“I need $200.” Mike thought it might be drug money, but Bobby was a friend, trying to clean up his act. It was just a loan.
They worked the same summer job, for very different reasons.
Bobby’s wealthy family insisted; he had exhausted their support and resources. Mike’s family struggled; he was saving for college expenses.
By September, Mike was embarrassed to ask, but he needed the cash.
At the dorm, he met Bobby’s roommate, visibly shaken.
“He’s in a coma at County Hospital, they’re not sure ….”
Reported as accidental, he had driven headfirst into a stone wall.
vanbytheriver 
Very good accomplished. What a challenge to use exactly 100 words.
My brain seems to be editing all the time…getting down to the basics. Thanks, Erika ☺
I hear you, Van 😉
Van, nice job writing this. A powerful 100 words! The hidden message very clear! Christine
Thanks, Christine. There are elements of reality in this piece. No stranger fiction than real life. ☺
Well done.
Thanks for the compliment, John. The prompts she offers seem to trigger a few memories, which I alter a bit for the sake of fiction. ☺
I love how a whole story can be told in 100 words. The story is familiar, isn’t it. Nicely done.
Sadly, all too common. Thanks, Diana ☺
Reads like a punch to the gut. Well done.
Sounds painful, but I get what you mean. Thanks, Kitt. ☺
The ending hits you. Not painful, but leaves you speechless.
Well, alright then…mission accomplished. ☺
You’re sure very good at this 100-word challenge, Van. Keep up the good work. Maybe when you have enough of them, a small book collecting them all between covers?
I’ve just scratched the surface with this short format, but it seems to suit me. It’s a fun challenge to see how much you can cut out and still relay a message. Thanks, Nina.
Hooked then stunned me!
Makes me proud to stun you, Miss Linda. ☺
I wish I could edit like you Van ….I get confused in my own story writing so often that I nearly give up ! … Thanks for the encouragement this post gives me , always such fine writing you create …love , megxxx
It’s been my first few tries at fiction, Meg, and I love the 100 word challenge. Just keep cutting back till you get to the meat of the story. Surprised how much you can say in so few words. Thanks. ☺