The neon sign on the food truck was still on. Jimmy pulled his life savings from a shallow pocket—silver coins covered in laundromat lint. He’d worked all week cleaning Mr. Frazier’s chicken coops for nickels and dimes.
As he waited in line, he could smell the food. The grill sizzled. Smoke wafted up from the truck’s exhaust vent. He hadn’t eaten today. Or yesterday.
“The Chicken Pot Pie, please ma’am.”
Joe lived under the train trestle. Jimmy stopped to talk some days. Joe hadn’t eaten. He would today.
What’s your Reaction to this post?
+1
6
+1
26
+1
Wow, what heartfelt meaning in simply 100 words, Jim. Loved this piece you have created. I also liked how you tied together the title with the true meaning of what Jimmy would do with his coins. A great lesson in sharing at this very special time of year.
Judy, just a few more words: grateful, encouraged, inspired, blessed. As always, thank you.
Succinct. Sensitive. Smart. Successful.
Well-crafted, Ann
Ann, thank you. You really can say a lot with just a few words. The four you selected say everything.
It is no accident or mere happenstance that some of us are drawn to work in the context of a faith community. The call we have received is to love and to serve God and neighbor. In the midst of our Advent journey, we are reminded of the surprising presence of God made visible in the person of Jesus. Like Jimmy, Jesus challenged and inspired many with his humble sacrifice. As his followers, we are blessed by each retelling of the self-giving that he embodied.
Jon, I’m honored by this reading. Thank you for seeing the deeper meaning.
The title caught me with curiosity. Then in the last lines the heart took over and captured me. Perfect story in 100 words. You met the challenge!!
Jane, as always, you get it. I knew you would. I’m grateful.
Took a second read to be sure I got it. Brief but potent.
D
Dave, grateful you gave it that second read. There’s a strategy at play with these short stories. Thanks for hanging with me.
What a poignant read! Your descriptive writing brought this to life vividly.
I admit I was feeling grateful Jimmy would reap the reward of his hard work…
The greatest joy is giving from the heart!
Excellent twist at the end…
I’ll be thinking of Jimmy and Joe far beyond this 100 word journey!
K, this is everything a writer hopes to hear. As always, you saw it all—exactly.
Thank you.
The most poignant stories carry the weight of a few words.
George, that’s it exactly. Thank you for seeing it.
Hard work pays off to survive in what feels like the early twenties. Suffering and pain, day after endless day, searching for the American Dream. Worth it.
Worth it… Yes, indeed. Thank you, Ann.
To say so much in 100 words is a rare talent. We lawyers take that much to say hello. 😊
Tom, coming from someone who knows the cost of every word, that means a lot. Thank you. —Jamison
I am amazed at how you capture so much heart in 100 words. Every line felt intentional, honest, and deeply moving. It is a rare talent to create something that touches people so quickly and so profoundly—you did it beautifully. I’m genuinely honored to have read it!!
Bill, your words remind me why I do this. Your generous support is more than I deserve. Thank you, my very good friend.
I like the positiveness of this story. Makes me want to read more.
Jimmy sets an example for us all, Dick. Thank you for reading.