Cindernever

‘Tess. Wow, I finally found you.’

‘I suppose I’m now meant to try on some glass slipper?’

‘Metaphorically speaking.’

‘This isn’t Cinderella, Marcus. You lied to me.’

‘I’m …’

‘And I’ve no interest in being a princess; receiving excessive privilege for no reason except marriage to a man who has done nothing to earn his position.’

‘I …’

‘It’s just a fairytale designed to reproduce the position of royalty in society. Why are there no Cindernever stories where the prince gives up everything for love, including dismantling the establishment to create a republic?’

‘Shall I try on a work boot?’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Time to call time

‘Chrissie, what’s with the email?’

‘Hi Ms James. You need a formal letter?’

‘No. I mean, what’s with the resignation? We’ve just promoted you to department head.’

‘And I just got my first Christmas break in five years. I was in the office until midnight before I left and I’ve been asked to work every day I’ve been home. It’s time to call time.’

‘I’m sorry, Chrissie. The client wanted …’

‘And I delivered, but you need to think about your employees, not just the client. I’m sure you’ll find another slave.’

‘Chrissie, that’s not …’

‘Merry Christmas, Ms James.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Off-piste

‘Maggie.’

‘Sarah.’

‘What are you doing here?’

‘Holiday. You?’

‘Work. So, this is a coincident?’

‘It’s a ski resort, I’m here skiing.’

‘So, you didn’t follow me?’

‘Follow you?’

‘I don’t want any trouble, Maggie.’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘You know, about us.’

‘Us?’

‘Yes, about us. I don’t want … you know, the media.’

‘There is no us, Sarah. You ended it just as it started. Remember?’

‘It would still cause a … headache.’

‘Don’t worry, you’re secret’s safe.’

‘Maybe we could get a drink later? A private …’

‘Seriously?’

‘For old time’s sake.’

‘Even if it might create a migraine?’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

One broken thing at a time

‘It would probably by cheaper to tear it down and rebuild. And it would be better built.’

‘Dad! The point is to restore it to its original condition.’

‘What, cold, damp and drafty? There’s a reason these old cottages were abandoned, Janie.’

‘And we’ll making sure this one survives. Except without the cold, damp and drafts.’  

‘So, not quite original condition.’

‘Original with mod-cons, like insulation and underfloor heating.’

‘Well, I’m sure your grandmother would approve.’

‘She’d be delighted I’m going to live here.’

‘She would. But horrified you’ll be living alone.’

‘Let’s fix one broken thing at a time.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

The family line

‘What’s that?’

‘Divorce papers.’

‘What?’

‘Irreconcilable differences. Or to put it another way, I can’t have children.’

‘Eric’s divorcing you because you can’t have kids?’

‘The IVF has never worked.’

‘So why not adopt? Or foster?’

‘He wants his own kids; continue the family line.’

‘And that’s more important than you?’

‘It seems that was my primary role; provide him with offspring.’

‘My god, what an ass!’

‘What am I going to do now, Sadie? Divorced, barren, not exactly good looking.’

‘Plenty of divorced men fit that bill.’

‘Sadie!’

‘He won’t be making kids once I’ve cut off his balls.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Losing Sarah

 Harry lowered the letter. ‘She’s never visiting us again.’

‘How can she do this to us? What’s everyone going to think?’

‘Our daughter is cutting us off, Lorna.’

‘Exactly! And I’d arranged for her to meet Brandon and …’

‘You’re missing the point.’

‘The point?’

‘Our daughter never wants to see us again.’

‘Nonsense. She’s just …’

‘It’s not nonsense, Lorna. Her letter is clear. I can never meet your expectations and I’m always going to disappoint you no matter what I do.’

‘That’s not …’

‘Isn’t it? Right now, you’re less worried about losing Sarah than what others think.’


A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

True colours

‘But why?’

‘Because I only see you as a friend.’

‘How about we try dating? You’ll see me differently then.’

‘I’m sorry, Cath, but I’m interested in someone else.’

