We Must Go: A Very Short Story

by Kim Flewelling

This is a literary work of less than 1000 words, a very short story. It was created, framed around an encounter... a storytelling interaction, actually, that occurred with a complete stranger boarding a bus for the Midwest at a ferry terminal. She received a kind deed, a simple act of kindness. A 'give forward' moment carrying her luggage. What ensued was sharing of her profession, a scientist who studied the elements of the earth's crust. She asked where I lived and what I do. Thus prompted her comment, "When the deer start moving inland, you should too. This area of the world is overdue." In the past, small quakes and earth shakes have occurred. What might happen to the pristine, rugged, rocky coast? Islands in the bays? Habitat? I am not quite sure where to place this genre, although I feel that certainly teens and adults would appreciate it, so it stands as literary fiction. Context questions might even be created with story discussion. I have had small group discussion with students after completing an oral reading. The 'post reading' conversation was quite interesting!
It can be read in less than five minutes or so~ The afterthoughts matter the most~

6 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015