Ms. Conti's Literature Lab

Every cowboy needs a friend like Coyote. I give so many gifts.

I gave this one the dream of gold out west. Made it grow until he ran off to chase it.

The $500 he won playing dice. Me. The bullet that went clean through his shirt, missing him. Me. The night he danced drunk with the mayor’s daughter. That was all me.

But getting snakebit’s on him—I even made it rattle. Now he lies dying by the creek, watching the setting sun gleam on the water like gold.

My God, he cries out.

No. That was also me.

Source: This story was originally featured in NYCMidnight’s “Winning Stories, 100-Word Microfiction Challenge“- 2021. Writers were required to tell a story in 100 words or less. Explore NYCMidnight‘s site and enjoy more short stories!