‘But they’re not interested in you. Unlike me.’

‘How do you know what they think?’

‘Because I asked her and she told me.’

‘And she’d tell you the truth?’

‘Why wouldn’t she?’

‘Because she’s shy and kinda insecure. She’d have said what you wanted to hear.’

‘Or she could actually not like you.’

‘Or she could. We’ve been dating for two weeks.’

‘What? The sly cow.’

‘And there’s your true colours.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

They're in love

‘Are you coming down?’

‘I still can’t get used to this. She’s two years older than his grandchild.’

‘I thought we weren’t going to discuss this again?’

‘When the baby’s born, technically it’ll be my step-brother even though our son will be twenty-three years older.’

‘They’re in love, that’s all that matters. Come-on, she’s serving dinner.’

‘Which is another thing I can’t fathom. What does she see in the old bastard?’

‘Who knows? But she signed the pre-nup; she’ll inherit nothing when he passes.’

‘She’ll have the kid.’

‘Just remember to call her mom.’

‘Please, don’t. It’s not funny, Val.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

This is the line

‘Just loan me the money, Cassie.’

‘I might as well just hand it straight over to the bookies.’

‘Is this how you treat your father?’

‘I don’t earn money so you can just waste it.’

‘If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t be alive to earn money.’

‘If it wasn’t for you we wouldn’t have grown up fearing the bailiffs and moving from town to town.’

‘Just give me the money, Cassie.’

‘There isn’t any bloody money! Who do you think is paying the rent?’

‘Cass, come-on. These are serious guys.’

‘I’m serious, Dad. This is the line. The end.’ 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

None of us were innocent

 Tom squeezed a smidgen of glue into the slot.

‘Do you remember that girl in our class that used to sniff glue? She was mad for it.’

‘She was mad full-stop,’ Fred said.

‘Cassie Monday,’ Jenny muttered.

‘I wonder whatever happened to her?’

‘Probably still living in a different world.’

‘She killed herself,’ Jenny said.

‘Really? Wow.’

‘She was transferred, but the bullying carried on in the new school.’

‘Bullying?’

‘You two were the worst. Teasing her.’

‘Us?’

‘Yes, you.’

‘We were bystanders.’

‘You were enablers.’

‘You’re saying that we killed her?’

‘I’m saying none of us were innocent.’

‘Fuck.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

False flags

I find it difficult to talk about it. Honestly. He spent the entire afternoon with his secretary. Laughing and joking. They spent over an hour in a small place off Henry Street and left giggling like school children. I thought he’d at least go somewhere with a bit of class, not a run-down place on its last legs. Then that evening he had the nerve to take me out to our favourite restaurant. He’s so dense he didn’t even realise I was seething mad. Then he proposed. After spending hours with her. Would you accept a ring that she’d chosen?

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Bosses date too

Paula pushed Gavin away and tugged her top over her head.

‘Whoa, slow down.’

‘Come.’ Paula rose unsteadily to her feet. ‘To bed.’

‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’

‘It’s an excellent idea.’

‘Are you sure you won’t regret it in the morning?’

‘Will you?’

‘Probably.’

Paula dropped back onto the sofa.

‘Seriously? You get me all aroused then throw cold water?’

‘I didn’t expect you to …’

‘Throw myself at you?’

‘Well, yeah.’

‘I’d have been waiting forever for you to make a move.’

‘You’re my boss.’

‘And?’

‘It’s …’

‘Bosses date too, Gavin.’

She kissed him again.

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Aim true

 Kenny’s head thumped against the wheel arch. They had left the road and were bouncing across potholes.

Despite his struggling, his hands and feet were still tightly bound with plastic ties.

The car came to a sudden halt. Two doors opened and were banged shut. A moment later the boot lid sprang up.

‘Get him out.’

‘Just shoot him and set the car on fire.’

‘And how do we get back, moron?’

‘Fuck.’

Three seconds later Kenny toppled to the ground.

