My Short Short Story for the Day

“What do you think it is?”  Ted asked running his hand over the smooth surface.

“Not a clue.”  Sam replied shaking his head.  “We can’t leave it here, though.”

“But what if it’s dangerous?”  Ted pulled his hand away checking for any sign of disease.

“I don’t think it is.”  Sam said picking it up.  “We’ll leave it at Ken’s old hut just to be safe.”

“Okay. Let’s get going, then.  It’s a long trek back.”  Ted hefted both packs onto his back. 

They walked in silence too tired from the extra weight to bother with small talk.  Both were lost in speculation about what the mysterious object could be.  The sun scorched the plants and trees overhead but couldn’t quite penetrate to the path below.  They stopped to rest from time to time so as not to overheat.   Just as the sun was finally starting to set, the men broke through the brush entering the clearing that marked the edge of their village.  All was quiet as everyone was preparing their evening meals.  Sam walked up to Ken’s hut and Ted opened the door careful not to pull too hard.  The door squeaked in protest but gave and they walked in. 

“We’ll leave it here tonight and talk to Ken about it in the morning.”  Sam said covering it over with a ratty blanket.

“Okay, see you in the morning.”  Ted said.

Sam shut the door, waved to Ted then headed toward home.  As the silence settled around the hut the blanket rustled.  There was a pause then the blanket moved again, twitched and flew across the room.  Slowly the object unfolded extending its limbs before flipping up its head and revealing a gaping mouth full of sharp fangs and multiple luminous eyes. 

My Short Short Story for the Day

 

Molly raced through the waves of green grass knowing her time was growing short.  The sun was painting the sky in reds, oranges and yellows.  She had to make it, she had no choice.  Life was harsh on the lowlands but she wouldn’t want to live any place else.  She had misjudged how far she had traveled this morning.  A simple, yet deadly mistake.  If she didn’t hurry, not only would she lose the game she had hunted but also the fruits and plants she had foraged.  She refused to think about the other thing she’d lose.  She had to stay focused and run faster.  She knew it wasn’t much further.  She’d traveled this path so many times over the years that she could run in the pitch of night but of course that was when the catangers were out.  A howl sent a shiver down her spine.  The colors were fading behind the blanket of black.  She crested the hill and saw the village below.  She took a final deep breath before plunging into the headlong rush to carry her to the safety of her home nestled below in the flood of lights and sounds.

My Short Short Story for the Day

The penguin.  Solid, bold, stands alone.  Stands strong.  This is his fortress.  His domain.  His…oh squawk.  That’ll never fly Harold told himself as he waddled across the desktop.  It has to be believable.  No big studio is gonna give this a second thought.  He kicked the paper off the desk and into the trash.  It had to be stronger, have more of a punch.  But this…this was just pure bird poo.  Squawk!  Harold padded back and forth across the desk, wiggling his tail feathers and flapping his wings.  What to write?  What to write?  Squawk!  That’s it!  I have the perfect opener.  This will get all the studios tearing each other apart to produce.  Just need to type it out before Al comes back.  Harold tapped the keys as fast as his flippers could move.  Oh, no!  Harold waddled to the center of the desk and froze. 

“Hey?  How did this get in the trash?”  Al snapped.  “This was awesome!”  Al settled into his chair and looked at the screen.  “What is this?”  Al shook his head and deleted it.  “No one’d ever buy that.”

