RANDOM WORD DRABBLE | FICTION SHORTS

What a Smile and Hug Can Do

When there simply are no words to soothe

Karen Hoffman
Fiction Shorts
Published in
2 min readMay 14, 2024

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Today’s Daily Word: TIDINGS

image created in Canva by Karen Hoffman

The Daily Drabble Journey continues — short stories of exactly 100 words. Please stay on this page for at least 30 seconds, so we know you’ve been here. Also, I love hearing from readers so please feel free to highlight, clap, comment — let me know what you think. Many of us on this journey enjoy engaging with readers and writers. I am one of them. Thank you!

Ursula sipped a cup of tea, although she really wanted something numbing. Her stress was sky high; she knew it was beyond what chamomile or lavender could soothe.

Ronald saw this in her eyes and in the way she held her body stiffly. He knew how badly she felt. While he deeply wanted to bring her a message of good tidings, the update he heard earlier was grim.

Ronald knew from his vast experience that no words would help. He offered a smile, with outstretched arms to embrace Ursula. She felt herself enveloped by love and simply said, “Thank you.”

LESSONS:
1. When words won’t suffice, hugs are excellent sources of comfort and support.
2. Genuine smiles make positive differences in someone’s life, even if temporary.

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Karen Hoffman
Fiction Shorts

I focus on Words that Matter®- like gratitude, compassion, kindness. Life experiences & nature inspire me. Writer; CEO Living on Purpose; Morning Altars Teacher