I’m wondering if I could make this a longer story for Memorial Day. Again, thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for her thought-provoking prompts. I always think “no way” and always come away thinking, “Son of a gun!” So here’s the latest 100 word story:
Copyright Sandra Crook
They wandered around the memorial, searching out the bricks that had names. They’d found classmates lost to Viet Nam and unfamiliar names lost to later wars, the grandchildren of classmates.
“Found one,” called Beverly. “You knew this guy, right, Maizie? Did you know he died in Nam? Funny, I always thought he just moved away.”
Maizie couldn’t speak. Or think.
He’d never answered her calls or the letter telling him she was pregnant. In a rage she had put his baby up for adoption and the man far out of her heart.
Had the letter ever reached him?
Follow the frog! Click, read and comment. Then try your hand at it. It’s fun!
Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author 
This is a great take on the prompt. So much said in so few words. Well done.
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Thank you! I can’t believe I’m not seeing my replies on this post, but it was a rough winter.
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That is indeed a unique angle on the prompt. What a conflict of emotions there! Well done.
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Thank you 😊
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Thank you so much! It came out of the blue.
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Oh, that is very poignant and timely. I’ve heard many a tale of such happening, and in fact could be one of those “war” babies…we’ll never know for sure. Anyway, thanks for such a powerful story.
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Thank you for reading. I always hope my stories can touch some folks personally. Humans have always touched each other through stories.
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Oh dear what a tragedy every which way 😦
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Yes, it is. I wonder, though, if it could end up with her forgiving herself and maybe trying to look up the child (now adult).
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Yes, I hope so!
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This would definitely merit a longer format. The sudden knowing, the continued unknowing.
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Well said: “the sudden knowing, the continued unknowing”. It could go in so many directions.
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Dear Genie,
This is a story that goes right for the heart. Brava! Most of the time we can cut those stories down to 100 words even if it doesn’t seem like it in the beginning. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My writing group asks, “How do can you write a story in only 100 words?” And I reply that I don’t! I write one, usually, in around 150+ words. Then I try to figure out how to make the same effect in 50 words less! Thanks for the kind comments.
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Ditto! But don’t you feel good when you’ve done it?
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It’s amazing how good it feels! But then, writing always makes me feel better than anything else. Except maybe sex. 🙂
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