By Desiree Friesen
My microfiction piece “Cribbing” arose from my thoughts about cribbing behaviors combined with my childhood bedtime experiences. Readers have described the story as eerie and affecting, disturbing and fun.
“Cribbing” was published on September 2, 2026, at 101 Words.
https://101words.org/cribbing/
In a recent book, I came across the concept of cribbing behaviors in horses (also windsucking). These are compulsive actions resulting from the confinement and sensory deprivation of being trapped in an enclosed space. I learned that this zoochosis also happens with other animals kept in captivity.
This led me back to my childhood bedtime memories. I recall the experience of going to bed and having to remain there in the stillness and the dark when I wasn’t tired. I repeatedly smashed by head into my pillow to make myself fall asleep. This was a nightly occurrence.
I came out of this relatively unscathed, but what if I hadn’t?