Harold rolled his eyes.  Squawk.  Maybe next time.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Jim told her not to go back but she couldn’t resist.  This house was perfect.  It was everything she had been looking for at such a reasonable asking price.  And now, Jim had to get all spooky on her.  Why should she listen to him anyway?  He believed in supernatural powers and such.  She didn’t mind as long as he didn’t expect her to believe in those things, too.  They had agreed to disagree on the subject.  Now as she walked up the front steps she felt her skin prickle.  You’re just being foolish she told herself.  She opened the door to an eerie silence.  Stop it she chided.  She walked around the living room and into the formal dining room imagining where she would put her furniture and knick knacks.  As she wandered through the house she about the fear until she switched on the basement light.  It flickered for a moment before coming on.  She laughed at herself again as she made her way downstairs.  Something caught her eye and she turned to face a blank white wall.  She looked around but couldn’t see anything that would have moved.  She looked back to the white wall and stared.  She blinked and thought she saw something.  That was weird she told herself as she took a few steps closer.  She stared harder trying not to blink but eventually did and again there was a flash of something.  She moved in even closer and focused on the center of the wall.  She stared for several moments and then she saw it.  She blinked and it was still there.  Her eyes widened, sweat trickled down her back, her hands began to tremble, the hair on her neck stood up, her breath froze.  There was a face staring at her from within the wall.  Her heart thundered then the lights flickered and died.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Janet blinked but couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes.  Everyone thought she was still unconscious and for some reason she didn’t want to correct them.  Just then a click signaled her to relax and ease into her unconscious mode. 

“She hasn’t come out of it yet.”  The nurse explained.

“Well, what does the doctor say?  Shouldn’t she be awake by now?”  Al asked walking over taking Janet’s hand in his.

“The doctor said she’s recovering nicely and should wake up at any time.”  The nursed checked Janet’s vitals then turned to leave.  “Sometimes the body just needs extra rest to speed up the recovery process.”

Al grunted and looked down at Janet.  “You gotta wake up soon.  Max is really putting the pressure on.  Geesh Janet.  I need you.”

Al paced the room for almost another hour before standing beside Janet’s bed and giving her hand one final squeeze.  The door shut behind him and Janet sighed.  She waited several more minutes before opening her eyes.  The benefits of having a private room meant when the door was shut no one could see in.  She sat up in bed and checked the clock.  She had about 45 minutes before the nurse would be back.  If she moved quickly she could dress, make a dummy out of pillows in her bed and be out of her room before then.  She was out of her room in less than 10 minutes, a personal best.  She cracked the door and peeked out.  The hallway was clear so she eased out.  She walked normally until she approached the nurse’s station.  The nurse was on the phone so she casually walked past being sure to look away just in case the nurse decided to look up.  She rounded the corner and pushed the door to the stairwell.  A few more minutes and she was stepping out into the dark of night.  She breathed deeply then strode off down the street without a clue as to where she was headed.  And that was alright with her.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Gil the guinea pig raced across the floor as fast as his little feet could carry him.  Freedom!  Timmy had forgotten to secure the door so all he had to do was push against it.  He stared for several minutes not believing his eyes.  Then his legs started moving carrying him out the door and down the table and onto the floor.  He couldn’t believe his luck.  Freedom!  At long last, freedom!  His toenails clicked as he scrabbled across the floor.  He could see the front door.   Not much further.  He ran as he’d never run before.  He squeezed under the door and stopped, breathing in the fragrant taste of freedom.  Meow!  Gil jumped and turned mid air.  He squeezed back under the door and scrabbled across the floor not slowing for a second until he reached the table.  He scrambled up the table and back into his cage, slamming the door behind him.  Then and only then did he stop to catch his breath.  Freedom was overrated. 

My Short Short Story for the Day

Betty strolled down the dirt path breathing deeply of the salty ocean air mixed with sun roasted pine needles.  She never felt so at peace as she did when she was visiting the family cottage.  When she reached the warm, white sand she rolled up her gray sweats and kicked off her sandals leaving them in the sand.  There were only a few other families that shared this private beach so she felt completely safe.  She walked down the beach and out onto the mud flats.  The muck squishing between her toes, making a slurpy noise each time she pulled her foot out.  She could see the water far out ahead and remembered the times as a child she used to come here with her parents, brother and sister.  They would laugh and play and run around the mud flats, splashing in the water pools and streams, collecting shells and sand dollars and all the while keeping an eye on how much farther to the ocean.  On the way home, her father would always stop at Dairy Queen so everyone could get a treat.  Such happy, carefree summer days.   What she wouldn’t give to relive just one of those days.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Come on Mom!  Play with me!”  Julie said tugging on Melanie’s sleeve.

