dwarfish statuette of Imhotep, the mastermind of King Djoser. I display my new acquistion on top of the polished ceramic pedestal in my room full of statues. Surrounded by lively six-feet marble Egyptian priests in adoration. As the shadow of darkness desends on the fragile sunlight of sunset I’m spellbound And enter a deep sleep. Motionless in bed I all of a sudden felt invigorated when I awaken in ancient Egypt in the year 2600 b.c. A birds’s eye view reveals the great secret of Egypt. The life giving Nile river is guarded like a fortress by the uninhabitable massive Sahara desert. The impenetrable distance maintained peace for thousands of years. Until the deafening silence was broken by frightening thunderous echos of invading war-chariots. The war-chariot the greatest weapon of war and the human imagination. Made fantasies of time travel beyond Ancient Egypt forty-two nomes a reality. Akhenaten dreamt of future possibilities. At 6:00 King Tutankamun felt the presence of doom. All through out ancient Egypt thepeople chant Ramesses is the greatest

6

1

1,654,229,407

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/v3r09a/statue_of_imhotep/

v3r09a

100wordstories

Hahuwa

top_all

3. The Start of Something Great “Riley, there you are,” Emory exasperatedly exclaimed. Riley winked, “Shall we?” Emory nodded, and led them into the cinema. They both stopped to get some popcorn and use the toilet before the film, then proceeded into the screen room. After the adverts, the film that followed was alright. The film itself didn’t really matter to either of them. What mattered was spending time with each other. After the film, they headed towards the restaurant they’d picked out. They ate a hearty meal, while having a long conversation about all kinds of subjects. After the meal, Emory asked, “My place tonight?”

6

1

0

1,579,718,833

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/esg9k1/3_the_start_of_something_great/

esg9k1

100wordstories

AndroidLord

top_all

Walking South It's been nearly 22 weeks since my trek began. Life in the city was no longer safe. Food and water was scarce and expensive. Walking to work in the blistering heat, surrounded by throngs of defeated, smelly people just so I can live in a 12m³ box. That’s not how I want to spend the next 50 years of my life. So I packed up what I could, sold the rest and began making my way south. Oh, everyone thought I was insane."There's nothing there! What hasn't been flooded has been picked clean by refugees heading north to the Cities! You'll regret it when they kill you for the contents of you backpack! Why would you want to leave? We live in the BEST city in the world!" Today, I reached a beautiful beach, by the shore. I think I’ll stay here for a while.

5

0.79

2

1,262,515,692

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/al0x1/walking_south/

al0x1

100wordstories

Sylveran-01

top_all

Dreams It beats down on us, the rain of our dreams. We feel it on our faces, in our hairs, and in our cold and tired bones. Where were you when the weather changed? Where were you when your dreams became your nightmares, when your joy became your chore? And what's wrong with today, when this is exactly where you had hoped you'd be? Well, not exactly, but not exactly not.

5

0.86

0

1,261,596,642

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ahyc9/dreams/

ahyc9

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Inheritance There he lay, upright against a fallen tree. His blue uniform had faded to dampish grey and the brass buttons fastened on his coat were corroded green. On closer inspection, his skin matched the dull hue of his uniform while his face mirrored the corrupted buttons running down his midsection. His nose was obliterated; it was quite difficult to tell. A line of ants trailed along his bloated yellow lips- the lower still baring the scar I gave him in childhood. The scar answered everything… It was him. Now, at least, I won’t have to share the inheritance after all.

5

1

0

1,578,089,949

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ejmset/inheritance/

ejmset

100wordstories

Purko383

top_all

The Barn This had been our road, Daddy and I, we delivered feed, stacked high on his straight job trucks. I had worked my first days, carrying 50 pound bags of beet-pulp for cattle-feed, tossed across my back, sweating alongside our men, their skin blackening under the sun, my legs straining with effort to climb the stack. 12 years old and doing a man's day. I climbed to the ceiling of the feed-barn, 25 feet up, the moist grassy aroma overwhelming in the heat of day, and tossed down the sack.

5

0.78

3

1,260,147,708

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/abs93/the_barn/

abs93

100wordstories

usern4me

top_all

Waiting for the Train. **4:25pm:** It's almost time. I've been counting the minutes all day long. I'm ready to go. Mustn't be late for the train. **4:33pm:** Free! Can there be a better time than when the last class is finished? And now I can finally see her, after waiting all day… **4:47pm:** Dammit, Charlie - can't you walk any faster? I don't have time to wait for you! I'm going to be late! **4:51pm:** Made it! Only one more stop before she gets in. I'll never forget the day I laid eyes on her. I fell in love right there. **4:52pm:** There she is! Oh, how I love her! **5:01pm:** And there goes, laughing with her friends as she exits the train. Maybe tomorrow I’ll say Hi. Edit: Dammit! 124 words! Can't condense it any further! :P

