22 Comments
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K.C. Knouse's avatar

I was immediately drawn to the characters in this touching story. Because your work often includes the supernatural, I thought Maria had returned from the dead when I read, "Hey, you old cow". How nice it was the nurse. She knew just what Ginny needed.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you, K.C. I appreciate your kind comment.

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William Pauley III's avatar

My absolute favorite thing about your writing is how you so consistently pack a novel's worth of character development into much shorter stories. And you do it with expert precision as well, as the details never feel forced or a single word out of place. Always in awe. 👏

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

High praise, William! I love short form stories. Punch and walk away. Thank you for posting such a lovely comment.

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Jennifer Morrow's avatar

You're so talented, Michele!

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you, @Jennifer Morrow!

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Travis Blake's avatar

Great story. Tough to read because it brings back memories of my mom and dad.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thanks, Travis. Getting old sucks. Sending you virtual hugs and cookies. I appreciate that you read the story. :-)

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Hanna Delaney's avatar

I loved this. I had a knot in my throat too.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you so much, Hanna!

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V Kelly-Sibley's avatar

Awww, that was beautiful! It made me cry. And I loved it!

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Aw, V! :-) Thank you!

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Fiona Tate's avatar

I do love stories when humans behave like the better side of being human.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you so much, Fiona!

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Sandy Rule's avatar

I loved this short story..reminded me of all the Sweet old dears I took care of in the Hospitals I worked at, and now at 75 I am going to be one lol, but not Just yet, I am pretty independent. 😁

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Sandy, thank you so much. I expect you're very feisty, and I love that. I really appreciate you reading and commenting on Escape.

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Torry Fontenot's avatar

That was such a wonderful short story.

Hit a little close to home . But beautiful anyway.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you, Torry. I appreciate your kind words.

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Chele Schenck's avatar

I've been spending more time than I wish I had to at my mom's assisted living center, (I'd rather spend time traveling with her or something) and taking her to see her husband in the hospital. This hit me in all the feels this morning, and it's beautiful!

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank you so much, Chele! :-)

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

This is a masterpiece. It fit my mood this morning.

I know what it's like to lose a friend, especially if it's a best friend.

Your prose was beautiful, and I could feel the friendship in the conversation.

Thank you.

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Author Michele Bardsley's avatar

Thank YOU, Joseph. I appreciate your comment so much. I'm glad the story resonated with you.

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