“Just a minute Honey.”  Melanie rinsed the plate setting it carefully in the rack.

“Aw Mom.  Let’s go play.”  Julie pouted crossing her arms and swinging her foot.

“Ok, ok.”  Melanie said drying her hands.  “What do you want to play?”

“Yay!”  Julie jumped up and down.  “Simon Says.  Simon Says.”

“Alright.”  Melanie smiled leading the way into the living room.

“You play Simon, Mom.”  Julie said.

“Simon says clap your hands.”

Julie clapped her hands with a big grin.

“Simon says stomp your feet.” 

Julie stomped her feet.

“Simon says stick out your tongue.”

Julie giggled then stuck her tongue out.

“Simon says snort like a pig.”

Julie snorted three times before breaking into laughter.

“Stand on one foot.”

Julie lifted her foot for several seconds before quickly putting it back down.

“Uh oh.  I didn’t say Simon Says.” 

“Oh, rats!”  Julie said snapping her fingers.  “Again!  Again!”

My Short Short Story for the Day

She couldn’t believe it.  Her hands shook with anger as she hurried up the path.  After all these years.  She rammed the key in the lock, turned the handle and shoved the door open.  She’d devoted her life to this man.  The tears didn’t stand a chance as the rage steamed off her face.  She’d taken care of him.  She stomped up the stairs and down the hall.  She’d supported him.  Her pace didn’t slow as she turned the knob pushing the door open in one smooth motion.  She’d loved him.  Her heart thundered in her ears and her face flushed with renewed heat.  She stood in the doorway with her jaw clenched and eyes staring as her brain tried to comprehend the scene in front of her.  A feral scream tore through her body piercing the air with a deadly chill.  The man and woman turned in horror.  All she could see was red, bright pulsing blood red.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Alice sat up abruptly as her eyes glazed over.  Oh, no.  Not now she thought fighting back the panic.  Last night had been the most wonderful night of her life.  She met Ben a week ago.  They had talked on the phone every day and last night was their first date.  She had bought a new outfit and wore her favorite boots.  She had taken extra time to carefully style her hair and put on just the right amount of makeup.  Ben had complimented her several times and she couldn’t stop smiling.  They had dined, danced and talked well into the evening.  She had never laughed so much nor felt so comfortable with a man.  He was everything she’d ever been looking for.  Handsome, funny, smart, confident and sweet.  It had felt so natural to settle on his couch for some coffee before heading home.  Next thing she knew, she woke up on his couch with a quilt draped over her.  She must have drank more wine than she realized.  Oh, please don’t come out here, not now she prayed placing her hands on either side trying to steady herself for the onslaught of images that were about to come.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Hey!  Come on.”  Clea laughed.  “Just one picture.”

“Nope.”  Josh said blocking the lens with his hand.

“Please?”  Clea stepped back and refocused.

“No.”  Josh held up the newspaper in front of his face.

“Aw, why not?”  Clea plunked down in the chair.

“Because.”  Josh peeked over the paper.   “I don’t like having my picture taken.  I’ve told you that.”

“But why?  I don’t understand.”  Clea pouted. 

“Growing up, we had our pictures taken every time we stepped outside.  Three, four, five photographers at a time.  All right in our faces.”  Josh set the paper down.  “It was the norm for us but I hated it.  By the end of High School I was so sick of the intrusion that I decided to get lost in Europe for the summer.  My first taste of anonymity.  It was great.  Since then, I vowed to live camera free.”

