The most amazing short historical facts in the world. Short stories for children

Hemingway once bet that he would write a six-word story (in the original language) that would be the most moving ever written. And he won the argument.

1. “Children's shoes for sale. Not worn."
(“For sale: baby shoes, never used.”)
2. The winner of the competition for the shortest story that has a beginning, climax and denouement. (O.Henry)
“The driver lit a cigarette and bent over the gas tank to see how much gasoline was left. The deceased was twenty-three years old."
3. Frederick Brown. The shortest scary story ever written.
“The last man on Earth was sitting in a room. There was a knock on the door."
4. A competition was held in Great Britain for the shortest story.
The parameters were as follows:
- God must be mentioned,
- Queen,
- There should be some sex
and there is some mystery present.
Winner story:
- God! - cried the queen, - I’m pregnant, and it’s unknown from whom!...
5. An elderly French woman won the competition for the shortest autobiography and wrote:
“I used to have a smooth face and a wrinkled skirt, but now it’s the other way around.”

Here are a few more of the most short stories in the world, up to 55 words. Read for your health.

Jane Orvis
Window

Ever since Rita was brutally murdered, Carter has been sitting by the window.
No TV, reading, correspondence. His life is what is seen through the curtains.
He doesn't care who brings the food, who pays the bills, he doesn't leave the room.
His life is passing athletes, the change of seasons, passing cars, the ghost of Rita.
Carter doesn't realize that the felt-lined chambers have no windows.

Larisa Kirkland
Offer

Starlight Night. It's the right time. Romantic dinner. Cozy Italian restaurant. Small black dress. Luxurious hair, sparkling eyes, silvery laughter. We've been together for two years. Wonderful time! Real love, best friend, no one else. Champagne! I offer my hand and heart. On one knee. Are people watching? Well, let! Beautiful diamond ring. Blush on the cheeks, charming smile.
How, no?!

Charles Enright
Ghost

As soon as this happened, I hurried home to tell my wife the sad news. But she didn't seem to listen to me at all. She didn't notice me at all. She looked right through me and poured herself a drink. She turned on the TV.
At that moment there was a phone call. She walked over and picked up the phone.
I saw her face wrinkle. She cried bitterly.

Andrew E. Hunt
Gratitude

The wool blanket he'd recently been given from a charity felt comfortable around his shoulders, and the boots he'd found in the trash today didn't sting at all.
The street lights warmed the soul so pleasantly after all this chilling darkness...
The curve of the park bench seemed so familiar to his weary old back.
“Thank you, Lord,” he thought, “life is simply amazing!”

Brian Newell
What the devil wants

The two boys stood and watched Satan slowly walk away. The sparkle of his hypnotic eyes still clouded their heads.
- Listen, what did he want from you?
- My soul. And from you?
- A coin for a pay phone. He urgently needed to call.
- Do you want us to go eat?
- I want to, but now I have no money at all.
- It's OK. I have plenty.

Alan E. Mayer
Bad luck

I woke up with severe pain throughout my body. I opened my eyes and saw a nurse standing by my bed.
“Mr. Fujima,” she said, “you were lucky to survive the bombing of Hiroshima two days ago.” But now you are in the hospital, you are no longer in danger.
A little alive from weakness, I asked:
- Where I am?
“To Nagasaki,” she answered.

Jay Rip
Fate

There was only one way out, for our lives were intertwined in too tangled a knot of anger and bliss to solve everything any other way. Let's trust the lot: heads - and we will get married, tails - and we will part forever.
The coin was tossed. She tinkled, spun and stopped. Eagle.
We stared at her in bewilderment.
Then, with one voice, we said, “Maybe one more time?”

Robert Tompkins
In Search of Truth

Finally, in this remote, secluded village, his search ended. Truth sat in a dilapidated hut by the fire.
He had never seen an older, uglier woman.
- You - Really?
The old, wizened hag nodded solemnly.
- Tell me, what should I tell the world? What message to convey?
The old woman spat into the fire and answered:
- Tell them that I am young and beautiful!

August Salemi
Modern medicine

Blinding headlights, a deafening grinding sound, piercing pain, absolute pain, then a warm, inviting, pure blue light. John felt amazingly happy, young, free, he moved towards the radiant radiance.
The pain and darkness slowly returned. John slowly, with difficulty, opened his swollen eyes. Bandages, some tubes, plaster. Both legs were gone. Tearful wife.
- You were saved, dear!

As we see the shortest and most interesting stories in the world are distinguished by brevity and extraordinary depth of thoughts - the authors skillfully fit into the shortest stories unprecedented content and the most interesting stories turn out to be extremely attractive to readers.

Short stories- a genre in literature that requires special skill and talent of the author. Sometimes 55 words are enough to convey the meaning and idea. This is incredibly small, but it is enough to think about what sometimes seems insignificant and unimportant to us. A short story is the story of one life, one tragedy, one fate.

One day, New Time magazine held an event in which participants were asked to write a story no more than 55 words long. The action caused an incredible response among readers.