‘Look, guys …’

‘Shut-up, Kenny. It’s over.’

‘I …’

What was the point?

‘Aim true. That’s all I ask.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Thrust, lever, lift and throw

Calum thrust the spade into the sod and turned it. Repeated the process to form a grave-sized hole, then stared at the stars until his sight blurred with tears.

He returned to his digging, working methodically – thrust, lever, lift, throw. A rhythm at a steady tempo, stopping only to wipe the sweat from his brow.

Once the edge reached his waist he clambered out and stretched.

The tears started again as he rolled the body in. He really didn’t want to kill her. She shouldn’t provoked him. Shouldn’t have …

He shovelled the soil back, the rhythm sapping his regret.

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

No way back

‘What do you think you’re playing at Ryan?’

‘What?’

‘Telling people that we’re dating?’

‘Well, you know … I was planning to …’

‘You’ve heard of consent, right? That both people have to agree? This is the same. You can’t just universally declare a relationship.’

‘I get that. Look, sorry Lorna, I got ahead of myself. Of us. But …’
There is no us, Ryan. There’s never going to be an us.’

‘I said I was sorry. Can we not just …’

‘No, we can’t. Respect and trust, Ryan. You’ve destroyed them both and there’s no way back from that.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

The slow reel

 Marie cast the line far out into the lake and started to reel it in slowly. The weather was on the cusp of turning, but that was fine; the rain would bring the fish to the surface. A few moments later, the first drops speckled the surface. Fifty yards to her right a doe and her calf broke the treeline, halting before cautiously edging to the water. The rain was pouring down now. Marie continued to reel the line, not caring whether it lured a fish. That was incidental to process. The deer disappeared into the forest leaving her alone.

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Own goals

‘Why did you do that?’

‘What?’ Cassie checked her make-up in a compact mirror.

‘Throw yourself at Ryan,’ Lorna said. ‘You know that Sarah likes him. That she was …’

‘Because it’s fun.’

‘To hurt people?’

‘To see how they’ll react. She fled after one dance. Pathetic.’

‘More pathetic to chase attention by being a bitch.’

‘What?’

‘You need to find new friends, Cass,’ Jane said. ‘We’re done.’

‘Seriously? You can’t take a joke?’

‘You’re the joke.’

‘I’m the one going home with Ryan.’

‘You wish. He’s already left to find Sarah. Congratulations on a masterclass in scoring own goals.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.
 

Darkness soon returns

‘I served for three years at the front. As a medical assistant. I followed the men into battle and pulled the wounded back to our lines. I witnessed countless deaths. Seen the yellow pallor draw down from the hairline and life leave their eyes. Seen men act inhumanely. There is nothing glorious about war. It is organised savagery. And it never goes away. It scars you for life. There’s no light afterwards, just a dark haunting. We might laugh – suspend our memories for a while – but the darkness soon returns.’ Nina sighs. ‘You lose a much more than friends, comrades.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

I need to live my own life

‘You made the final of the World’s last year. You could medal at the Olympics.’

‘We both know that’s not going to happen. There’s a new generation coming through.’

‘Let’s not be hasty, Pip.’

‘I’ve already made my decision, Dad. I want to leave with my head held high.’

‘All the work you’ve put in; your dream.’

‘You mean, your dream. I love the sport, but it’s not my job to fulfil dreams you couldn’t realise.’

‘Pip.’

‘I don’t want to finish hating the sport. Hating you.’

‘But …’

‘You’re not listening, Dad. I need to live my own life.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

I don’t know if our love can hold back that much hate

‘Not one person supports our relationship. His manager and record company are petrified his career will implode because he’s dating a non-celebrity. His band and family the same. The fans hate the thought of him dating anyone except them. The press think I’m a gold digger. And my family and friends can’t see a future for us.’

‘And are you?’

‘What?’

‘A gold digger?’

‘I hadn’t got a clue who he was when I met him.’

‘What about him?’

‘He wants us to try.’

‘So what’s the problem?’