“Oh, alright.”  Clea sat up and set the camera aside.  “You win.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

The gun went off.  It was the 1600 meter finals for the State Track Meet.  I was ranked last, the underdog.  I had nothing to lose so I took off fast trying to push the pace and maintain the lead for as long as possible.  I made it around most of the first lap before two girls passed me on the final corner.  I cut to the inside and took up the third position.  Now it was just a matter of holding on to that position, which I did for the second lap.  Then came the third lap, my toughest.  It’s always the hardest lap for me.  I’m starting to get tired and I want to save something for the final lap.  It’s all mental at that point.  The start of the third lap I tried to stay focused.  I was running faster than I’d ever run before and still in third place.  I felt as if I was outside of myself watching the race from above.  It was a strange feeling, one I’d never felt before nor since.  Maybe it was the runner’s high that I’ve heard people talk about.  Anyway, I kept telling myself to hold on, to keep running as fast as I could.  I really wanted to get a medal and I had to place in the top 5 to do so.  On the back stretch of the third lap another girl passed me.  Now I was fourth and still had a lap and a half to go.  I made it through the rest of the third lap maintaining my position.  I started the final lap urging my body to move even faster but I was already giving it all I had.  I pumped my arms and legs willing them to hold out just a little longer.  I rounded the final corner of the final lap and another girl passed me.  I was in fifth place and only 100 meters to go.  So close!  Just a little further!  Push it!  Come on!  I somehow found a tiny little reserve of energy and sped up enough to cross the finish line in fifth place.  Yay!  Not only did I get my medal but I also finished with the fastest time I’d ever run.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Kerry slammed the front door, tossing her purse on the table and hurrying to the back.  She shut the door tightly to the darkroom.  With practiced movements she started the developing process.  Within a short time she had the blown up picture floating in the final tray.  It had to be him she thought pushing the picture around with tongs.  And if it was, what then?  Report him to the police?  Would they believe her?  And her name would be in the report.  He could find her.  He could…No.  She couldn’t go to the police.  Maybe she should just destroy the film and pretend she never saw anything.  Maybe.  But she did.  She couldn’t ignore that.  She couldn’t live with herself.  No.  That’s not an option.  How about the newspaper?  There’s no guarantee they’d keep her identity secret so she’d have to do it anonymously.  She didn’t want to be linked to this in any way.  Why, oh why did she take that picture?  What was she thinking?  No point in wondering why now.  If it was him, then she’d send it to the newspaper.  They could take over from there.  She gripped the edge of the photo with her tongs and lifted it up to the string.  Once attached she leaned in for a close look.  Sure enough, it was him.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“What do you mean you don’t know where it came from?”  Mark yelled.

“I came downstairs and it was just…just there.”  Joe said.  “No!  Wait!  Don’t…”

 Mark screamed as the icy tendrils pierced his flesh.  He jerked convulsively as his body fought to expel the intruder.  He grabbed at the tendrils but his fingers passed right through them.  “Help me!”  He shouted.

“You have to stop struggling.”  Joe urged.  “It’ll only make it worse.  Mark!  Look at me!”

Mark glared at Joe locking his eyes on Joe’s face, forcing himself to remain still.  “What?!”

“Move backward slowly.  Don’t fight, just keep moving.  You have to get out of the shadow.”  Joe motioned to a sunny spot nearby.  “But Mark.”

“Yeah, what?” 

“Whatever you do, don’t stop moving until you’re completely free.”

“Or what?”

Joe cradled his shriveled, bloody arm.  “Just don’t stop.”

Mark took a deep breath, turning his focus to the sunny patch.  He paused for a moment and the pain seared through the adrenaline rush.  He took a step and then another fighting his flight response.

“That’s it Mark.  Slow and steady.”  Joe said.

Mark cussed under his breath but kept moving.  Sweat dripped from his forehead and his muscles felt heavier than the dumbbells he had curled this morning.  That seemed so long ago, this morning.  What he wouldn’t give to have another morning.  Just a few more steps.  Keep moving, keep moving.  Almost there.  Just keep mov…Mark stumbled.

“No!  Mark!  No!”  Joe’s shouts hung in the air as Mark stretched out his hand.  Joe turned away clutching his throbbing arm tightly to his body.  When the room returned to silence, Joe turned back.  The shadow was gone.  Mark was gone.  All that remained were the echoes of the nightmare. 

My Short Short Story for the Day

“I’m going to get there first.”  Fi said.

“No, I am.”  Ri replied.

“You’re both wrong.  I’m going to be first.”  Li said buzzing past both of them.

