43 Comments
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Justin Deming's avatar

I love both versions, Sharron! In this instance I like the 150-worder more by a sliver because it adds an extra dimension to the story, and it shows how far she is willing to go in an effort to save him.

Also, I enjoy when you share different versions of the same story. It opens up a fun dialogue! And thanks as always for the shoutout, my friend.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, my NY friend. for taking time out of your week-end to comment! I know Saturdays are precious.

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Linda Brown's avatar

2nd one!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Okay, then - noted!

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Kate Henry's avatar

50: one stupid person

150: two stupid people

Brain transplant for both.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I love the different interpretations of my little pieces - and the kinds of emotions they evoke! Thanks, Kate.

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James Ron's avatar

I like them both. I wonder if I had read "Redemption" first if that would make a difference to my thinking but I like "Broken" most. It leaves the most room for me to fill in the details. However, the more details of the 150 do draw me in.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

So, great! Two different reactions. I appreciate that, James Ron. Thanks!

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

Fifty shade of gray. Mysterious way left to reader’s imagination. I see one of three Fates cutting the cord.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Possibly all three of the Fates, Richard --Clotho (the spinner), Lachesis (the allotter), and Atropos ( death.) But let us hope it is Clotho.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

The youngest with the shears. Cuts the iris.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

Very powerful. It's shows the labyrinth of mental illness and how deep it can engulf someone and only one person can pull that cord that guides them through it.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful comment, Sue. I intended this short piece to be about mental illness, but I know it can be interpreted many different ways.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I like the first one better. It leaves more to the imagination.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. I myself , as a reader, prefer open-ended sorts of stories where the details must be supplied by the reader.

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Wade Terry's avatar

The first one belongs as a book jacket lead in. The second one gets me more involved and interested. Love your creativity and imagination.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Cool, Wade. Thanks for thinking about the question! And I appreciate the compliment.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Sharron, I would say the second story . . . as Justin says there is more too it. Very poignant both ways.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I think the second one is more easily interpreted. Maybe.

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Kim Smyth's avatar

I liked both as well!

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

I like them both, Sharron. But I would have to say, the second one is my favorite. The first carries a big punch. The second allows me to get to know the redeemer a little better. I, in my life, have been the redeemed, and this story lets me appreciate my redeemer all the more. Thanks for a powerful look at mental illness.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, my sister. We, all of us, have to seek redemption in our lives at one time or another. If only everyone could be as lucky as you, to have a faithful and true partner, one who took his vows very seriously. It does my heart good to see how much you love each other. Even though it is often to the point of breaking into song!

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

I feel very lucky, and sometimes break into a dance, as well....ha ha

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Bob Gillen's avatar

150.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Bob, for your vote! And welcome to 🌿Leaves. Thanks for stopping by.

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Patrick's avatar

Describing your talent with words eclipses my talents with words. 🙏

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Awww, thank you, Patrick. What a sweet thing to say. I want to thank you so much for looking around at 🌿 Leaves and reading so many of my archived stories!. Hardly any one takes the time to do that and it is much appreciated. By the way, I love your icon photo of the two dozing friends on the sunny sofa. Beautiful lighting on a peaceful scene.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

The longer version it has more substance—although a short version could, but this has emotional meat

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Golly! Thanks, Jill, for reading my two little stories and sending out your comments. I really appreciate it.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

I like the fifty better, only because it leaves the woman in a sort of virtuous mystery, a rock to build on.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Jim. Those 50-word stories are trickier to write than one would think. I appreciate so much that you read my stuff.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

I like both. Each one has its own charm.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Yael. Happy Sunday to you!

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