The result of this action was a collection called “The World’s Shortest Stories.” The genre of short stories captivated not only the readers of New Time magazine, but also the best representatives of the literary community. So, for example, Hemingway once won an argument by writing a story that could touch anyone and consisted of only 4 words:

“Children's shoes for sale. Unworn."

Some believe that any story should contain three traditional components: beginning, climax and denouement. Master of the story O. Henry won the competition by writing his short story, taking into account these requirements:

“The driver lit a cigarette and bent over the gas tank to see how much gasoline was left. The deceased was twenty-three years old."

American science fiction writer and master detective genre Frederick Brown managed to write the shortest of horror stories:

“The last man on Earth was sitting in a room. There was a knock on the door..."

But you don't have to be a recognized literary genius to write short stories. For example, an elderly French woman won a competition by writing the shortest autobiography:

“I used to have a smooth face and a wrinkled skirt, but now it’s the other way around.”

TOP 20 SHORT STORIES.

"What the Devil Wants"

The two boys stood and watched Satan slowly walk away. The sparkle of his hypnotic eyes still clouded their heads.

Listen, what did he want from you?

My soul. And from you?

A coin for a pay phone. He urgently needed to call.

Do you want us to go eat?

I want to, but now I have no money at all.

It's OK. I have plenty.

Brian Newell.

"Higher education"

In college, we just wiped our pants down,” Jennings said, washing his dirty hands.

After all these budget cuts they don't teach you much, they just made estimates and things went on as usual.

So how did you study?

But we didn’t study. However, you can watch me work.

The nurse opened the door.

Dr. Jennings, you're needed in the operating room.

Ron Bast.

"Gratitude"

The wool blanket he'd recently been given from a charity felt comfortable around his shoulders, and the boots he'd found in the trash today didn't sting at all. The street lights warmed his soul so pleasantly after all this chilling darkness... The curve of the park bench seemed so familiar to his tired old back. “Thank you, Lord,” he thought, “life is simply amazing!”

Andrew E. Hunt.

"Rendezvous"

The phone rang.

Hello,” she whispered.

Victoria, it's me. Let's meet at the pier at midnight.

OK, darling.

And please don’t forget to take a bottle of champagne with you,” he said.

I won't forget, dear. I want to be with you tonight.

Hurry up, I have no time to wait! - he said and hung up.

She sighed, then smiled.

I wonder who it is,” she said.

Nicole Weddle.

"Bed Story"

Watch out baby, it's loaded,” he said as he walked back into the bedroom.

Her back rested on the headboard of the bed.

Is this for your wife?

No. It would be risky. I'll hire a hitman.

What if the killer is me?

He grinned.

Who is smart enough to hire a woman to kill a man?

She licked her lips and aimed her sights at him.

Your wife's.

Geoffrey Whitmore.

"Unfortunate"

They say evil has no face. Indeed, no feelings were reflected on his face. There was not a glimmer of sympathy on him, but the pain was simply unbearable. Can't he see the horror in my eyes and the panic on my face? He calmly, one might say, carried out his dirty work professionally, and at the end he politely said: “Rinse your mouth, please.”

Dan Andrews.

"The Decisive Moment"

She could almost hear the doors of her prison slamming shut. Freedom is gone forever, now her fate is in someone else’s hands, and she will never see freedom. Crazy thoughts flashed through her head about how nice it would be to fly far, far away. But she knew that it was impossible to hide. She turned to the groom with a smile and repeated: “Yes, I agree.”

Tina Milburn.

"Start"

She was angry with him. In their idyllic life, they had almost everything, but she longed for one thing - something they never had. Only his cowardice was a hindrance. Then it will be necessary to get rid of it, but it’s too early. It's better to be calm and cunning. Beautiful in her nakedness, she grabbed the fruit. “Adam,” she called quietly.

Enrique Cavalitto.

"In the hospital"

She drove the car at breakneck speed. Lord, if only I could make it on time.

But from the expression on the face of the doctor from the intensive care unit, she understood everything. She began to sob.

Is he conscious? “Mrs. Allerton,” the doctor said softly, “you should be happy.”

His last words were: “I love you, Mary.” She looked at the doctor and turned away.

“Thank you,” Judith said coldly.

Barnaby Conrades.

"Hide and Seek"

Ninety-nine, one hundred! Ready or not, here I come! I hate driving, but for me it's much easier than hiding. Entering a dark room, I whisper to those who are hiding inside: “They hit and hit!” They follow me along the long corridor with their eyes, and in the mirrors hanging on the walls my figure in a black cassock and with a scythe in his hands is reflected.

Kurt Homan.

"Fate"

There was only one way out, for our lives were intertwined in too tangled a knot of anger and bliss to solve everything any other way. Let's trust the lot: heads - and we will get married, tails - and we will part forever. The coin was tossed. She tinkled, spun and stopped. Eagle. We stared at her in bewilderment. Then, with one voice, we said, “Maybe one more time?”

Jay Rip.

"Evening Surprise"

Shiny tights hugged her beautiful hips tightly and seductively - a wonderful addition to the light evening dress. From the very tips of the diamond earrings to the toes of the elegant shoes with thin stiletto heels, everything was simply chic. Eyes with freshly applied shadows examined the reflection in the mirror, and lips painted with bright red lipstick stretched with pleasure. Suddenly I heard from behind child's voice: "Dad?!"