The three fireflies flew as fast as they could racing each other to be the first to reach the little girl.  They knew that granting a wish to a child was one of the most important things a firefly would ever do.  The trick was to get the child’s attention and then make them understand that they had to make a wish.  Most kids were so fascinated by their tail light that they didn’t hear the firefly when it spoke.  Still, every firefly aspired to become a wish giver. 

The little girl leaned over to pick another pink flower as the fireflies zoomed in.  “Hi there little bugs.”  She giggled.  “What are you?”

The fireflies spoke in unison.  “I’m a firefly here to grant you a wish.”  The fireflies looked at each other. 

“Ok.  How about we work together?”  Fi said.  Ri and Li looked at each other than shrugged.

 “Oh, I know.”  The little girl smiled.  “You’re fireflies.”

“We need to all talk at the same time, and then maybe she’ll be able to hear us.”  Fi said. 

“Ok.”  Ri said.  “Let’s say ‘Make a wish’.”

“Good.  On the count of 3.”  Li said.

Li counted to 3 and they yelled ‘Make a wish’.  The little girl watched the fireflies zip around in front of her buzzing loudly.

“Boy, you sure have a lot of energy for such little bugs.”  The little girl said mesmerized by their bright little tails.

The three fireflies kept yelling to her and flying around frantically. 

“I wish I knew what you were doing.”  The little girl said and no sooner did the words come out then the wish was granted.   

My Short Short Story for the Day

Molly stood on the edge wondering what would happen if she stepped directly onto the circle.  She raised her foot slowly and let it hang there, imagining what it might feel like.  She knew she wasn’t supposed to.  Her mother had warned her so many times before but what if it was different this time.  What if nothing happened?  Maybe her mother was just telling a lie and that nothing would really happen.  Should she try it?  She started to lower her foot, her heart beating faster.

“Molly!  No!”  Her mother yelled.  “Stop now!”

Entranced Molly ignored her mother and continued to lower her foot.

“Molly!”  Her mother lunged, grabbing Molly and jerking her away just as a sharp pin shot through the air missing Molly’s foot by the merest fraction.

“I’m sorry mom!  I’m sorry mom!”  Molly sobbed clinging to her mother.

“It’s okay Honey.”  Her mother hugged her tight.  “You’re okay.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

 Chayma stood perfectly still, holding her breath and willing herself to be invisible.   She could hear the beast snuffling around but she knew his sense of smell was weak.  She’d have to go without bathing for weeks before he’d even get a hint of her presence.  His eyesight wasn’t much better.  He could usually see big movements but only if it was directly in front of him.  His hearing, that was the thing Chayma feared.  It was very keen and could pick up a mouse squeak from hundreds of paces away.  She had stopped her breathing and could go without air for a short period of time but eventually her air sac would run out and she’d have to resume breathing.  The beast had to be far away by then or she’d be its next meal.  Not a thought she cared to dwell on.  The snuffling was so close now; she could feel the warmth of its breath on her hand.  A twig snapped but she didn’t twitch.  She had learned long ago not to react to sudden noises, ever.  The beast rambled off in the direction of the noise.  Chayma didn’t breathe but silently slipped away into the trees, moving fast and not breathing until she was miles away.

My Short Short Story for the Day

From the moment they are born children are amazing and wonderful.  From their first smile to the first time they laugh.  From the first time they sit up, to the first time they take a step.  From the first word they speak to the first sentence.  The awe of watching this baby growing and learning and becoming their own little person with their own little personality.  So many amazing and proud moments to treasure. 

“Hey Mom!  Look what I can do!  A big thumbs up…but with my toe!” 