‘I don’t know if our love can hold back that much hate.’

 

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Heroes die needless deaths

The moment Parker opened the car door a shot rang out.

He bolted to a low wall.

Jackson cowered behind the vehicle, babbling into his radio receiver.

‘Come-on,’ Parker urged.

‘We need to wait for back-up.’

‘She could be dying in there.’

‘And so could we.’

‘You’re just going to let her bleed out?’

‘Heroes die needless deaths.’

‘They save the day.’

‘This isn’t a Hollywood movie, John. That fucker’s killed before.’

‘Will you at least cover me?’

‘No.’

The first shot sliced through Parker’s neck as he vaulted the wall.

‘Idiot,’ Jackson muttered.

In the distance, sirens sparked into life.

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Seriously?

‘If you’d like to meet again, then great. Or if you’d just like to forget about it …’

‘Or we could go back to your place.’

‘Seriously?’

‘No!’

‘Oh. Well, it was nice to meet you.’

‘That’s it?’

‘That’s not it?’

‘When was the last time you dated, Ralph?’

‘2009.’

‘You’ve been single for thirteen years?’

Ralph pulled a tight smile.

‘So, why did you ask me on a date?’

‘Because I think you’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.’

‘Seriously?’

‘So, I wanted to at least try. It’s fine. I know I’m an acquired taste.’

‘But worth acquiring?’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

You don't get a say

‘You’re what?’

‘Dating.’

‘You’re brother and sister!’

‘Not by blood.’

‘You’ve lived together since you were five.’

‘That’s why we know we’re perfect together.’

‘Perfect? It’s incest!’

‘Brian, stop shouting.’

‘Seriously, Cath, our son is fucking our daughter and you’re worried about me shouting?’

‘Technically, they’ve done nothing illegal; they have different parents.’

‘We’re their parents!’

‘Look, it might seem strange, Dad, but we’re twenty-three. We’re not kids.’

‘You’re acting like kids.’

‘You don’t have to like it, but you don’t get a say.’

‘Really? Either you end this madness or I’ll disown you both.’

‘Brian!’

‘Fine. Sally?’

‘Let’s go.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Huffer and puffer

‘Well, did you meet him?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘And?’

‘He was a bit older than I imagined. And more doddery.’

‘Well, if you’re going to date in your sixties …’

‘But he was charming.’

‘So, it was a success?’

‘It depends how you define success.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Well, you know, one thing led to another. And he invited me for a coffee.’

‘At his place?’

‘So, I thought, you only live once.’

‘So, you …’

‘He was a huffer and puffer!’

‘Maeve!’

‘I thought he’d never stop!’

‘My god.’

‘And then he did.’

‘You … killed him?’

‘Should I call that a success?’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Always a cheater

 ‘I’m sorry, Cathy.’

‘It’s your loss. And I’m glad your true colours have been revealed. I’ve had a lucky escape.’

‘Escape?’ Kelly snapped. ‘He’s too good for you.’

‘You’re welcome to him, Kelly. Just remember: once a cheater, always a cheater.’

‘He won’t cheat with me!’

‘He already. You were the mistress.’

‘I wasn’t …’

‘Leave it, Kelly,’ Eric said.

‘Why should I? She’s the one …’

‘Who was cheated on,’ Cathy said. ‘Don’t try to make out you’re the aggrieved party.’

‘You …’

‘Though you will be.’

‘I won’t.’

‘Enjoy spending every day wondering if he’s cheating on you.’ 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

She was his choice

 Sandra closed her eyes and rolled her neck.

‘You’re just going to give up?’ Kate asked.

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Even though you love him?’

‘What do you think I should do?’

‘Fight for him.’

‘You don’t fall out of love because someone else is in love with you.’

‘People are tempted away from partners all the time.’

‘She was his choice.’

‘At least give him a choice.’

‘I’m too tired for this, Kate. I’m not going to throw myself at him or try to undermine her.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because they deserve better. And I wouldn’t want someone to do it to me.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Losing him slowly

‘Josie, love,’ Tim shouted from the kitchen, ‘I can’t find the salt.’

