The Sugar

Excellent twist, Paul.

Wouldn't he call, though, on radio, instead of running?

Thanks Matt,
I had been thinking of older times when cops worked from their car radios but that doesn't come through, so the point is well taken. Not sure the fix carries the same tension. Also not sure "He hesitates" captures the moment of shifting realization. May change that too....

Really like this twist, Paul, how the policeman gets the situation without being told. Good 55-word piece.

This one is a doozy. So much packed into such a small space. Great misdirection.

I really like the way this turns out to be something quite different to what it looks like it'll be. Lovely.

Thanks Kim. Always means a lot coming from you.

Jack – you're always a thoughtful commentator and I so appreciate the feedback. Naked Ladies is fabulous, BTW.

Hi Kate. Just took a quick browse of your story list and greatly enjoyed Swimming Pool. Will want to revisit when I have more time to properly digest it. And the others. Thanks for the feedback on this.

Really interesting piece. Loved the twist at the end. Lots of emotional wallop in 55 words.

Think perhaps it is "fistfuls".

Hi Cerise. Thanks for the comments and the free proofreading service. You are of course correct.
P

Great scene of how we misjudge others too eagerly. There is quite a lesson to be learned here. Well done.

Thanks Paula. I think we're wired to make quick decisions about situations and it usually serves us well, but it's not our proudest moment when we get it wrong. Mea culpa, I'm afraid.

Oh yes, excellent 55 words. I particularly like that you set it up with him seeing 'the black kid' rather than just 'the kid'. I love how you purposefully don't avoid naming what he sees. And the ending on a knife edge. I hope Grandpa's going to be OK.

For a couple of words, it's a sad story. Nice job.

Thanks so much Laurel. Appreciate your reading and checking in.