5

0.65

1

1,259,211,099

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8a6p/waiting_for_the_train/

a8a6p

100wordstories

Sylveran-01

top_all

Hipochondria I talked to my box, the other day, "what can you tell me about my health?" It came back with answers, too many to read, but I picked one that looked more applicable. *This is it!*, I thought, *I found the one, I now know what I shall ask my doctor to fix!* But then I looked back at the original list, and saw yet another answer to fix. Curiosity took hold, so I took a peek, and found that it applied just as the last. *This is it!*, I thought, *I found the one, I now know what I shall ask my doctor to fix!*

5

0.78

1

1,259,184,345

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86v6/hipochondria/

a86v6

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

2. Where It All Began Emory glanced at the party around them. They’d decided to attend this party on the basis that they wanted new friends, but they weren’t enjoying themself. After taking one last sip, they stepped out into the garden. “Hi!” Emory jumped at this. “I see I’m not the only one not enjoying the party,” the voice elaborated. “Uhm, hi,” Emory ventured. “Come on, sit and watch the stars with me,” exclaimed the voice. “Ok.” As they sat down, Emory extended a hand towards the hand of the voice’s owner. The voice enquired, “What’s your name?” “I’m Emory, how about you?” “Riley.”

5

1

0

1,579,628,113

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ery0y2/2_where_it_all_began/

ery0y2

100wordstories

AndroidLord

top_all

The Willow A cold wind blew over the lake; the branches of the weeping willow swayed dangerously, threatening to drop into the water with a plunk. Walter was sitting on the very tip of the willow's branch, his fingers wrapped around what seemed to be a tiny twig. "This wasn't supposed to happen," he whispered, his words caught by the breeze and torn from his lips, tumbling across the lake and falling in. Hands sore, Walter tried to move forward. He couldn't glimpse below him. He couldn't gaze above him. All he could do was look ahead of him. And he fell.

5

1

0

1,467,341,004

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4qpi05/the_willow/

4qpi05

100wordstories

RioTheNinja

top_all

Partners So I had lied. I stood in the reception area of the funeral home reading the names in Daddy's guest book. 'Namon Kent' boldly scrawled the first line. A proud black man. A powerhouse at 5'10", 230, he had beaten a man to death for lying down with his Inez. Daddy had been instrumental in securing his early release, manslaughter was different then; and it was after all another black man he had murdered. Partners forever; they were, I never doubted that Namon would kill again if anybody messed with my daddy, Mr. Johnnie. We spent long days in Namons house, early, late; it never mattered, his door was always open to us. There was always soul food and Namons high-pitched laughter. I signed in near the bottom, nodding to some, hugging and shaking hands. Namon was nowhere to be seen.

5

0.64

1

1,259,196,528

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a88dk/partners/

a88dk

100wordstories

KarmaToBurn

top_all

The Future Yesterday Mark from school made fun of me hitting on Andrea. He said “She’s out of your league, loser!” I stewed and sulked all day. I went home and posted a video telling how he buys and sells drugs to other kids at school. The next day, he was removed from the school with no reason given. I'm glad with what I've done, I have not seen him nor shall I ever. Tonight, I plan to talk about Andrea cheating on her homework. That conceited bitch, I‘ll show her who‘s better. I'm glad public journaling is mandatory in the future.

5

0.65

1

1,259,182,362

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86kv/the_future/

a86kv

100wordstories

Garfield_Polanski

top_all

My Thanksgiving I picked up Grandpa from his hospice and brought him to Thanksgiving dinner. In the car, he asked, "Can I borrow a few dollars from you?" I said, "Grandpa, you don't need to worry about money. Just let us take care of everything." After dinner, I took Grandpa back and hung out in his room. An orderly came in and said, “Time for your bath, Grandpa.” So he shuffled to the bathroom. And when he was done, the orderly said, “Time for bed.” So he said bye and lay in his bed. God, I wish I gave him a few bucks.

5

0.86

1

1,259,805,455

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/aahqf/my_thanksgiving/

aahqf

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Flirting With Hillary I talked to Hillary Clinton once. She was running for president. I answered the phone, and she said, “Hi, this is Hilary Clinton.” “Oh, OK,” I said. Then I was silent. I just listened to her breathing — in and out, in and out. Then she cleared her throat of phlegm. She broke the silence and started talking policy; others joined in and talked, too — important people talking about important things. Then I got a text message, from a girl — a cute brunette. I put Hillary between my chin and shoulder, let the others talk and flirted in 140 characters or less.

