First, a correction: Hasty editing resulted in One tires quickly of one's own voice in one's own when I meant to say One tires quickly of one's own voice in one's own ear . Always pruufreed. Sorry.

Now, as promised: In response to a "flash fiction" contest to write a short story in 100 words or less, the following was selected as one of the best submissions and originally appeared in the Detroit Metro Times (date unknown). It was reprinted in the Nov-Dec 2002 issue of Utne, and that is where I came across it. It's called "The Night Before," and if my math is correct, it is exactly one hundred words.

"The Night Before," by Katie Chase


My sister's a virgin, and it's the night before her wedding. We go to the bar, just she and I. She lets men hit on her just so she can turn them away. I'm the second choice in the turtleneck sweater.

"Hi, sweetheart." One slides his hand up my skirt. I let him. My sister offers to throw her drink in his face.

"It's fine."

He buys me a shot.

In the back of the cab, I hold her hair as she vomits.

I overhear the driver: "Drunk sluts."

That's when she tells me she doesn't think she loves him.