Device

Il Nido

"This is a magical device. You open it and things jump at your face and hit your eyes. As you touch it, you may have an allergic reaction and sneeze, especially if the device is quite old. But... beware. You must hide it. You must hide it carefully. This device was brought to us millions and millions of years ago by the humans."

"What could jump out of it?"

"Dust."

"Human dust?"

Nods.

"But also words, and ideas, and doubts, and questions."

"Human questions?"

"No, just questions."

"Will they make me smile?"

"Yes, they'll make you smile a human smile."

100 Word Stories

Gulf

France Portnawak

The tour of the Gulf was such a nice idea. The fresh air, the birds flying close-by. The tour of the Gulf was also cheap. No one wanted fresh air and rain, birds flying close-by and pooping.

So, they embarked.

"Wonderful adventure", "Unique opportunity", "An experience you'll never forget".

Yes, it sure was unforgettable, especially when the boat tilted dramatically to one side and people screamed at the top of their lungs, scaring the poor birds away. Fresh air was something difficult to find too. Everyone was sick and bird poop was not exactly the worst thing happening that day.

100 Word Stories

Gate

Betelgeuse

At the gate, the entangled cables covered the walls and sneaked through. No one knew what they were for, and no one asked. As the days went by, more cables appeared, increasing the entanglement of the hopelessly entangled mess.

And then came the kid. He unplugged all the cables, straightened them up, and plugged them all back in. It took him a while too. But he was pleased with himself. He smiled and walked away.

No one in town had the heart to complain about the hours with no power. But they did make sure to avoid any future entanglements.

100 Word Stories

Tinfoil

Il Nido

I recall the fresh sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil, the extra juice in a clear bottle, Agatha Christie's books packed in twos just in case I could read a whole book in a few hours.

The stubborn folded chairs, the clean towels, and the golden sand, sneaking through the seams.

The waves, the wind, and the seagulls fluttering about, announcing a storm.

"It's your turn," someone said.

I look at my pieces and I have nothing but an apple. The tray beams with words, but my only thought is... The sun still shines. They are gone... But the sun still shines.

100 Word Stories

The End of The Rope

Seasalts

"Tie a knot and hang on... I'll tie a knot around their necks. Be happy and blah blah blah..."

She was grumpy all the time. The neighbors would always scatter away in all directions, hiding from her.

And then came a bird. She scared it away, but the bird came back, again and again. And it brought a little twig, then another, and soon there was a nest. And baby birds!

She opened a bit of the window and gave the mommy some seeds she had bought.

No one could believe it when, one day, she simply said "Good morning!".

100 Word Stories