Below is my entry for Susanna L. Hill’s awesome “Valentiny” contest, which can be found here. Her challenge – write a story about someone or something who is “brave” in 214 words or less. Our family moved last year – just across town – but our move meant that our three children had to change schools and leave behind some dear friends in our old neighborhood.
I wrote this for them.
LOVE IS BRAVE, 167 words
Valentine’s - One week away! Zoe’s favorite Holiday! “I'll make cards!” Zoe cheers, “For my friends Close to here.” But then – sigh – Zoe blinks. “What friends?” Zoe thinks. Best friend Far away. Zoe moved. Tina stayed. Tears gather. Drip drop. Once flowing Hard to stop. Daddy’s hand Smooths her hair. “Brave girl, Want to share?” “I miss my friend!” Zoe cries. Daddy holds her, “So do I.” Zoe sniffs, “You miss friends too?” Daddy nods, “I sure do.” Then he says, “It’s OK To miss your friend Far away. But Valentine’s The perfect day To send cards So you can say…” “LOVE you, MISS you!” Zoe shouts, Grabs her glue, Pulls scissors out. Paper crackles. Clip, snip. Glitter globs. Glue drips. Cards galore! White and red Hang to dry Overhead. “One for Tina, One for you, One for Mommy, One for…new?” “My kind girl,” Daddy smiles, “Keeps her friend Across the miles. But ready for A new friend too. Love is ALWAYS The brave thing to do.” © by Heather C. Morris 2021
Heather C. Morris 
Love the snappy pace, happy images, and ending line!
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Thank you, Sarah!
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I like how your story develops through the rhyme, but without a lot of words. Very sweet story. Good luck.
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So much emotion in so few words. Really enjoyed reading this!
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Thank you so much!
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Nicely paced sweet story, Heather, with such a lovely relationship between Zoe and Dad. And it’s true – Valentines is a perfect opportunity to let someone you miss know you’re thinking of them, or to offer friendship to someone new 😊
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Wow! Thank you so much, Susanna!
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I enjoyed that her father shared he was missing friends too so she didn’t feel alone. I really enjoyed the line
“But ready for
A new friend too.
Love is ALWAYS
The brave thing to do.” Nice story!
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Thank you so much, Colleen!
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I love the ending, “love is always the brave thing to do.” This was a delight to read.
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Thank you so much!
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What a sweet story done with great rhythm and pace. Good job and good luck!
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Thanks so much, Nancy!
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