Hillary Clay.

"Window"

Ever since Rita was brutally murdered, Carter has been sitting by the window. No TV, reading, correspondence. His life is what is seen through the curtains. He doesn't care who brings the food, who pays the bills, he doesn't leave the room. His life is passing athletes, the change of seasons, passing cars, the ghost of Rita. Carter doesn't realize that the felt-lined chambers have no windows.

Jane Orvey.

"It was a year ago"

Flowed by a light breeze, Doug stood and looked at Joey.

Hey Joey! - said Doug.

There was silence all around.

I'm sorry, Joey. I did not want. Honestly. Happy New Year, Joey!

Doug placed a rose on Joey's grave and slowly walked away.

Will you ever forgive me for driving drunk that night? - he asked.

Grace Kagimbaga.

"In the garden"

She was standing in the garden when she saw him running towards her.

Tina! My little flower! Love of my life!

He finally said it.

Tina, my flower!

Oh Tom, I love you too!

Tom approached her, knelt down and quickly pushed her aside.

My flower! You stepped on my favorite rose!

Hope Hey Torres.

"In Search of Truth"

Finally, in this remote, secluded village, his search ended. Truth sat in a dilapidated hut by the fire. He had never seen an older, uglier woman.

Are you - Really?

The old, wizened hag nodded solemnly.

Tell me, what should I tell the world? What message to convey?

The old woman spat into the fire and answered:

Tell them I'm young and beautiful!

Robert Tompkins.

"Bad luck"

I woke up with severe pain throughout my body. I opened my eyes and saw a nurse standing by my bed.

Mr. Fujima, she said, you were lucky to survive the bombing of Hiroshima two days ago. But now you are in the hospital, you are no longer in danger.

A little alive from weakness, I asked:

“To Nagasaki,” she answered.

Alan E. Mayer.

"Trial"

She hated them! All of them! Their masks did not hide their joy as their lustful hands pressed her down so that he could have his way with her. The pain was unbearable. But he did not stop, he continued to perform this monstrous ritual over her. Her screams only encouraged him. She knew that if she did not give in, death would be inevitable. Finally, satisfied, he said, “Boy.”

Tom McGrane.

"Ghost"

As soon as this happened, I hurried home to tell my wife the sad news. But she didn't seem to listen to me at all. She didn't notice me at all. She looked right through me and poured herself a drink. She turned on the TV. At that moment the phone rang. She walked over and picked up the phone. I saw her face wrinkle. She cried bitterly.

Charles Enright.

"Offer"

Starlight Night. It's the right time. Romantic dinner. Cozy Italian restaurant. Little black dress. Luxurious hair, sparkling eyes, silvery laughter. We've been together for two years. Wonderful time! True love, best friend, no one else. Champagne! I offer my hand and heart. On one knee. Are people watching? Well, let!

Beautiful diamond ring. Blush on the cheeks, charming smile. How, no?!

Larisa Kirkland.

Katerina Goltsman

My job required me to take a polygraph test. I was very worried and at the same time curious. Two conclusions: if at the beginning they tell you: “Breathe calmly,” then you will not be able to breathe calmly for the entire session (~2 hours); The polygraph is not an accurate machine. I was re-tested several times for drugs, when in reality I have nothing to do with them at all, not even cigarettes, but the polygraph was still triggered by these questions. And you had to explain that you are not a deer.

I have ugly hands. I have been haunted by this complex all my life. Short and thick fingers, small nail plate. How I envy people who are lucky with their hands! When you can, without hesitation, try on rings, gracefully shake hands, do beautiful manicure... Even my nail extensions look terrible! I am always embarrassed to take something from people and show my hands in company. It seems to me that ugly hands are the same thing as ugly face- also spoils a person (

I can't break the habit of masturbating with my boyfriend's electric toothbrush. The thought that he then brushes his teeth with it is exciting.

When I was about five years old, my grandmother often came and sat with us while my parents worked. And she had a tradition: once a week she would bring a new issue of the Crime newspaper and read it aloud to us before bed. I still remember all sorts of scary stories in detail about maniacs and pedophiles.

I woke up in the morning and realized that I needed to change something in my life. I changed the bed linen and went back to bed. It's a shame that this is where all the planned changes end.

I'm a Veterinarian. Once a woman came to me with a parrot and said that something was wrong with it. I wanted to explain that I am not an ornithologist and do not study parrots. Screaming, she threw the cage with the parrot into the wall and left. I was very scared, picked up the cage and took it to the ornithologist. Fortunately, everything was fine with the parrot, he was just very scared. I took him in with me, and now I have a friend, Yasha. He turned out to be very friendly and affectionate. I recently started talking. I love him very much, we will soon buy him a girlfriend :)

One day I was walking around the city with my one-year-old daughter and went to jump on the trampolines. Soon the groom appeared three years old, looked after my daughter, carried cookies, gave her juice. Then he takes her hand, leads her to his parents, says: “This is mom, this is dad,” he turns to her. “Who are you?” My daughter stands, blinks her eyes, we all laugh. The boy was not taken aback: “What? You don’t know your name? Poor thing! Then I’ll call you Lenin. Grandma says he was good.” We still sometimes call it that))

The husband is very clean, and he always smells of fragrant shower gels and perfume. And then during the night the car often started and ran out of gas. He was running to a gas station and accidentally doused himself with gasoline. When I came home, my legs gave way under me! How I missed the smell of a working man... I attacked him, but he quickly ran away and rushed to the bathroom to wash his clothes. All desire is gone.

