Eric’s Cough, by Mark Tulin – Friday Flash Fiction
— www.fridayflashfiction.com/100-word-stories/erics-cough-by-mark-tulin
Eric's Cough, by Mark Tulin
14/2/2020
Eric coughed a lot. He had cystic fibrosis and was told by his doctor to cough because it loosens his perpetually tight and constricted airways.
He tried not to cough in public, because people wouldn’t understand. They’d think he was sick. But sometimes he couldn’t help it, and many people were bothered.
Some rolled their eyes, while others moved away or left the coffee shop if that’s where he was at the time.
Eric’s grandmother always told him that he couldn’t control people’s reactions, only his, and if people are rude, he needs to be understanding instead of angry.
Crow On The Wire 
People so easily assume. A wonderful piece.
Thanks, JT
What happened to giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Very well written, Mark. I like Eric’s grandmother and her thinking. People need to be more like her.
yes, a wise woman.