They’re feuding. Have been for months. Next time, the dog gets a bullet.
She ruffles Baxter’s fur – watch it buddy – but one whiff of sheep and he’s over the fence, ears pinned, nipping at lamb rumps.
The gunshot splits time. She finds Baxter in undergrowth, blood soaked and stiff. That same day, her husband leaves her with two under two.
Word gets around. Winter bites. The neighbour appears, unbidden. He stacks wood in her shed, unloads hay for the horses.
Thought you could use it.
Rain pelts down.
She ruffles the puppy’s fur, and puts the kettle on.
About the Creator
Megan Anderson
Loves a yarn. Draws a bit. Sings in the yard. Spells things the Australian way.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
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Off the Book
It ended like every other stupid idea. Badly, and alone. I’m researching digital confession ethics, he said. A tech ethicist. He gestured at floating data I couldn’t see then pulled out a physical notebook. Actual paper, fountain pen. He held it up like he was showing me scripture.
By Nicky Frankly5 days ago in Fiction
In the Dark
Icy blue eyes stared at me through the darkness. The fact that I could see these eyes so clearly in the darkness sent shockwaves up my eleven-year-old spine. I had just woken up from a rather intense nightmare, incidentally about some creep that was watching me at the foot of my bed. ‘’I can see you,’’ I whispered.
By DJ Robbins6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (23)
Wow. Talk about a slice of life. Hurts my heart that a pup got shot, but I remind myself it's fiction. Congratulations on writing something that literally made my heart hurt for a fictional animal. Brilliant writing. Brilliant.
Dear Ms. Megan - I'm so glad I've discovered your unique and creative way of storytelling. As I scroll though your presentations this one caught my eye since I also like to write about pets. I'm just a retired legal writer morphed into a 'Goof-Writer' nothing more. I don't do contests/rewards but I enjoy reading 'Shorts' from all over the world on this marvelous platform. I see you haven't posted much of late. *Megan, I've subscribed to you with pleasure hoping to see more of your work. Jay, Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
This is so incredibly smart and perfect I had to read it four times
Congratulations on your well-deserved win!
Not quite Ramsay Street, eh? You crammed a lot into 100 words. Impressive.
Hello! WOW, I love your story
Great story in so few lines, emotions and suspense draws you in. Congrats.
Oh wow! You did amazing with the suspense and emotions! Awesome story!
this is a fine story. Terse and full to the brim at the same time. Complete. Vocal got it partly right....my sincere congratulations on a wonderful piece!
Wow! This story is a shortstory workshop for how to evoke mood, tension and emotion. Great work!
Very chilling and emotional, it grand you and doesn't let go. Congratulations 🎉 on your win💕
Quite deserving win. Such depth in so little words. Congratulations 🎉
Very nicely done, very emotionally touching.
This is excellent and should have been the first-place story.
This is a prime example of using small sentences to show a whole sequence of events. Amazingly well written. I can’t get over how much you wrote in so few words. The emotion is not cheapened at all by the brevity, and it’s just a masterclass in micro fiction. Bravo! And congratulations! 🎊
Wow! There is so much detail here. Beautifully done! Congratulations! 💗
Wow, this story is so compact and so complete. Without describing any emotions, I felt them all. Congratulations!
Really well done. Congratulations on placing!
Congratulations on your excellent Top Story
Everything in seasons, especially on the land. Love the cyclic nature of this gorgeous little micro, Megan. So much said in so little. Congratulations on second place.
Country living, out on the land, such a different way of life ❤️ but Aussies are a tough lot and you captured the spirit perfectly! Congratulations on placing!
Fantastic story! Congratulations on second place!
This truly does contain a whole story in just a few words, great job!