So many proud moments.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Why is it so hard to take that first step?  Maeva asked herself.  Why did it feel like so much was riding on it?  If she trained hard, won races and became the fastest runner, then what?  People would expect her to continue winning.  And if she didn’t, then they would talk about how she wasn’t training hard enough, trying hard enough or wanting it hard enough.  If she didn’t train hard, didn’t win, and never became a fast runner, then what?  People would say, winning isn’t everything, at least you did your best, or you did a lot better than I could do.  With winning, there’s the pressure that if you don’t keep winning, then you must be doing something wrong or you don’t desire it enough.  With losing, there’s the pity and pat on the back, maybe you’ll do better next time.  So which is worse, winning or losing?  Neither.  The worst thing is being in it alone.  Not having someone else who understands the struggle, who knows you are capable of more than you’re doing and kicks you in the butt when you make excuses.  Who shares your triumph when you succeed and understands your bitter disappointment when you fail.  And who knows that mere seconds can separate the two.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“What are those pink things on your feet?”  Mom asked.

 “Well.”  Ellie said.  “They’re ice skates to help me whoosh across the icy lake.  The hallway is actually an icy lake.  Yay!  I’m safely across.  Now they are hiking books so I can climb over the mountain.  This, the…the rug here is a mountain.  And at the top I need skis to slide down the mountain.  Now they are roller-skates so I can skate to town.  I need to go shopping.  I need to get groceries.  See the couch…I…I…I mean the store has all my food and toys and all kinds of stuff.  Now they’re shoes so I can walk home.”  Ellie yawns big, stretching her arms over her head.  “Now they’re slippers so I can go night night.”

“Wow.  Those are amazing slippers.”  Mom said hugging Ellie.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Kayra smiled at her little sister.  “Don’t worry Bree.  I’ll be home by night fall.”  She gave Bree another hug then left.  She paused a few steps away and looked back at the house.  Sure enough, she could see Bree’s hand in the window waving.  She’d only be gone for less than a day, but Bree made it seem like it was forever.  Since her brother had broken his leg, it had fallen solely on her to collect food for the family.  Their father was away for at least another week and their mother had to take care of the house and younger children.  She didn’t mind being by herself, it gave her time to enjoy the quiet of nature and the chance to run and stretch out her muscles.  The sun was rising but the heat hadn’t settled in yet.  Now was the time to run hard, Kayra thought and get as far as she could before she was forced to seek shade during the burning time.  She easily raced across the dusty forest floor, jumping tree roots, sidestepping rocks and ducking under tree branches.  Her muscles were loose as she pumped her legs, pushing herself to move faster.  She smiled as the wind blew a gentle, cool breeze across her face.  This was a moment of pure happiness, Kayra thought to herself. 

My Short Short Story for the Day

Maicha kept to the shadows, easing along the cold cement wall until she reached the far back corner.  She paused, looking around and listening for any sounds or movements.  All was quiet.  She took a breath and stepped into the darkness.  A small flash of light and she was gone, shooting through space back to her home.  It had taken longer than expected to find the item and she prayed it wasn’t too late.   Her mother had taken ill while in child birth with her 4^th child, Maicha’s youngest sister.  The baby was fine but her mother never regained her strength.  The healer said the only cure was on a distant planet and it was necessary to leave right away, time was running out.  Maicha had volunteered without a thought.  She left in secret, only the healer knew.  Maicha hurried inside running into her brother on the way to her mother’s room.

“Maicha, where have you been?”  Idan asked grabbing her by the arms.

“Move.  I have to get this into the healer.”  Maicha twisted trying to get out of his grip.

“Maicha, stop.”  Idan let go but blocked her path.  “Maicha.  Maicha!  It’s too late.”

“No.  Get out of my way!”  Maicha pushed past him, rushing into the room.

Her father looked up as she entered, tears streaming down his face.  He was kneeling by the bed holding her mother’s hand in both of his.  She turned to look at her mother and stared in horror.  No!  She couldn’t be too late!  No!  She flung the plant down and ran out of the room.

“Maicha!  Where are you going?”  Idan yelled after her but she kept running not stopping until she reached the darkness of the soul cave.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Ginny stared at the shadow on the floor, puzzled by its sudden appearance.  “Mom, can you come here please.”  She yelled.

“Just a minute honey.  I’ll be right down.” 

Ginny took a step back and the shadow followed.  She moved right it followed.  She moved left it followed.  “Mom, I need you.”  She yelled louder.

