Top 5 Short Stories About Anger That Show the Damage It Can

Anger is a powerful emotion that can ignite change—or destruction. In these five original short stories, we explore how anger influences decisions, relationships, and self-discovery. Each tale invites you into a different world where rage simmers, erupts, and ultimately teaches a deeper lesson.

1. The Shattered Frame

Nina loved her grandmother’s photo more than anything. It was framed in a delicate silver border, the last picture taken before she passed away. Nina’s younger brother, Leo, knew not to touch it.

One afternoon, Leo was chasing their cat and accidentally knocked the frame off the table. It fell with a loud crash, the glass shattering on the floor.

When Nina saw it, her face turned red. “You idiot! You never listen!” she screamed.

Leo froze. He didn’t cry. He didn’t speak. He just stood there, staring at the broken frame, then walked to his room.

Later that evening, Nina cooled down. She picked up the pieces, realizing it was just glass. The photo was fine. But when she knocked on Leo’s door, he didn’t answer. He avoided her for days.

It took weeks for him to look her in the eyes again. And even then, something had changed. Her outburst had broken more than just glass. It had shattered his trust.

2. The Slammed Door

Kevin and his teenage daughter, Mia, used to talk about everything—school, music, silly jokes. But as Mia grew older, arguments began to slip in.

One night, Mia came home late from a party. Kevin was furious.

“You broke the rules again!” he shouted. “Do you even care what I say?”

Mia fired back. “You don’t even listen to me! You just yell!”

The argument escalated. Kevin, in a fit of anger, slammed the door so hard it cracked the frame. The noise echoed through the house.

The next morning, Mia was gone. She left a note: “I need space. Staying with Mom for a while.”

The cracked door remained for months. Kevin never fixed it. It reminded him daily how anger had driven his daughter away.

3. The Last Call

Marcus and his best friend, Daniel, were inseparable. But like many friendships, theirs had its share of tension.

One day, during a heated disagreement over a business decision, Marcus exploded.

“You never think things through, Daniel! You’re a joke of a partner!”

Daniel’s face paled. He didn’t respond. He just walked out.

Marcus expected a call or a message. It never came.

Three months later, Daniel died in a car crash.

Marcus found himself holding the phone, staring at the last message Daniel had sent, unanswered: “Let’s talk when you cool off.”

But Marcus never cooled off. Now he never could.

4. The Burnt Dinner

Sandra worked hard on the anniversary dinner—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and his favorite wine. She wanted everything to be perfect.

Tom came home late, again. Sandra’s smile faded as he dropped his keys and muttered, “You cooked? Smells burnt.”

Her hands trembled. “You couldn’t call? Or say thanks?”

“Not everything is about you!” he snapped.

Anger burst from her like a fire. She threw the wineglass against the wall. It shattered. So did their evening.

They ate in silence. The next day, Tom moved into the guest room. The anger that had simmered for months had finally boiled over. And nothing tasted right again.

5. The Unsent Message

Rachel typed a long, angry message to her colleague, Ben. He had taken credit for her idea in a meeting—again.

She poured her frustration into it. Line after line of insults, accusations, and sarcasm.

She hit “send.”

But it didn’t go to Ben. It went to the entire team.

Within minutes, her manager called. The damage was immediate. Rachel was suspended. Ben never spoke to her again. Her reputation changed overnight—from respected to reckless.

All because she didn’t wait five minutes. Didn’t take a breath.

Later, Rachel learned Ben had actually mentioned her contribution in a different meeting. She just hadn’t known.

Anger had cost her more than her temper. It had cost her trust.