4

0.75

0

1,259,505,589

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a96sj/flirting_with_hillary/

a96sj

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

1. Where It All Ended As he walked into the room, Elliot instantly noticed something was wrong. He hadn’t walked into the room. He walked back into the hallway and, sure enough, he was in the hallway. When he walked back into the room, he realised that, again, he was not in the room. He could think of only two explanations for this; either he was a ghost, or he was in a parallel dimension. He decided this didn’t much matter when he saw the tall hooded figure gliding towards him. Elliot sighed. He’d seen this coming, but had imagined it would be somehow different.

4

0.84

0

1,579,487,068

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/er6ifx/1_where_it_all_ended/

er6ifx

100wordstories

AndroidLord

top_all

Worm Works Earthworms. Slimy, disgusting, insignificant. But hard workers nonetheless. No one really knows why worms work so hard, maybe for survival? Or even just a good appreciation for their job? No matter how hard a single worm works, it doesn’t have much of an effect on the world. Even if the lack of nutrients in the soil kills off the plants and shuts down a business, that issue is minuscule compared to our world. But that’s just how worms are, an endless cycle of hard work to feed the human race, but I can’t complain, it keeps food on the table.

4

1

0

1,517,743,171

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/7v682u/worm_works/

7v682u

100wordstories

Vulxure

top_all

Night Music It began with the wind, gently forcing the branches of the trees to rap together. Crickets rubbed their wings together in unison. Frogs added their unique voice. The rhythmic hoots of the owls added to the gentle beginning. Within moments, the wind picked up. This not only caused the branches to smack harder and louder, but added a howl of its own. The others took the signal, increasing their output until it reached a crescendo. “Oh for Christ’s sake, would you knock it off? Some people are trying to sleep!” Rob slammed the window closed and stormed back to bed.

4

1

0

1,495,469,807

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/6co7y3/night_music/

6co7y3

100wordstories

macguffinit

top_all

I Dipped My Toes in the Water Surfing through the websphere on a chipped old board. Catching the sun through the myriad of waterdrops as they dance in the air around me, each one unique. Similar in shape and consistency, yet each one was a world within which one could become lost, like a boat in the ocean. I turned my board from the main routes, cluttered with voices jostling for position on the main page. I surfed casually down this side stream. A river where people were quiet and the ghosts of surfers past left ripples in the water. I dipped my toes in the water.

4

0.76

0

1,468,246,581

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4sb46s/i_dipped_my_toes_in_the_water/

4sb46s

100wordstories

mybrotherjoe

top_all

no. 00002 It was cool now, but the remnants of the mid-day heat lingered as a vestigal stickiness that coated the skin. The day was nearly done as the earth slowly lumbered around the sun, laughing at the mimicry of the moon. Even if it weren't for such celestial clues the aching in his bones would have let on to the end of another day of toils. The world was dark, eyes saw with the borrowed light of the stars. But what you couldn't see, you could hear; in fact, it was impossible not to. The soundscape of insects set to the soft percussion of padded feet in the underbrush washed over him. Even while he sat so isolated, he could never begin to think he was alone.

4

1

0

1,268,044,013

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/baltl/no_00002/

baltl

100wordstories

patzors

top_all

Stay neutral, keep your life together. We used to spend hours lost in the forest. We found sheds, broke in, made stick people from straw. We would camp-out in the middle of December, only to hike back to your house at 3a.m. We would talk about passion, talk about life. Everything was perfect. Two modern philosophers living in a primitive fantasy. Then something happened. I was caught in a furor to hate vanity, and vanity consumed me. But I recovered. I'm the same as before. I must be. You've got new friends. I'm as lonely as ever. I'm as bitter as ever. What exactly happened.

4

1

0

1,261,545,891

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ahpwd/stay_neutral_keep_your_life_together/

ahpwd

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

I almost killed a woman -- almost My 8-year-old brother, a blob of fat, was hurtling down the street. He was big but nimble — still, no match for my water balloon launcher. I filled a balloon with just enough water to make the red latex translucent. My friends helped me load the launcher. And *thooomp*, it went, floating over the horizon, at the jiggling fat on my brother’s back. But then a car. From the horizon. The balloon. The car. The balloon. Shattered windshield. Swerving car. Screech. Crash. Run! The driver, a woman, found us. She said she almost died. I said to her, “Yeah, just almost.” **EDIT:** Grammar

3

0.6

11

1,259,170,590

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a84jp/i_almost_killed_a_woman_almost/

a84jp

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

just say yes I run until i have no breath only to stop right in front of her. There person i didn't want to see, but my legs drove me too her. I didn't want to answer the dreaded question she asked. I couldn't. The answer was yes and will always be yes but the words wont come out. I stood there silent as a single tear rolled down her face. Why cant i say yes. Why cant i say one word. The silence that surrounded us was deafening. Stood still in front of a place i knew too well, time just froze.