‘In the cupboard above the toaster.’

‘Who’s Josie?’ Kate asked.

‘His first wife.’

‘He thinks you’re his first wife?’

‘I’m losing him slowly. He still remembers who I am. Mostly.’

‘I’m so sorry, Lorna.’

‘It seems that she’s his true love.’

‘You know that’s not true.’

Lorna shrugged and twisted her wedding ring. ‘He seems happier when he thinks I’m her.’

‘You’ve been married, what, forty years?’

‘Forty one.’

‘That’s true love.’

‘Josie!’

‘For me at least.’

‘For the both of you.’

‘I better give him a hand.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Only takes once to destroy trust

‘What you mean she’s gone?’

‘She moved out yesterday. We packed everything into a van; then she left.’

‘Where’d she go?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

‘You expect me to believe that? You’re her best friend.’

‘You can believe what you like, but she said if I didn’t know, I couldn’t say.’

‘What about a forwarding address?’

‘Her mother.’

‘I don’t believe this.’

‘I didn’t think you’d hit her.’

‘I … it was only once. I was drunk. I said I was sorry.’

‘It only takes once to destroy trust. And it can never be fully repaired.’

‘So that’s it?’

‘That’s it.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

In the shadows

Paul had drunk too much. The party had spilled out of the house into the garden, small groups sitting on the grass, music drifting through patio doors. He’d retreated into the shadows, leaning against a tree trunk. Somehow, the longer a party progressed the more alone and out of place he felt.

‘It must be nice …’

Paul startled.

‘to be a party person.’

The woman was further into the shadows.

‘I …’

‘Me too.’

They stood in silence for a few minutes.

‘Sarah.’

‘Paul.’

It was half-an-hour before Sarah said, ‘I …’

‘Yes.’

They crept out of the shadows.

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Your room's as you left it

 Rocco stood in the doorway. ‘It’s you.’

‘It’s me,’ Ellie replied.

‘She’s got a new man.’

‘I guess so.’

‘She didn’t even introduce you?’

‘She just left a note. Go to Uncle Rocco’s.’

‘That was it?’

‘She left a fifty euro note.’

‘You better come in.’

Rocco widened the gap.

‘Your room’s as you left it.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Who is it?’ a male voice shouted from upstairs.

‘Ellie.’

‘Welcome back, dear.’

She padded up the stairs, Rocco trailing behind.

‘Maybe we should just adopt her.’

‘Would two fathers be better than one hopeless mother?’

‘Do I have to choose?’ Ellie asked.

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Not this again

‘You’re 34, Callie. You need to think about your future.’

‘Not this again.’

‘You should be married. A child on the way.’

‘My job isn’t to provide you with grandchildren.’

‘I’m thinking of you, not me.’

‘I don’t need a husband and a kid to be happy.’

‘But …’

‘There’s no but. I’m leaving.’

‘But you’ve only just got here!’

‘I’m not spending the weekend being nagged. Bye, dad.’

‘Bye, love.’

The front door rattled in its frame.

‘Why didn’t you stop her?’

‘I warned you.’

‘I just …’

‘Then stop interfering. Soon, she won’t talk to you at all.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Sister's jealousy

 ‘I’m not having an affair.’

‘Cathy says differently. She knows what’s going on.’

‘She’s lying, Gina. Your sister’s prepared to wreck our marriage because she’s in love with Lonny, who’s in love with Amy, and she wants me to get rid of her.’

‘I want her gone too.’

‘I’m not wrecking Amy’s career for your sister’s fantasy.’

‘It’s for our marriage.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with our marriage.’

‘She’s trying to …’

‘No, she’s not. If our marriage is in danger it’s because of your sister and you.’

‘You’re picking her over me?’

‘No. You’re picking your sister’s jealously over me.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Perfect synergy

Ciara paused for breath after rattling through the introductions.

