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Interminable : A Short Story
Do you believe in reincarnation? What if we were sent back time and time again until we achieved a life of worth? Stuck in an endless cycle of death and rebirth, Daniel has given up hope of ever being good enough.
Excerpt:
When a bright light became visible at the end of the tunnel, he fought against it in panicked desperation, but the increasing pressure was too much for his frail form to overcome. The first breath that entered his lungs was expelled with a screeching cry of frustrated anger and despair. Latex covered hands poked and prodded as he continued to wail, then cocooned him in warmth insufficient to soothe his misery.
“Do you want to hold him?” someone asked.
“No,” came another voice, feeble but adamant. “Take it away.”
The rejection was nothing compared to the torturous memories temporarily remaining in his possession.
His existence was confined to a small space with more hands poking and prodding, offering sustenance but little comfort. Meanwhile, with no other way to express his anguish, he cried.
“He never stops does he?” someone asked.
“Rarely sleeps either,” said another. “A couple came to see him yesterday, but turned him down. Said it felt like he hated them.”
“Poor thing.”
Immeasurable time passed with more hands and more rejections. His memories were not as sharp as before, but were still strong enough to fuel his incessant wailing.
More time, more hands, more rejections, but then something new! Someone held him differently, spoke to him differently.
“I’m here,” she whispered in his ear.
His cries stopped mid breath, causing a shocked gasp nearby. With the last of his failing memory, he identified the woman holding him as the gatekeeper’s attendant.
Excerpt:
When a bright light became visible at the end of the tunnel, he fought against it in panicked desperation, but the increasing pressure was too much for his frail form to overcome. The first breath that entered his lungs was expelled with a screeching cry of frustrated anger and despair. Latex covered hands poked and prodded as he continued to wail, then cocooned him in warmth insufficient to soothe his misery.
“Do you want to hold him?” someone asked.
“No,” came another voice, feeble but adamant. “Take it away.”
The rejection was nothing compared to the torturous memories temporarily remaining in his possession.
His existence was confined to a small space with more hands poking and prodding, offering sustenance but little comfort. Meanwhile, with no other way to express his anguish, he cried.
“He never stops does he?” someone asked.
“Rarely sleeps either,” said another. “A couple came to see him yesterday, but turned him down. Said it felt like he hated them.”
“Poor thing.”
Immeasurable time passed with more hands and more rejections. His memories were not as sharp as before, but were still strong enough to fuel his incessant wailing.
More time, more hands, more rejections, but then something new! Someone held him differently, spoke to him differently.
“I’m here,” she whispered in his ear.
His cries stopped mid breath, causing a shocked gasp nearby. With the last of his failing memory, he identified the woman holding him as the gatekeeper’s attendant.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2025
About the author
Nannette Kreitzman
45 books54 followersI'm a retired stay at home mom and happy empty nester. I spend my morning walks dreaming up short story ideas, but despite my carefully laid plans, my characters always manage to change things up! I've learned to pay attention to them though, they're usually right.
You can find me on Instagram @netts_shorts
Check out my Reference Guide Blog for Author’s Notes and excerpts for all of my stories!
https://nannettekreitzman.blogspot.com/
You can find me on Instagram @netts_shorts
Check out my Reference Guide Blog for Author’s Notes and excerpts for all of my stories!
https://nannettekreitzman.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 14, 2025
Kreitzman is a must-read author for me, and it's not exaggeration to say I stop everything I am doing to read her new releases. And that's completely doable since most only take about 30 minutes to read. A great way to enjoy a coffee break or wind down in the evening. Though I must say, many of these stories might wind you up instead - that's why I usually start my day with them!
Interminable, the latest in the author's twisty shorts, follows our protagonist Daniel as he tries multiple times to lead a good life that will allow him to pass on to the next plane of existence. Readers do not know how many times Daniel has tried, and failed, to do so, but it's obvious that it's been one too many times. If Daniel could, he would just go to Hell and get it over with. But it's not that easy.
This is a great storyline with exceptional storytelling that packs a wallop in a tiny package. And the twistsy ending? I didn't see that coming for a mile away!!
Interminable, the latest in the author's twisty shorts, follows our protagonist Daniel as he tries multiple times to lead a good life that will allow him to pass on to the next plane of existence. Readers do not know how many times Daniel has tried, and failed, to do so, but it's obvious that it's been one too many times. If Daniel could, he would just go to Hell and get it over with. But it's not that easy.
This is a great storyline with exceptional storytelling that packs a wallop in a tiny package. And the twistsy ending? I didn't see that coming for a mile away!!
August 14, 2025
Reincarnation has always interested me, so I was eager to read this story by Nannette Kreitzman. I enjoyed it very much.
Daniel is reincarnated multiple times. He has no control over what, who or where he will live next, but the pressure is on to be a better person. As we learn in this short story, that is easier said than done, which makes this a fascinating read. As with all of this author’s books, a lot is packed into a short space. This story is thought-provoking, entertaining and full of twists and turns.
I can thoroughly recommend it.
Daniel is reincarnated multiple times. He has no control over what, who or where he will live next, but the pressure is on to be a better person. As we learn in this short story, that is easier said than done, which makes this a fascinating read. As with all of this author’s books, a lot is packed into a short space. This story is thought-provoking, entertaining and full of twists and turns.
I can thoroughly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews