Naming

Naming IA book of names, five months before the birth, and I suggested Abigail for the baby. A full name, three soft syllables; a Hebrew word, meaning “my father rejoices.” But no, he told me — he slept with an Abby once.

I ran my hands over my belly. I couldn’t think of anything smart to say.

We tried out names all night. Christina, a Chrissy he met at a frat party. Katherine, a Katie picked up on New Year’s Eve the month before we met. Kelly, Laurie, Terri… By next morning, our child was still unnamed, and even a little forgotten.

Jason Peck’s fiction has appeared in Smokelong Quarterly, Cheat River Review, Prime Number Magazine, and Bartleby Snopes. He also serves on the editorial board for After Happy Hour Review.

Photo credit: wilB

 

4 Responses to “Naming”

  1. Iraide says:

    Before seeing the “Read More”, button, I thought the story was just this and that the “I” referred to the man who is going to be a father. I’ve found it really touching and beautiful:

    A book of names, five months before the birth, and I suggested Abigail for the baby. A full name, three soft syllables; a Hebrew word, meaning “my father rejoices.”

  2. Dank Wards says:

    Dank Story Mate

  3. Tony Press says:

    Another example of why we love 100 Word Story. Good one!

  4. Eva says:

    I really like the understated but powerful way this finishes.

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