I am an extremely tactful and empathic person. Correctly comforting a friend, cheering up a colleague, praising a child, not disturbing the elderly - all this is about me. But not when it comes to love and romantic relationships! I'm kind of mentally retarded in this regard. "Yy" and "uh". I can blurt out something on a date that makes it the last (which happened in my life). It’s as if I came to a symposium on the problems of the Russian language and said: “OK, guys, let’s hype a little!”

I recently saw a picture from a balcony: a drunk guy who had just returned from the army got to the bottom of an unfortunate homeless man with the question: “Where did you serve?” To which the homeless man, without hesitation, replied: “In the homeless division”)

I’m a big workaholic and an activist, but if I become lazy for at least a couple of days, lounging at home watching TV shows and pizza, then I can’t be stopped, and my laziness can drag on for several months until I force myself to get out of bed. So one day I overslept my plane to the Maldives, I planned and saved for a very long time...

Some people have fur all over their apartment because of cats, others because of dogs. And for me because of the carpet! I got it from my ancestors, and I love it very much, but Last year he just sheds catastrophically! His fur is everywhere, and it’s also red... I love my carpet very much, but I don’t want to live covered in wool either.

The other day I came across the city's telephone directory, a healthy Talmud, more than a thousand pages. And I sat like a child, looking for surnames like Sukina, Kherova... there are no such names in our city. There are Durasovs, Durovs, a bunch of Vagins, Pork and the first one starting with the letter I - Jaanus. I think Pavel Leonidovich was unlucky. He is the anus.

As a child, I had a neighbor who was the same age. We often ran to visit each other. Usually we just played together, but on Sundays her dad came, and our get-togethers became a real holiday. The cheerful mustachioed man always came up with Interesting games and brought a bunch of sweets and gifts. Returning home, upset, I asked my mother why we couldn’t have it like this. Thus, at a time when many children dreamed of a father, I dreamed of my parents getting divorced)

When I was 14 ( teenage problems+ really difficult situation in the family), I was on the verge of depression. There are no friends, no one understands, life is not a success. And suddenly I accidentally met a boy from an orphanage three years older than me. We communicated with him very rarely, but literally after a couple of conversations with him, my condition improved a thousand times. He always appeared next to me only when it was really hard for me. So kind, so dear person, everyone around him loved him very much. He was just telling me how hard it was for him a couple of years ago, and how happy he is now. And I realized that there is no point in worrying about something if in a couple of years it won’t matter to you. I’ve lost contact with the boy, we don’t communicate, but I’m incredibly grateful to him and will remember him for the rest of my life. Now, I'm sure he's helping someone else.

His best friend introduced me to my husband. This friend is a womanizer, he had so many beautiful girls. And then one day he starts asking me for the phone number of a girl - my neighbor. I am an accountant for a housing cooperative, so I have contact information for all the residents. The girl is so-so - a gray mouse, it would seem that after all those princesses nothing will shine for her, I feel sorry for her, I think she will fuck her up and leave her. After much persuasion, I took pity and gave him my number. Result: wedding, daughter is already five years old, they adore each other.

My ex-lover decided to ruin my life. Hiding behind the guise of other people, he posted a photo of me with the caption “whore” with his first and last name and, like an adult man, closed all his profiles. I didn’t do anything wrong, I just didn’t want to meet again.

My problem is my age. I'm 21. I can't be promoted at work because there are legal requirements for positions held. But I don’t have a tower yet, I don’t have three years of experience in this field. I cannot calmly and openly say that I am married. After all, if you are married at 21, then only by chance. I can't buy a car, because you're 21 - you're just a child. The result is this: the infantes created their own cult and popularized it so much that now, if you are thirty and watch cartoons, it is more normal and socially correct.

Three years ago, my sister and her husband died in an accident, leaving behind a five-year-old niece. My parents began to press me to take custody of the girl, and at the same time I received a grant for two years of study at a foreign university, which I sought whole year, it was not easy to win. Naturally, it was out of the question for me to miss such a chance, because I had the opportunity to go abroad and stay there to live, and eventually work. The niece was sent to Orphanage- My mother is on disability, my father was sick, and my sisters on my husband’s side all died. For my relatives, I am now enemy number one, but I surprisingly don’t care about it. I have already completed my studies, received my degree and am working where I dreamed of. I wouldn't make any other choice. Alas, and oh, this is my life and I was not going to sacrifice it for someone else.

I'm a fatalist. During her life she survived the unsurvivable seven times. I easily risk my life and don’t take care of it, because I believe that if my body has survived seven damn times, not to mention a bunch of times on the brink, then I’m obviously needed for some reason.