‘And you two really are best friends?’ Alan asked Hannah, who nodded in response.

‘Two peas in a pod,’ Ciara said, cheerfully.

‘A chatterbox and a …’

‘Since secondary school!’

‘But you’re polar opposites!’

‘She always says that I’m all the friends she could have had rolled into one.’

‘Always? I think I’m yet to hear a single word.’

‘We’re balanced – introvert, extrovert.’

‘Some might say, mismatched.’

Hannah waggled a finger.

‘And you’ll lead the design review?’

‘She’s introspection and ideas, I make sure it happens.’

‘And does it?’

‘Perfect synergy.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Something you do

‘What are you doing here, Darren?’

‘I’ve come home.’

‘This isn’t your home.’

‘I’m still you’re husband, aren’t I, Sal.’

‘Only because we couldn’t find you to finalise the divorce. You’ve been gone four years.’

‘And now I’m back.’

‘No, you’re not. You need to leave.’

‘And what about the kids?’

‘What about them?’

‘I’m their father.’

‘That’s something you do, Darren. Daily. Not just genes. You’re no father to them.’

‘Don’t be like, Sal. We make a good team.’

‘No, we don’t. Give me your key and leave.’

‘It’s my house.’

‘It’s a home and you don’t belong here.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Riding the bus

‘I’m 48. I’ve no job, no money, no partner, and soon no home. I’ve two teenage kids who eat a fridge of food every day. I just don’t know what to do any more.’

‘I hear you, I do.’

‘I never thought my life would turn out this way.’

‘None of us do.’

‘And now I can’t see a life.’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Everything is just crowded in on top of me. You know?’

‘I do.’

‘What do you think I should do?’

‘I ride the bus all day.’

‘Does that work?’

‘Better than walking the streets.’

‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

She's not my mother

 Calum breathed in slowly, replaying the conversation with his father two days previously.

‘Your aunt called yesterday. Your mother’s in the hospital.’

‘So?’

‘So, it’s serious. Cancer. Of the pancreas.’

‘And?’

‘You need to visit her, Cal.’

‘No.’

‘She’s your mother.’

‘No, she’s not.’

‘You might not get another chance.’

‘She hasn’t visited us in ten years!’

‘Which I’m sure she regrets.’

‘Whose side are you on, Dad?’

‘Yours.’

‘She left us.’

‘So, find out why.’

‘I don’t need to know.’

‘Yes, you do.’

‘No.’

‘Don’t be left wondering.’

Calum rose from the bench and headed for the hospital entrance.

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

He’ll come to his senses

‘Did you honestly think that he’d turned to you after you tried to sabotage their relationship?’

‘I was doing them a favour; it’s obvious they’re not right for each other. The only people who can’t see that is them.’

‘The only person who can’t see the obvious is you. Seriously, Sarah, …’

‘He should be thanking me. I’m trying to save him …’

‘You’re trying to save him for yourself. You just can’t accept that …’

‘It’s Tim that can’t accept the truth.’

‘Sarah, whatever slim chance you had is gone.’

‘No. He’ll come to his senses.’

‘He already has.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Jealousy

 The policeman sighed and lent back.

‘Let me guess, he stole your boyfriend.’

‘No.’

‘She made eyes at him?’

‘I don’t have a boyfriend.’

‘So, you ransacked her apartment and sabotaged her audition for no reason?’

‘He chose her instead of me.’

‘So, it was over a man.’

‘No. Yes. A role. It was to work with him.’

‘So, now neither of you have him, someone else has the part, and you’ve lost your best friend.’

‘She has him.’

‘And you have nothing.’

‘It should have been me.’

‘You could have been happy for her.’

‘She could have dropped dead.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Last stand

‘How you doing, Sam?’

The filthy sleeping bag rolled over.

‘Sam?’

‘Fuck off, I’m sleeping.’

‘It’d be warmer in the shelter … Sam? Why’re you doing this to yourself?’

‘No judgements; didn’t they tell you that in the training?’