3

0.81

0

1,667,819,973

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/yojrpf/just_say_yes/

yojrpf

100wordstories

Arwat08

top_all

Loss The night Sam lost her was ostensibly the worst night of his life. He was so used to the comfort of her fuzzy warmth against his body that he wasn’t sure what he would be without her. The trip to New York had been the absolute best. Every step of the way he brought her along. They climbed the tall tower in what seemed like the longest elevator right in existence. You could see everything. Excited and stunned Sam just wanted to show her the edge. Mom yelled, Sam didn’t listen and in a flash Snuggles was never seen again.

3

0.81

0

1,522,199,028

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/87nv0u/loss/

87nv0u

100wordstories

LightningStrikes2x

top_all

Proud After weeks of waiting, weeks of wishing one day she would wake up and this would all be a nightmare, weeks of sobbing while flipping through old photos, weeks of despair and heartbreak and confusion, she finally accepted that she was now missing from her life and nothing she could do would change it - no matter how hard she tried or how much she repressed her feelings, she finally realized that past events could not be changed and that the only way to move on with her life was to accept what had happened and make her mom proud.

3

0.81

0

1,504,727,788

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/6yi2qp/proud/

6yi2qp

100wordstories

rizario

top_all

Replay People are born to wait, I figured after I waited hours of queueing. I walked straight through the gates where people oblivious to my certainty lurk. I was led to a man with long white beard and wrinkles on his face. It seems he's much older that I am. He flashed a series of motion and I felt something familiar. "Damn," I said. "That is one heck of an evil story, y'all guys might as well make this a movie." With a sly smile the bearded man said, "I am Peter and this, right here, is your life on replay."

3

0.81

0

1,488,492,644

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/5x6d1a/replay/

5x6d1a

100wordstories

underbuster

top_all

Still looking It was regrettable, really. The plane was too low, and I was too high. Both of these were the problem. We had to equalise, find a good stable equilibrium where I could recover. The turbulence was too much. It assaulted my drugged brain in waves. I really think I could have straightened myself out if I’d survived that. It had been close enough. I was scared. I could have clawed back to reality. Unfortunately, the turbulence didn’t relent. I climbed higher, further, getting away from it. Reality slipped away. “I haven’t seen it, sir. I’ll keep looking.” I walked on.

3

0.72

1

1,464,418,107

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/4letee/still_looking/

4letee

100wordstories

HermitOfHavoc

top_all

Over The Trench. I can hear the artillery barrage die down. That's the first giveaway. Soon, we'll be ordered to go over and capture that next trench. Serge died from a wound infection yesterday - he was the last of my original company. I said a prayer in front of the company to a God I no longer believe in. Now I'm surrounded by young boys. I hate what I'm about to do, but I have my orders. I hear the whistles from the other companies and it's time. I blow mine and order the 'men' forward. And I will lead them as best as I can. ###'Forward, Men! Get to that ne-'###

3

0.81

0

1,259,392,592

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8wdu/over_the_trench/

a8wdu

100wordstories

Sylveran-01

top_all

Of Time and Technology He felt uncomfortable in virtual reality, even after all this time. Jacen was born before computers were commonplace, 80 years ago. In his youth, he had always been at the forefront of technology. But now, he needed help using even the most basic virtual reality devices. He was tired of the constant change, he just couldn’t keep up. His granddaughter pulled his thoughts back to the checkers game they were playing in the virtual den. Being able to spend time with loved ones was worth the discomfort. At least it was less uncomfortable than the trip back to Terra Prime.

3

1

0

1,476,522,938

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/57lbxw/of_time_and_technology/

57lbxw

100wordstories

pro_deluxe

top_all

A Cotton Blossom Scented Inevitable by letting a co-worker know earlier in the week that i had a crush on meghan, calling it a "platonic work-crush" i was looking for someone to stop the inevitable. michelle wasn't all too surprised but she was appalled. meghan and i went to lunch together often. yesterday i reached across the table and held her hand while she talked. smooth cold unfamiliar fingers squeezed back. "this is strange but i like it" she said, and finished showing me her memory book, her photo album. finished the story about the roller coaster. today, on the precipice of cheating on my wife, i pulled my car to the front lobby where she waited, as everyday for the past two months. "wait" i asked and looked at her face eyes ears freckles. cradling her close, a cupped hand through her hair, i nudged her closer across the seat. face closer. tongue in her mouth softly, then inhaling her caressing her ears neck cheeks. "i've been expecting that. drive somewhere."