My boyfriend's parents are very rich people. But they don't give him money and don't expensive gifts with the words: “Achieve everything yourself!” That's what he said. But as I heard from his conversation with an old friend from “that rich life", this is because he is dating me, and I am not their equal. I love him madly! But I see how tired he is of working, and how he wants to return to his parents and their money. It seems that our hut is collapsing.

Once, in a subway passage, a guy came up and asked me to walk hand in hand with my ex. At that moment, my self-esteem rose significantly, I was already imagining the upcoming continuation of our acquaintance, but after the girl disappeared from the horizon, the young man also disappeared, as did my phone number.

My grandmother is 80 years old. Lives in multi-storey building on the ninth floor. Recently moved to the floor above new neighbor- such a lady of about 30 years old. One day she comes to my grandmother and says: “I, of course, apologize, but you are walking on the ceiling too loudly.” My grandmother, not at a loss, answered: “When I was young, I lifted weights, but my knees no longer allow me to walk on the ceiling.” The lady was taken aback, muttered something and disappeared.

I have a colleague who talked like I was talking to my mother. She knew everything. She's 50, I'm 30; divorce, new relationship. Recently she covered her ass with me in front of the general. I freaked out, told her, they stopped communicating. I recently saw her with the “same” girl like me. I thought about it. I realized that I knew almost every personal life of my colleagues - who slept with whom, gave birth to whom, what illnesses she had, etc. Everything about those with whom she was once friends. Apparently, my personal life has now become public! What a fool I am(

I needed to move furniture and I turned to a moving company. We were discussing the details with the logistician on the phone, when suddenly I heard strange sounds and realized with horror that it was the gurgling of feeding poop followed by the rustling of paper. Doubts were dispelled by the sound of flushing. In awe, I simply said: “Don’t forget to wash your hands.” I found another company with less relaxed employees.

I have often heard that many men would be happy if they had not one, but two girls nearby. In words, everyone is such an alpha male! I'm a girl, I have a girlfriend. We have been together for a long time and have thought more than once that it would be nice if a man were with us. Not just in terms of sex. We both work, there is no need to provide for us. Nobody is going to share it. But I have not yet met a single man who would be happy about this. Where are you, vaunted males who want to have a harem? Everyone runs away with their eyes wide in fear...

I'm paranoid about teeth. It so happened that I wore braces for more than five years, and when they were removed, it started. I brush my teeth in the morning, evening and after every meal. I brush for 10-15 minutes with three different brushes. I brush until blood oozes from each gum. I know that this is impossible, but I can’t help it. I'm afraid that because of this quirk I will soon lose my smile, because some of my teeth have already begun to wobble...

My husband and I lived in St. Petersburg at the same time. We moved from one apartment to another (10 minutes walk). All things were transported, only one empty suitcase remained. I followed him. It’s summer, it’s warm, I’m rocking this empty suitcase. And then the old woman walking towards me stops and loudly rumbles: “Where? Back? Home? To Orenburg?!” She shook her head disapprovingly and moved on. If she had confused me with someone, she would have called me by name, asked what happened... Why Orenburg at all? I'm from Ekaterinburg...

I have depression, I am working with a therapist. He explained why it was necessary to break off a long-stagnant relationship with a guy. I tried to be as gentle as possible when parting. The ex-boyfriend was already OFFEN that I wanted to break up with him, and he no longer writes.

I’ve been living in Germany for a year now and when I start to miss hometown(I’m from the Baltic states), I just go on Sunday to the only store that is open that day throughout the city. Since this is the central station, all the cream of society gather here. The crush, the running, the queues - everything we love. After such an adventure I remember how much I hate people.

website represents the most short stories-masterpieces , which only exist on the Internet. Some of them fit into one sentence and the end of this sentence simply arouses great interest in the reader. Here are really worthwhile things that you will be interested in reading.

"I killed my grandmother this morning." With such a phrase, F. Roosevelt attracted the attention of his distracted interlocutor.
The ability to tell a lot in a few words, give food for thought, awaken feelings and emotions is highest degree language proficiency and highest level writing skills. And we have a lot to learn from the masters of brevity.
In this topic Office plankton put together a small but exciting collection of the shortest literary stories, demonstrating the talent of writers and their unique command of words.

* * *

Hemingway once made a bet that he would write a story consisting of only 4 words, capable of touching any reader. The writer managed to win the argument:
“Children's shoes for sale. "Unworn" (“For sale: baby shoes, never used”)

* * *

Frederick Brown composed the shortest scary story ever written:
“The last man on Earth was sitting in a room. There was a knock on the door..."

* * *

American writer O. Henry won the competition for the shortest story that has all the components of a traditional story - a plot, a climax and a denouement:
“The driver lit a cigarette and bent over the gas tank to see how much gasoline was left. The deceased was twenty-three years old."

* * *

Alan E. Mayer "Bad Luck"
I woke up with severe pain throughout my body. I opened my eyes and saw a nurse standing by my bed.
“Mr. Fujima,” she said, “you were lucky to survive the bombing of Hiroshima two days ago.” But now you are in the hospital, you are no longer in danger.
A little alive from weakness, I asked:
- Where I am?
“To Nagasaki,” she answered.

