A Few Sample Stories From "Fifty-Five 55-Word Stories"

There Was Only One Way Out

The marriage had gone to hell; struggling to get out of debt for
years. The life insurance policy was her only way out.
Maxed-out her credit cards.
$5000 to the hit man.
Lawyer read the will. Everything to her.
“Sorry there’s so little.”
“What about the $1,000,000 policy?”
“Cashed it in, didn’t he tell you?”

Just My Luck!

Forty, shy, ordinary, dateless six years, given up.
“Come here often?”
Movie-star beautiful.
Stammering, “Ah, yes, I like libraries.”
“So do I.”
Her foot touched his leg.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
She rushed him to the motel next door.
Afterwards, “When can I see you again?”
“Anytime you want; $500 please.”

The Long Wait

Threadbare tuxedo; long mane of gray hair.
Boxes and magazines stacked, except the immaculate
dining room; table set for eight; a barely recognizable
wedding cake centered.
Stranger quietly asked, “What are you doing?”
“Waiting.”
“For?”
“My bride.”
“How long?”
“Thirty-eight years.”
“Sad news, sir. She’s dead.”
Eyes misting, “I guess my wait will be longer.”

They Had Climbed Steadily for Hours

Two friends had climbed together for years.
This mountain challenged them the most.
For years they’d trained.
Struggled the last 100 yards, sweat pouring, no energy left.
Barely able to pull themselves onto the summit.
At the top, in awe of the view.
Struggled out of their packs.
“You did bring the water, didn’t you?”

NOTE: In some of the stories the line spacing is more open. I have tried
everything to fix it and nothing has worked. I apologize.