3

1

0

1,271,192,498

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bqgx6/a_cotton_blossom_scented_inevitable/

bqgx6

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Tresha G. Was I anticipating our beer together just because I enjoyed the way her t-shirts fit? The way her shaggy short hair came to a point on the nape of her neck? Her purring voice? Fashion style? Twenty-two year-old half-my ageness? Or was it just for her wit, confidence and insider knowledge? I reassured myself of the latter. Of course the issue is moot in a practical sense because she's a safe girl. Pre-approved for beers and general opposite-sex hanging out as far as my wife was concerned. Tresha isn't, has never been (as far as I know) into guys - apart from an appreciation of men as conversation and shopping partners. Never even as the gateway to career advancement. She owned that arena, literally. She knew things. I wanted to know these, too. These beautiful young woman secrets. Her wealthy well-placed fashionista cadre. Her beautiful world of continents and empires I've only read about in books.

3

0.8

1

1,270,302,539

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bm04o/tresha_g/

bm04o

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Where did my passion go? Everyday when I get out of bed it wears away at me, chipping. Constantly following me and constantly nagging me, an uncertainty about myself or my sanity looming behind it. The world's running away from me, from what it should be. I feel the apathy that I used to despise gripping me. I'm growing to have a placid face and a set of plain glazed eyes. I don't know what's happening, but the only time I'm not lonely is when I can't hear anyone else. I walk through the halls empty, I can't even remember when I was awake.

3

1

0

1,268,104,406

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/baxus/where_did_my_passion_go/

baxus

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Out There acapella i was always out there reading russian speaking spanish age 5 i sang all the time motown wqam miami the big 560 how surprised i was these are black people i still sing

3

0.81

2

1,260,319,370

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ackun/out_there_acapella/

ackun

100wordstories

usern4me

top_all

New Guinea The jungle sounds revealed a presence, "Fuck, Primo, its Japs" he hoarsely whispered. "Hold your positions" Johnnie had made sure his men were concealed, now not breathing, waiting for the Imperial patrol to pass. You could smell them as the wind blew down the gulley, urine, sake, blood and sweat. The morning sea-breeze wafted their sharp odor. The cap was open on the flask and Johnnie took a long draw as the bastards filed away. "Fuck, I hate that shit Primo, lets go get this fucking plane and get the fuck out of here!".

2

0.67

3

1,260,291,412

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acfsl/new_guinea/

acfsl

100wordstories

usern4me

top_all

The Shara Project C1 scientist Linus Sherman had created the first artificial mammal. He named it Shara. He put his cracked hands in the incubator and, with the back of his thumb, he stroked the smooth, pink skin that was stretched over Shara’s frail body. It opened its eyes — they were a murky gray. C1 scientist Linus Sherman smiled. He said, “I have done it.” And just then, everything went black and his world was no more. From the emptiness, B1 scientist Wallace Gray's deep voice emerged: “Let’s wrap it up for the day.” And his assistants cleaned up the artificial environment for tomorrow.

2

0.67

0

1,259,243,711

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8ei9/the_shara_project/

a8ei9

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Happy Cakeday, r/100wordstories! Today you're 13 Let's look back at some memorable moments and interesting insights from last year. **Your top 5 posts:** * "[Announcement: Sub is under New Management](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ua3naj)" by [u/AlarmingAlternative4](https://www.reddit.com/user/AlarmingAlternative4) * "[Midlife crisis](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/wwwywx)" by [u/Icy\_Umpire992](https://www.reddit.com/user/Icy_Umpire992) * "[Statue of Imhotep](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/v3r09a)" by [u/Hahuwa](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hahuwa) * "[just say yes](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/yojrpf)" by [u/Arwat08](https://www.reddit.com/user/Arwat08) * "[Insectophobia inception!](https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/xn234k)" by [u/alekbarrjam](https://www.reddit.com/user/alekbarrjam)

2

1

1,669,396,508

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/z4in59/happy_cakeday_r100wordstories_today_youre_13/

z4in59

100wordstories

AutoModerator

top_all

Nothing good happens after 2am He sat at his computer, waiting for something interesting to happen. It didn’t. It never does. Boredom dominated Jacen’s life. It was 2am, but he decided to take his dog for a walk anyways. Jacen enjoyed the calmness of the early hour, and Scout was always up for a jaunt around the block. He stepped out with Scout at his heels, leisurely sniffing the air and wagging his tail. Jacen didn’t know what he expected to find at this time of night, but maybe that’s the point. Jacen knew, the most amazing things can after 2am in New York City.

2

0.76

0

1,474,012,544

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/530veb/nothing_good_happens_after_2am/

530veb

100wordstories

pro_deluxe

top_all

Don't Feed the Birds A new sign. Wasn't here yesterday. But he had the bird feed and sat down on the bench, tossing out handfuls. Who would stop an old man's pastime? "Can't you read?" some lady screamed. He ignored her, tossing another handful. She stormed off. The birds cooed. They had names. They made him happy. The lady returned with a cop who approached awkwardly. Stammered about private property. The old man ignored him too. A crowd gathered. People stared. The lady wanted the cop to arrest him. She screamed at him. "Why won't you stop?" He smiled. "They're all I have left."