* * *

Jane Orvis "Window"
Ever since Rita was brutally murdered, Carter has been sitting by the window. No TV, reading, correspondence. His life is what is seen through the curtains. He doesn't care who brings the food, who pays the bills, he doesn't leave the room. His life is passing athletes, the change of seasons, passing cars, the ghost of Rita.
Carter doesn't realize that the felt-lined chambers have no windows.

* * *

The British also organized a competition for the most short story. But according to the terms of the competition, the queen, God, sex, and mystery must be mentioned in it. First place was awarded to the author of the following story:
“Oh, God,” exclaimed the queen, “I’m pregnant and I don’t know from whom!”

* * *

Larisa Kirkland "The Proposal"
Starlight Night. It's the right time. Romantic dinner. Cozy Italian restaurant. Little black dress. Luxurious hair, sparkling eyes, silvery laughter. We've been together for two years. Wonderful time! True love, best friend, no one else. Champagne! I offer my hand and heart. On one knee. Are people watching? Well, let! Beautiful diamond ring. Blush on the cheeks, charming smile.
How, no?!

* * *

A classic example of Spartan brevity comes from a letter from King Philip II of Macedonia, who conquered many Greek cities:
“I advise you to surrender immediately, because if my army enters your lands, I will destroy your gardens, enslave your people and destroy your city.”
To this the Spartan ephors responded in one word: "If".

* * *

Charles Enright "Ghost"
As soon as this happened, I hurried home to tell my wife the sad news. But she didn't seem to listen to me at all. She didn't notice me at all. She looked right through me and poured herself a drink. She turned on the TV.
At that moment the phone rang. She walked over and picked up the phone. I saw her face wrinkle. She cried bitterly.

* * *

Robert Tompkins "In Search of Truth"
Finally, in this remote, secluded village, his search ended. Truth sat in a dilapidated hut by the fire.
He had never seen an older, uglier woman.
- You - Really?
The old, wizened hag nodded solemnly.
- Tell me, what should I tell the world? What message to convey?
The old woman spat into the fire and answered:
- Tell them that I am young and beautiful!

* * *

Victor Hugo sent the publisher the manuscript of the novel Les Misérables with a covering letter:
«?»
The answer was no less laconic:
«!»

* * *

An elderly French woman won the competition for the shortest autobiography and wrote:
“I used to have a smooth face and a wrinkled skirt, but now it’s the other way around”

* * *

And in conclusion, Valery Bryusov’s famous monostich of 1895:
"Oh close your pale legs."

Valentin Berestov

There was a time when birds could not sing.

And suddenly they learned that in one distant country there lived an old, wise man who taught music.

Then the birds sent the Stork and the Nightingale to him to check if this was so.

The stork was in a hurry. He couldn't wait to become the world's first musician.

He was in such a hurry that he ran to the sage and didn’t even knock on the door, didn’t greet the old man, and shouted with all his might right in his ear:

Hey old man! Come on, teach me music!

But the sage decided to first teach him politeness.

He took the Stork out the threshold, knocked on the door and said:

You have to do it like this.

All clear! - Stork was happy.

Is this what music is? - and flew away to quickly surprise the world with his art.

The nightingale arrived later on its small wings.

He timidly knocked on the door, said hello, asked for forgiveness for disturbing me and said that he really wanted to study music.

The sage liked the friendly bird. And he taught the nightingale everything he knew.

Since then, the modest Nightingale has become the best singer in the world.

And the eccentric Stork can only knock with his beak. Moreover, he boasts and teaches other birds:

Hey, do you hear? You have to do it like this, like this! That's what it is real music! If you don't believe me, ask an old sage.

How to find a track

Valentin Berestov

The guys went to visit their grandfather the forester. We went and got lost.

They look, Squirrel is jumping over them. From tree to tree. From tree to tree.

Guys - to her:

Belka, Belka, tell me, Belka, Belka, show me, How to find the path to grandpa’s lodge?

“Very simple,” Belka answers.

Jump from this tree to that one, from that one to the crooked birch tree. From the crooked birch tree you can see a large, large oak tree. The roof is visible from the top of the oak tree. This is the gatehouse. Well, what about you? Jump!

Thank you, Belka! - the guys say. - Only we don’t know how to jump on trees. We'd better ask someone else.

The Hare is jumping. The guys sang their song to him too:

Bunny Bunny, tell me, Bunny, Bunny, show me, How to find the path to grandpa's lodge?

To the lodge? - asked the Hare. - There is nothing simpler. At first it will smell like mushrooms. So? Then - hare cabbage. So? Then it smells fox hole. So? Skip this smell to the right or left. So? When it is left behind, smell it like this and you will smell the smoke. Jump straight onto it without turning anywhere. This is the forester grandfather setting the samovar.

“Thank you, Bunny,” the guys say. “It’s a pity that our noses are not as sensitive as yours.” I'll have to ask someone else.

They see a snail crawling.

Hey, Snail, tell me, Hey, Snail, show me, How to find the path to grandpa’s lodge?

