Gray clouds slowly slide across the sky threatening to unleash a torrent of rain. I sit with my back against a large tree trunk watching the storm’s opening act. The bark is rough and splinters easily around me. I pick up a large broken piece off the ground and turn it over in my hands. It’s gritty and smells of the earth. It’s seen many days.

I’ve seen many days. Many days in the same four walle...

Trees rustled unseen in the dark as Tracy slowly walked up the forested path to the mountain top. Her fading flashlight and the cloud covered moon were of little help. But she knew this path well and wasn’t worried. The cliff had been her father’s favorite spot to paint and he often took her up there since she was a child.

Her feet kicked small stones and sticks as she walked. The biggest threat ...

I’m on alert as I head towards our living room. What’s behind the corner? Could be anything. I walk close to the wall to avoid any unnecessary detection.

A crinkle sound stops me in my tracks. What was that? I crouch low to the floor and listen intently. It could be something out to kill me. Or it could be food.

Deciding to investigate, I cautiously take a few steps forward. I pause and wait t...

Maria lay propped up on the couch surrounded by pillows and covered by three blankets that couldn’t keep the chills away. She stared at the wall wondering if this was the end of it all. Death by boredom.

Her head pounded every time she blinked. Her nose was unusable and the air scratched her throat with every breath. She needed a distraction but the room was silent and the TV was dark.

Cursing h...

It doesn’t make sense.

The logistics don’t add up.

I have to go. I’ve planned to go.

I’m all packed up - ready to leave.

There’s a plan in place I need to keep.

A checklist of things I need to check off.

But looking at you,

Beautiful you.

The world in your eyes

Staring at me, inviting me.

My plans - they fall -

apart.

Your smile awakens curiosity.

A need to feel your touch, a need to

Throw out ...

Sunday was the day we gathered to say a final farewell to Mica. I wore my best dress and curled my hair. The table was set for brunch with a colorful array of food and drink.

Today, Mica was leaving us to go on a trip. Collectively, we weren’t sure where, but she promised us it was a good one and she was looking forward to it so we sent her off happily.

Last month we had to say goodbye to Jenny ...

Wind blew my hair across my face as I walked down to the pier to confront the last man I had trusted. I didn’t know if he was going to be there, but all my sleuthing showed he fished off this pier on Saturday mornings so I figured I had a 50/50 shot, minimum.

The morning air felt clean and crisp but smelled of fish and wet metal. It reminded me of the boathouse I grew up in. He knew about those m...

The door looks smaller,

The windows darker.

It’s the curtains -

They’re a different color.

And on the door,

a wreath we never had.

And a mat we never used.

“Welcome”

A happy home.

I stop and stare

And remember

The fights, the anger,

The laughs, the life.

Time passed so fast.

Where are they now?

Where am I?

This stranger in the street,

Was yesterday my friend....

Janet picked up the tweezers and gently pinched the top right corner of the yellowed page under the glass. Her hand shook as she lifted causing a little shimmy down the paper. Flecks of black dust floated in the air under the bright light. She clamped her wrist with her other hand to steady it.

“Breathe,” she murmured to herself and let out a small exhale. She focused on the humming of the machin...

Marcy knocked on the dark oak door and waited. She looked at the dings and scratches at the door’s bottom. You’d think they could keep better care of their things with all their money.

“Hiii, welcome, welcome!” The door was flung open by her sister with a child clinging to her neck. “Don’t mind Jayden. He’s having a bit of a tantrum, aren’t you, dear?” She patted his back and kissed his head.

“I...