2

1

0

1,392,417,757

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/1xxqqe/dont_feed_the_birds/

1xxqqe

100wordstories

gascanfiasco

top_all

Gamer There was a knock. He paused the game, got up, and opened the door. “Hello?” “Hi.” she said. They stared at each other. “You’re from 2-A.” he said. “Yeah, I was, uhh... sitting in my room and, um, I figured maybe I could come sit in your room.” He scratched his head. He was old. She was old. “OK, but I’m playing my game. Don’t bother me.” She sat down and lit a cigarette. The clicking of buttons was loud and hypnotic in the silence. “Open the window.” “What?” she said. “Open the window.” “Oh... OK.”

2

1

1,316,480,960

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/kl370/gamer/

kl370

100wordstories

clambucket

top_all

non-cousin parameters i had no spare underware, but her victoria's secret panties fit me, which was a good thing, since the shorts i borrowed from her were mesh. my cousin-in-law, Jane stole most of her sweats from numerous guy friends, and never looked put together as much as she looked smartly jockish. we were alone at the lakehouse, and alone for me usually meant taking cues from small impulses. plus i was currently out-of work, having been recently "position-eliminated", so was it really a vacation? panic followed me everywhere, i can't take a weekend off from that. Jane hugged my shoulders, it's been a while since i'd gotten casual affection like that, and she moved her arm down my back to my waiste. i put my arm around her, tentitively, around bare skin ten years younger than mine. Jane was 22, and this was just what i would have figured for "normal affection" to someone who had grown up whith a family, instead someone like me, who had been adopted by a large family of in-laws. Anyway, all reasoning aside, it felt good, her hair smelled good, and she was silky in her bikini top. i'm not sure why we were staring across the empty lodgehouse, at what, but CNN was on the TV. She lowered her affection a little more, and now rubbed my ass a bit. I didn't reciprocate, but i did pull her closer around her waist. "ready to go, Scott?" yes i was, if it was up to her sleeping bag on the third floor or to the Teahouse where we had planned to waterski, like i said i'll take any cue when i'm alone, i like to suspend reality, it comes easily for me, always has. __________ after waterskiing, and the hottub, back at the lakehouse she walked in on me as i was changing into my dry clothes. "hey", she said, "you could have done the same thing. i was naked just outside the door." in dry clothes, we walked together to meet the rest of the family at the clubhouse for dinner. i had left her mesh basketball shorts in a wet ball on the floor, but her Victoria's Secret panties were stuffed wet into my backpack.

2

1

0

1,274,453,267

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/c6pcy/noncousin_parameters/

c6pcy

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

Still Purrs On I STILL LOVE YOU LIZ PHAIR Liz, what are you up to? your voice still purrs on and on in daily rotation across my CD player. you've inspired me to want to become a lesbian. you've inspired me to have an affair with a bisexual girl. i pretended i was a girl, too, but in our three brief encounters, i'm not suree she knew that (or did you, Meghan?) write back. Scotty

2

1

0

1,273,871,963

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/c48mz/still_purrs_on/

c48mz

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

the real theresa riccobene i knew the real theresa riccobene. face on a wall, plaque in a hall of fame. the legendary high school "it girl" hot and freckled, oh and her body.... but i knew the real theresa riccobene i felt her phero-moaning a moon over my tidal oceans dark moody eyes hiding infinite happiness i shared with her i knew the real theresa riccobene the clevergirl the whip-smart wisecrack and the deep convictions of her mediteranean emotions, her deep sea green eyes

2

1

2

1,268,327,095

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bc52v/the_real_theresa_riccobene/

bc52v

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

99 words yeah i figured out last night i have always been over the top musta scared mom and dad pretty good i was the brightest of the 3 of us kids them too i guess now i wonder if it was my fault i had quite a bit of influence over daily life i read russian at 4 spoke spanish at 3 i scared 'em like you did that day reading fables 'cept i did it all the time i sang all the time all the time it would be spooky to me i guess if one of you guys had done that i was always singing to you no one joined in so sry i am so out there didnt mean to hurt you love you dad

2

0.59

6

1,260,379,374

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/acuqp/99_words/

acuqp

100wordstories

usern4me

top_all

Picking up Shells by the Beach. One of my earliest memories was going to the beach with my family and my cousins. We’d leave early and we’d travelled down the coast, away from all the popular beaches until we arrived at a secluded cove and we’d race down the almost-empty beach and pick up shells and mussels and hermit crabs, then race to the rock pools at the end and find all the wonderful, alien creatues stranded there – sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and small fish. It felt like my own aquarium and I will sit there and stare at all these creatures for hours, fascinated with the microcosm in front of me. I miss those days.