It’s a long time to tell,” sighed the Snail. - Lu-u-better, I’ll take you there-u-u. Follow me.

Thank you, Snail! - the guys say. - We have no time to crawl. We'd better ask someone else.

A bee sits on a flower.

Guys to her:

Bee, Bee, tell me, Bee, Bee, show me, How to find the path to grandpa’s lodge?

Well, well, says the bee. - I’ll show you... Look where I’m flying. Follow. See my sisters. Where they go, you go too. We bring honey to grandpa's apiary. Well, goodbye! I'm in a big hurry. W-w-w...

And she flew away. The guys didn’t even have time to say thank you to her. They went to where the bees were flying and quickly found the guardhouse. What a joy! And then grandfather treated them to tea with honey.

Honest caterpillar

Valentin Berestov

The caterpillar considered itself very beautiful and did not let a single drop of dew pass without looking at it.

How good am I! - the Caterpillar rejoiced, looking with pleasure at its flat face and arching its furry back to see two golden stripes on it.

It's a pity that no one notices this.

But one day she got lucky. A girl walked through the meadow and picked flowers. The caterpillar climbed to the very top beautiful flower and began to wait.

That's disgusting! It's disgusting to even look at you!

Ah well! - the Caterpillar got angry. “Then I give my honest caterpillar word that no one, ever, anywhere, for anything, under any circumstances, will ever see me again!”

You gave your word - you need to keep it, even if you are a Caterpillar. And the Caterpillar crawled up the tree. From trunk to branch, from branch to branch, from branch to branch, from branch to twig, from twig to leaf.

She took out a silk thread from her abdomen and began to wrap herself around it. She worked for a long time and finally made a cocoon.

Phew, I'm so tired! - the Caterpillar sighed. - I'm completely exhausted.

It was warm and dark in the cocoon, there was nothing more to do, and the Caterpillar fell asleep.

She woke up because her back was itching terribly. Then the Caterpillar began to rub against the walls of the cocoon. She rubbed and rubbed, rubbed right through them and fell out.

But she fell somehow strangely - not down, but up.

And then the Caterpillar saw the same girl in the same meadow.

"Horrible! - thought the Caterpillar. “I may not be beautiful, it’s not my fault, but now everyone will know that I’m also a liar.” I gave an honest assurance that no one would see me, and I didn’t keep it. A shame!" And the Caterpillar fell into the grass.

And the girl saw her and said:

Such a beauty!

So trust people,” grumbled the Caterpillar.

Today they say one thing, and tomorrow they say something completely different.

Just in case, she looked into the dew drop. What's happened? In front of her is an unfamiliar face with a long, very long mustache.

The caterpillar tried to arch its back and saw that large multi-colored wings appeared on its back.

Oh that's it! - she guessed. - A miracle happened to me. The most ordinary miracle: I became a Butterfly!

This happens. And she merrily circled over the meadow, because she did not give the butterfly’s honest word that no one would see her.

Magic word

V.A. Oseeva

A little old man with a long gray beard was sitting on a bench and drawing something in the sand with an umbrella.
. “Move over,” Pavlik told him and sat down on the edge.
The old man moved and, looking at the boy’s red, angry face, said:
- Did something happen to you? - Well, okay! “What do you want?” Pavlik looked sideways at him.

“I’ll go to my grandmother. She's just cooking. Will he drive away or not?
Pavlik opened the door to the kitchen. The old woman was removing hot pies from the baking sheet.
The grandson ran up to her, turned her red, wrinkled face with both hands, looked into her eyes and whispered:
- Give me a piece of pie... please.
Grandma straightened up. Magic word it shone in every wrinkle, in the eyes, in the smile.
“I wanted something hot... something hot, my darling!” she said, choosing the best, rosy pie.
Pavlik jumped for joy and kissed her on both cheeks.
"Wizard! Wizard!" - he repeated to himself, remembering the old man.
At dinner, Pavlik sat quietly and listened to his brother’s every word. When his brother said that he would go boating, Pavlik put his hand on his shoulder and quietly asked:
- Take me, please. Everyone at the table immediately fell silent.
The brother raised his eyebrows and grinned.
“Take it,” the sister suddenly said. - What is it worth to you!
- Well, why not take it? - Grandma smiled. - Of course, take it.
“Please,” Pavlik repeated.

The brother laughed loudly, patted the boy on the shoulder, ruffled his hair:
- Oh, you traveler! Okay, get ready!
“It helped! It helped again!”
Pavlik jumped out from the table and ran into the street. But the old man was no longer in the park.
The bench was empty, and only incomprehensible signs drawn by an umbrella remained on the sand.

Badly

V.A. Oseeva
The dog barked furiously, falling on its front paws.

Right in front of her, pressed against the fence, sat a small, disheveled kitten. He opened his mouth wide and meowed pitifully.

Two boys stood nearby and waited to see what would happen.

A woman looked out the window and hurriedly ran out onto the porch. She drove the dog away and angrily shouted to the boys:

Shame on you!

What's a shame? We didn't do anything! - the boys were surprised.