‘I’m concerned about you.’

‘I don’t need your pity.’

‘It isn’t pity, Sam.’

‘Fuck off, do-gooder.’

‘It’s already below freezing.’

‘I’m fine here.’

‘It’s going snow later.’

‘Then I’ll make myself an igloo.’

‘Not before hypothermia sets in.’

‘Then I guess that’s how I’ll go.’

‘I can’t leave you here, Sam.’

‘Then it’ll be my last stand; you and the weather.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Punchline

Mark entered the coffee shop, looking perplexed.

‘Well?’

‘She asked me for a date.’

‘And?’

‘And what?’

‘What did you say?’

‘I … I … Why would she ask me for a date?’

‘She likes you?’

‘That makes no sense.’

‘Yeah, but stranger things have happened.’

‘She could literally date anyone; I’m a certified loser.’

‘But a nice loser.’

‘A loser’s a loser.’

‘So you’re going to turn her down?’

‘Probably safer than waiting for the punchline.’

‘What if there’s no punchline?’

‘We both know there’s going to be a punchline.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Yeah.’

‘But it’d be cool if there wasn’t.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Sit-it-out family

 We coasted past a disused factory, then some abandoned office buildings surrounded by weeds.

‘What a waste,’ my father muttered.

‘Wonder what happened to everyone?’ my sister asked.

‘Left to seek a better life, or just trying to cling on to their old one.’

‘And us?’

‘There are those that leave, those that fight, trying to revive a place, and those that just sit it out. We were born and raised here. Its home, but there’s no point fighting a battle that can’t be won. Not unless you’re a billionaire.’

‘We’re a sit-it-out family?’

‘Where would we go?’

‘To Momma?’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Voice of an angel

Anna held the note not wanting the moment to end.

She opened her eyes to find all four chairs turned.

Panic blossomed in her chest.

‘I’m sorry.’

She turned and fled the stage.

*  *  *

‘Is Anna okay?’

‘She’s resting,’ the woman said. ‘It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have entered her.’

‘You’re her aunt?’

‘Yes; her guardian. She’s seventeen, shy, awkward. I thought this might … she thinks it’ll make the bullying worse.’

‘She’s the voice of an angel. She could win this.’  

‘Please don’t broadcast her bit.’

‘But …’

‘I’m begging you.’

‘People will flock to her side.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

One strike and out

‘You have to help me, Janie.’

‘She told you what would happen.’

‘I didn’t kiss her! She kissed me.’

‘And you kissed her back.’

‘I didn’t.’

‘How long did the kiss last?’

‘A few seconds.’

‘It should have been milliseconds.’

‘But it meant nothing. You have to talk to Chrissy. Tell her.’

‘She doesn’t do second chances.’

‘I’ve tried calling, texting, emailing. She won’t even listen.’

‘And she won’t. That’s her rule. One strike and out. If you cheat, use violence, or give away her secrets you’re history.’

‘Come-on, Janie.’

‘No way; it applies as much to me as you.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Into a corner

‘I wondered when you’d show up.’

‘You slept with her?’

‘Yes.’

‘When you knew …’

‘No. Look, the answer’s no. You backed her into a corner, that’s why she lied.’

‘I did what she wanted; I proposed.’

‘She wants to marry the old you. The one before you gave up your dream.’

‘But I did that for her.’

‘She wants you to seek your dream. She’d no choice but to end it. She’d hate herself and you’d probably come to hate her too.’

‘But …’

‘Your dream is her dream. You need to find a way to do it together.’ 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Once is almost the same as never

‘You’re awake. You want coffee?’

‘Please.’

Sandra disappeared from the doorway.

‘About last night …’

‘Yeah?’ Gary answered, tugging on his shirt.

‘I don’t usually … I guess …’

‘You’ve buyer’s remorse?’

‘No, no … I just … could we keep it a secret?’

Sandra reappeared and held out a cup.

‘Pretend it never happened?’

‘I don’t want our colleagues to … well, you know.’