2

0.76

6

1,259,463,937

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a93d7/picking_up_shells_by_the_beach/

a93d7

100wordstories

Sylveran-01

top_all

Dead Dead. Dead as fuck, dead as shit. Dead as a fucking doornail, the stupid corpse just laying there, all innocent. And the god damn blood, the god damn blood everywhere. Blood crawling up the walls. Blood finding slight curves in the wooden floor and little cracks to slide along. Blood everywhere the fucking red shit could fit. Fuck. Shit. Look at you now, prick. Nothing was a big fucking deal, not big enough to warrant this bullshit! God damn it, you’re all over the fucking place now. Just couldn’t keep your fluids to yourself. I really fucked myself up this time.

2

0.62

0

1,259,208,659

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a89v7/dead/

a89v7

100wordstories

LeonGrey

top_all

The Frog and the Ring I become a frog hours after my Stepmother catches me kissing Darla goodbye. It's a spell or a hex and I dart reflexively from my bed and into the closet, faintly remembering my hands and fingers, the plastic ring Darla told me never to take off. Hidden in laundry folds, I struggle to remember my name. Alice or Audrey or Anne. I'm a princess or a queen and I simply have to wait for my rescue, for her lips to press softly against mine, again or for the first time.

1

0.67

0

1,351,654,294

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/12dp24/the_frog_and_the_ring/

12dp24

100wordstories

sparrowtree

top_all

He sincerely hoped they knew it was directed at them. As the weather turned its back on summer and looked instead to fall, Zach walked Briskly between his morning classes. Ahead he saw a couple standing about 10 feet apart staring bitterly into each others eyes. The boy looked like he was chewing on the inside of his cheek, and the girl like she wanted to strike him down with her glare. As Zach approached she broke the silence with the words “this won’t make me happy.” Zach thought about the sonder he had just witnessed and laughed out loud, within earshot, and then continued on with his own life.

1

0.67

0

1,348,766,593

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/10klhc/he_sincerely_hoped_they_knew_it_was_directed_at/

10klhc

100wordstories

silentzed

top_all

clear frozen night sky the stars above cut in the clear frozen night sky. and christmas always reminds me of car rides as a kid. with my dad. around the holdiays. to dirty places with shitting perverts. joyful abuse. great time of year. thirty-five years later, hours of therapy later, 100's of 1000's of mg's of meds later, and i still fall in love with death at christmas. today i took a 6ft firewire cord and made a nice garrote. slug over a basement rafter, a slipnot cradling my head and the other end of the cord wrapped in my fist, it was a pleasure to hang for a while until the white lights and the buzzing started. i felt a little better. and returned to my home-office friday workday.

1

0

1,292,626,463

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/enneb/clear_frozen_night_sky/

enneb

100wordstories

[deleted]

top_all

no. 00003 You know it's funny. What's funny? It's funny that i used to think about us, like our lives were inexplicable intertwined, even when we were apart, especially maybe, delusions, i don't know, i used to think we would... I did too. It is funny. What's funny? How life works out. How's that? Not? No, just like it's supposed to.

1

0.66

0

1,268,046,586

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/bam9g/no_00003/

bam9g

100wordstories

patzors

top_all

Mississippi Hex Montana and the Reginald's Originals in TOMB of the Unknown Menace. *"Baby, you can make my day."* Admission through the door was useless age. Through that stainless steel chasm, which opens quick and torn, the pork belly men strode through one by one like files stuffed into sarcophagus. “My name was made many years before me,” the man behind Hex said—his head cut by streaks of panicked hair. “I'll go behind the door and never see again. I'll call my life 'answered,'” the word said with a sad smile and fair-thee-well shrug. "My name is also Hex." “I thought I'd meet my doppelganger,” said the title Hex. “But you're all original specs. Someone might speak of this.” His turn to pass, title Hex lined his knuckles to the door and triggered forth with the power of all-Hex.

1

0.67

0

1,259,334,573

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8pko/mississippi_hex_montana_and_the_reginalds/

a8pko

100wordstories

alehasfriends

top_all

Vitamins Jenny saw on television a commercial for vitamin supplements. The models and actors had thick hair and muscular smiles. They laughed while they talked, so happy were they with their vitamin-filled life. Jenny asked her mother to buy her some vitamins. Her mother said, "We have vitamins, they're in the pantry." Jenny swallowed one nervously with a glass of lukewarm water. It was large and the edges rough, and it choked her on the way down. She awoke feeling radiant. She swallowed two more with breakfast and felt even better. She got on the bus with a baggie full of vitamins dangling from her fist and a grin.

1

1,259,184,311

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a86uy/vitamins/

a86uy

100wordstories

mambotomato

top_all

SMS to an Attractive Wife how's your morning, sweetheart? i am jealous of the world that has you now... looking as you do and as smart as you are... this is my best time of day, and i spend it with people i care about the least. by the time they're done with me, only the worst remains... and that's all that is left for us on a typical day. where should i begin?

