I had an opportunity to meet with several local writers last month. An exercise in preparation for our meeting was to write a microstory consisting of 150 words maximum. Here are two which I wrote.

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THROUGH THE GAPING MOUNTAINS

“Come on, men! Keep going!” he shouted to us over his shoulder.

Through the gaping mountains we trod on, most of us knowing we would never make it, though we dare not give voice to our fears. With the loss of his own son just days ago, how could we be so heartless to the Commander? True, he has never shown much heart toward us. Yet, what he denied us in kindness was compensated by loyalty. We may doubt that we could survive these mountains. We could not doubt his determination to lead us on.

“There! To our left! The cave! Jacobson! Bring my gear inside. Prepare a fire then stand watch outside.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Brownstone! Bring the maps here. With any luck, the sky will clear and we will determine our bearings. Have the men tend to their arms. When all is set for defense, let the food be prepared.”

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I ONLY WANT TO DANCE WITH YOU

She swirled. She twirled. She smiled.

Oh, God, how he enjoyed her! Her every movement thrilled him. He wished that time would wait while they danced on and on.

“You are my world, Colleen… the air I breathe, the beating of my heart.”

She smiled and kissed him lightly.

Had she sensed the note of sorrow in his voice? He did his best to hide it. He did not want to see her sad. He knew that he must tell her. Not here. Not tonight.

Let this be the last carefree evening, he thought.

His doctor’s report was grim that morning. He feared it would be. For weeks he had hidden his pain from Colleen. She loved him and depended on him. How could he fail her now?

“I love you too, Robert,” she whispered as the music faded. “I only ever want to dance with you.”