‘Okay.’ Gary smiled ruefully.

‘I don’t mean it never happened. Just …’

‘Yeah, I know. It was a mistake.’

‘No.’

‘But it’ll remain once?’

‘I ...’

‘Don’t worry, once is almost the same as never.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Mutual destruction

‘You need to be careful with Mac, he’ll destroy you both.’

‘He’ll be fine.’

‘You don’t know him, Cassie. He’ll put himself through hell to make sure you go there.’

‘What?’

‘When we were nine he added peanut oil to a stir-fry knowing we were both allergic. He nearly killed us.’

‘Seriously?’

‘He’ll endure any pain to realise your worst fear. And he hates you right now.’

‘I don’t …’

‘Imagine your biggest secret. One that you’d die to keep hidden. You know his and its worse. He’ll still reveal yours to make you suffer. I mean it; be careful.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

First love

 Brendan did a double-take and halted.

‘My God, Cathy! I was just talking about you last week.’

‘All bad, no doubt.’

She was already backing away.

‘We were discussing first love.’

‘I haven’t seen you, for what, five years, and the first thing you bring up is that.’

‘What?’

‘When I confessed and you humiliated me in front of the whole class.’

‘That was a misunderstanding.’

‘I was ridiculed for months.’

‘I said you were my first love.’

‘Are you recording this?’

‘I meant it.’

‘Well, you had a chance and you blew it.’

‘But I was …’

‘No. Never.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Why didn't you look for me?

John almost collided with the young woman blocking the path.

‘You don’t recognize your daughter?’

‘Sorry?’

‘I recognized you straightaway.’

‘Jane?’

‘You have another daughter?’

‘No … Wow, what is it, fourteen years?’

‘Fifteen. And who’s fault is that? Nothing for fifteen years.’

‘Sorry. I sent a letter each week for a while. After that on special occasions. But I never received a reply’

‘Really?’

‘Your mother … She wanted a fresh start.’

‘So you just walked away?’

‘I wasn’t the one who left.’

‘Why didn’t you look for me?’

‘I … I wasn’t sure you’d want to be found.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

 

As always

 Greg peered through the glass pane.

‘Is she okay?’

‘Perfect,’ Kate said, ‘that’s why she’s ICU.’

‘There’s no need …’

‘She’s here because of you.’

‘Me?’

‘Your school girl floozy …’

‘She’s twenty four.’

‘… asked Emily and Tom whether they wanted to live with you permanently. And they said yes.’

‘She seemed to be struggling to look after them.’

‘Who’s fault is that? You left her to cope on her own. Then you tried to steal the one thing keeping her going.’

‘I didn’t think she’d try to top herself.’

‘You didn’t think about her at all. As always.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

No sympathy

 Kathy was surprised to find tearful Rachel on her doorstep.

‘Is he here?’

‘Why would that lying, cheating scumbag be here?’

‘Because he never stops droning on about you.’

‘I threw him out the day I found out he was fucking a slag. Why the hell would I take him back?’

‘Oh, god!’

‘What were you expecting, Rachel? You were his mistress. Is it a big surprise he’s another now?’

‘I thought …’

‘That it was different with you? Ha! I’d invite you in and give you a bit of comfort, but I’ve no fucking sympathy.’ Kathy slammed the door.


A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

The moment I opened the door

Cassie opened the door. ‘Oh, it’s you.’

Jeanne stared at her feet. ‘I came to say sorry.’

‘You’ve said it.’

‘I didn’t mean to …’

‘You did; you just regret it now.’

‘You’re right. Sorry. I just …’

‘You just?’

‘I just … self-sabotage. It’s a means of short-circuiting … minimizing loss.’

‘Short-circuiting?’

‘The pain of it ending later will be much greater than destroying it now.’

‘But it might be wonderful.’

‘But if it’s not?’

‘It will be if you give us a chance. If you take my hand.’

‘I’m forgiven?’

‘You were the moment I opened the door.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.