This is bad! - the woman answered angrily.

Which is easier?

V.A. Oseeva
Three boys went into the forest. There are mushrooms, berries, birds in the forest. The boys went on a spree.

We didn’t notice how the day passed. They go home - they are afraid:

It will hit us at home!

So they stopped on the road and thought what was better: to lie or to tell the truth?

“I’ll say,” says the first, “that a wolf attacked me in the forest.”

The father will be afraid and will not scold.

“I’ll say,” says the second, “that I met my grandfather.”

My mother will be happy and will not scold me.

“And I’ll tell the truth,” says the third. “It’s always easier to tell the truth, because it’s the truth and there’s no need to invent anything.”

So they all went home.

As soon as the first boy told his father about the wolf, look, the forest guard is coming.

“No,” he says, “there are wolves in these places.” The father got angry. For the first guilt I was angry, and for the lie - twice as angry.

The second boy told about his grandfather. And the grandfather is right there - coming to visit. Mother found out the truth. For the first guilt I was angry, but for the lie I was twice as angry.

And the third boy, as soon as he arrived, immediately confessed to everything. His aunt grumbled at him and forgave him.

good

V.A. Oseeva

Yurik woke up in the morning. I looked out the window. The sun is shining. It's a good day. And the boy wanted to do something good himself.

So he sits and thinks: “What if my little sister was drowning, and I would save her!”

And my sister is right here:

Take a walk with me, Yura!

Go away, don't stop me from thinking! My little sister was offended and walked away.

And Yura thinks: “If only wolves attacked the nanny, and I would shoot them!”

And the nanny is right there:

Put away the dishes, Yurochka.

Clean it yourself - I have no time! The nanny shook her head.

And Yura thinks again: “If only Trezorka fell into the well, and I would pull him out!”

And Trezorka is right there. His tail wags: “Give me a drink, Yura!”

Go away! Don't bother thinking! Trezorka closed his mouth and climbed into the bushes.

And Yura went to his mother:

What good thing could I do? Mom stroked Yura’s head:

Take a walk with your sister, help the nanny put away the dishes, give Trezor some water.

sons

V.A. Oseeva

Two women were taking water from a well.

A third approached them. And the old man sat down on a pebble to rest.

Here's what one woman says to another:

My son is dexterous and strong, no one can handle him.

And the third is silent. “Why don’t you tell me about your son?” her neighbors ask.

What can I say? - says the woman. “There’s nothing special about him.”

So the women collected full buckets and left. And the old man is behind them.

Women walk and stop. My hands hurt, the water splashes, my back hurts. Suddenly three boys run out towards us.

One of them somersaults over his head, walks like a cartwheel, and the women admire him.

He sings another song, sings like a nightingale - the women listen to him.

And the third ran up to his mother, took the heavy buckets from her and dragged them.

The women ask the old man:

Well? What are our sons like?

Where are they? - the old man answers. “I only see one son!”

blue leaves

V.A. Oseeva

Katya had two green pencils. And Lena has none. So Lena asks Katya:

Give me a green pencil.

And Katya says:

I'll ask my mom.

The next day both girls come to school.

Lena asks:

Did your mom allow it?

And Katya sighed and said:

Mom allowed it, but I didn’t ask my brother.

Well, ask your brother again,” says Lena.

Katya arrives the next day.

Well, did your brother allow it? - Lena asks.

My brother allowed me, but I'm afraid you'll break your pencil.

“I’m careful,” says Lena.

Look, says Katya, don’t fix it, don’t press hard, don’t put it in your mouth. Don't draw too much.

“I just need to draw leaves on the trees and green grass,” says Lena.

“That’s a lot,” says Katya, and her eyebrows frown. And she made a dissatisfied face. Lena looked at her and walked away. I didn't take a pencil. Katya was surprised and ran after her:

Well, what are you doing? Take it! “No need,” Lena answers.

During the lesson, the teacher asks: “Why, Lenochka, are the leaves on your trees blue?”

There is no green pencil.

Why didn't you take it from your girlfriend?

Lena is silent.

And Katya blushed like a lobster and said:

I gave it to her, but she doesn’t take it.

The teacher looked at both:

You have to give so that you can take.

On the rink

V.A. Oseeva

The day was sunny. The ice sparkled. There were few people at the skating rink.

The little girl, with her arms outstretched comically, rode from bench to bench.

Two schoolchildren were tying up their skates and looking at Vitya.

Vitya worked out different tricks- sometimes he rode on one leg, sometimes he spun around like a top.

Well done! - one of the boys shouted to him.

Vitya rushed around the circle like an arrow, made a dashing turn and ran into the girl.

The girl fell.

Vitya was scared.

“I accidentally...” he said, brushing snow off her fur coat.

Did you hurt yourself?

The girl smiled:

Knee...

Laughter came from behind. “They’re laughing at me!” thought Vitya and turned away from the girl with annoyance.

What a surprise - a knee! What a crybaby!” he shouted, driving past the schoolchildren.

Come to us! - they called. Vitya approached them. Holding hands, all three merrily slid across the ice.

And the girl sat on the bench, rubbed her bruised knee and cried.