18 Comments

A lovely story, Justin. I remember when animal scientists claimed animals didn't feel emotions like love and I laughed at them. That has now been debunked and your story is an illustration of the love between those horses.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Dascha! My kids have been going horseback riding once a week this summer, so I’ve been spending a decent amount of time around horses. They’re such beautiful, majestic animals. I can tell that many of them are comfortable with each other and they show affection in their own ways.

Expand full comment
Aug 12, 2022·edited Aug 12, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

This story only needed fifty words. Brilliant opening line - exactly what fiction of any length, needs. And a last line that breathes like haiku. Try it aloud in the present tense, see what you think. More please. Sharron at LEAVES

Expand full comment

This micro evoked the calm and peace I so often find in haiku--you nailed it with that description, Sharron. I reread it before bed like a lullaby.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Amie. I’m so happy this micro resonated with you. I enjoyed trying to capture that moment in time.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much, Sharron! The last line is my favorite. Honestly if I were to rewrite this story I’d probably write the whole thing in present tense. Happy you liked the fifty-word story. I’ll have to write another one soon!

Expand full comment

I love reading the different lengths of stories you post. I always remember the advice my high school drama teacher gave us: No matter what you do, always leave them wanting more not wishing they had less

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for saying so, Jason! I enjoy switching the lengths up. Most of the time the characters drive whatever I write and the story sorts itself out.

I love your teacher’s advice! It’s a great reminder for all writers to keep in their back pocket. Thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment

Yes! Short, sweet and lovely 😊

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Kim!

Expand full comment

Sweet.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Mark.

Expand full comment
Aug 12, 2022·edited Aug 12, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

We live in a rural county and see horses frequently. This story touched my heart. Horses form family bands, and grow very attached to each other. This story captured horse-family care, the stronger one for the weaker member, perfectly. No more words needed; 50 is fine. Thanks, Justin!

Expand full comment
author

They really do! I love watching horses, and we see them frequently in our area, too. Thanks so much for reading, Jenise! 😃

Expand full comment

Fifty word stories are so difficult! Great job!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Claire. I appreciate it!

Expand full comment
Aug 12, 2022Liked by Justin Deming

What a beautiful story, Justin. It's amazing how much emotion can be captured in just fifty words.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much for the kind words, Andrea! I’m happy you enjoyed this one. I’ve gotten away from writing fifty-word stories, but hopefully I’ll write my next one sooner than later. 😀

Expand full comment