0

0.5

1

1,260,204,868

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ac14o/sms_to_an_attractive_wife/

ac14o

100wordstories

[deleted]

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Callouses [75w] A bedtime snack. Rubbing my tired feet. Soft now, callouses, feet sweatboxed in sneakers. The aroma is delicious. I start to peel along the pad under my pinkie toe. Tickling pain, the skinstrip thickens and peels away from between my pinkie toe and my ring toe. The sweet tickling pain of bleeding. The skinstrip soothing lozenge on my tongue tastes of blood, sweat and me. Chewing, relaxing, drifting to sleep. The sweet pain of bleeding.

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1,260,463,237

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/ad8y3/callouses_75w/

ad8y3

100wordstories

[deleted]

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werewolf When Todd arrived at the office that morning, everyone knew he was a werewolf. The blame for his outing was all Mrs. Harrows’. Mrs. Harrows was a devout widow who yelled at kids and left poisoned meat for cats. Mrs. Harrows hated cats, werewolves, rock musicians, gypsies and other agents of Satan. She was quite appaled that a gypsy lived in the neighborhood and no one cared (“Authentic Gypsy cardreader”, it was painted on his wall, “Tuesdays 09:00–12:00AM). Out of frustration, she turned her attention to the town’s wolfman. A good thing Mrs. Harrows never learned about Ms. White’s girlfriends.

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2

1,259,240,508

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a8e28/werewolf/

a8e28

100wordstories

leoboiko

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The Dying Light It didn’t take long to change into the ‘After-Life’ gown, as I was already in one of those flimsy hospital half-dresses that never ever cover more than one side of your body at a time. In fact, the gown was merely a brief formality to preserve these last remaining seconds of dignity as it had to be removed before turning on The Light. As I lay on the table, naked, thinking “My son looks so sad. Don’t be sad; I’m leaving you to finish *your* radiant life with your son!” And then, a brief flash, and oblivion.

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1,259,178,541

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a85zb/the_dying_light/

a85zb

100wordstories

cirquelar

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The true story of a four-legged friend. So I'm relaxing in my flat watching Farscape when I hear a commotion outside, "What's this?" I think, and since I don't really like Farscape I decide to pop out onto the balcony with a smoke and have a gander. As I light up, I look down on the communal grassed area, and I witness a canine drama of Homeric proportion; an older woman with NHS specs is screaming as her middle-sized mongrel dog is choked in a death grip by a slightly larger mongrel dog, who is in turn being kicked by a slightly seedy looking young man decked out in the finest leisure wear JJB sports has to offer. His efforts appear wasted. An older man comes running over, obviously the husband of NHS Specs lady, and intervenes, trying to prise open the jaws of JJB dog; for his trouble he gets the end of his middle finger nipped off. NHS Specs Lady goes into conniptions. Mr NHS Specs goes into a foetal position. By now everyone in the surrounding flats is out on their balcony, there is a sizable crowd out on the grass milling around the scene. JJB dog still has the chomp on NHS dog. The police show up (two vans, a car and a third, smaller van marked "Dog Warden"), complete with the noose-on-a-stick gizmo you sometimes see them with. JJB dog gets lassoed, the noose tightens and he releases poor NHS dog (who is completely fucked), only to be shoved, snarling, into the back of the Dog Wardens van. Someone, who can only be Mrs JJB (that pizza-and-chips-fed-since-birth kind of overweight and falling out of a snazzy pair of white, Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a pink muscle top) runs over. JJB must've phoned her - he gave up kicking the dog a while back and is smoking furiously, pausing only to shout obscenities at NHS Specs Lady, her husband, the crowd, Mrs JJB and the police. The ambulance for Mr NHS Specs rolls up, who is cradling his severed digit. NHS Specs Lady is more concerned about her dog and is weeping loudly, making cooing noises. Mrs JJB throws herself onto the bonnet of the Dog Warden's van, screaming "YEH CANNAE TAKE MAH DUG, NOOOO, YAH BASTARTS". Grampian Constabulary's finest are on her like shit off a shovel in a rugby scrum of black trousers and white shirts. Mr JJB kind of hops up and down on the edge of the scrimmage. Tears, blood, I think there's even some dogshit smeared on people (the grassed area is littered with it). "What a clusterfuck", I'm thinking. Then, from a balcony above, a tinny melody drifts across the evening haze: *"A four- legged friend, a four-legged friend..."*

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4

1,259,178,043

https://www.reddit.com/r/100wordstories/comments/a85w9/the_true_story_of_a_fourlegged_friend/

a85w9

100wordstories

JeebusWept

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