“Ok.  Just one more minute dear.”

Ginny waved her hands, hopped up and down, then twirled in a circle.  The shadow copied her exactly.  “Mom!”  Ginny hollered.

“Yes, I’m coming.” 

Ginny could hear her mother’s footsteps on the stairs now.  Suddenly she felt a tugging sensation in her feet.  Almost like when she pulls her socks off.  Strange she thought.  She moved her hand around but the shadow didn’t copy her.  She shook her head but the shadow didn’t copy that either.  Instead it began to shake and shudder.  Her mother was almost to the doorway and the tugging sensation grew stronger.

“Honey, I…”

Ginny looked to the doorway just as her mother entered the room and her feet slipped out from under her, flinging her to the floor.

“Oh, dear.  Are you ok?”  Her mother knelt next to her. 

Ginny stared silently at the floor.  The tugging sensation was gone and so was the shadow.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Mom, when are you going to get rid of that thing?”  Shelby asked.

“Oh, I don’t know.”  Lynn smiled.  She knew it was foolish to hold onto the car seat, especially since Shelby was graduating High School next week.  Next week.  She couldn’t believe how fast the time had gone. 

“Mom, when are you going to get rid of that thing?”  Shelby asked.

“Oh, I don’t know.”  Lynn smiled.  The past four years had been trying for Shelby but she pulled through a stronger, more confident person.   Pride filled Lynn as she watched her little girl accept her college degree.

“Mom, when are you going to get rid of that thing?”  Shelby asked.

“Oh, I don’t know.”  Lynn smiled.  Medical school had been tough and Shelby had suffered a broken heart but she had persevered with determination and a desire to help others.  Lynn’s eyes filled with tears as her little girl became a doctor.

“Mom, when are you going to get rid of that thing?”  Shelby asked.

“Right now.”  Lynn said taking the seat out of her car and installing it in Shelby’s car.  Her heart swelled with love as she hugged her very pregnant little girl.

“Thanks Mom.” 

My Short Short Story for the Day

Ceecee had finally found the treasure.  It had been a long, arduous journey but she was too stubborn to quit.   Now that the small, glittery box was in front of her, she wondered what it contained that it had been hidden so well.  With a wave of her wand the lock popped and slowly Ceecee raised the lid.  The sun glinted off the jewels and Ceecee stared in awe for several seconds.  A chirp nearby shook her out of the daze and she quickly closed the lid, securing it with her wand.  She tucked it in her sack, tied it around her waist and took to the sky.  Her heart was thundering loudly as she flew as fast and as high as her wings would let her.  She couldn’t believe it.  The pink pearls of Exousia.  She had to get these to the Queen as soon as possible.  The longer she took the greater the danger and although danger was a part of any adventure, this went beyond even her limits.  The turrets of the castle finally came into view and Ceecee pushed hard.  The guards let her in with a nod and she went directly to the Queen’s chambers.  The maid opened the door to her and Ceecee went to the Queen and placed the sack on her lap without a word.  The Queen looked at Ceecee for a moment before opening the sack.  She carefully pulled out the box cradling it in her hands while Ceecee popped the lock.  Again the Queen looked at Ceecee as a feeling of unease began to rise within her.  She opened the lid and screamed.  She clutched at her heart as the box crashed to the floor.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Bob, come on.”  Bill said racing ahead.  “Wait till you see it.”

“I’m coming.  I’m coming.”  Bob replied.

They hurried along the sidewalk, squeezed under the door and down the steps.  Bill kept stopping to encourage Bob to move faster, chattering the whole time.  The floor was slippery but Bill didn’t slow the pace.  The hunger pangs growing stronger the closer they got to his amazing find.  He couldn’t wait to see the look on their faces.  He’d be the talk of the colony for years to come.  Bill the great!  Super Bill!  They’d even have a parade to welcome him home as he proudly carried his…

“How much further Bill.  It’s getting late and I’m hungry.”  Bob stopped to look around.

“It’s right up there.”  Bill pointed to the top of the red desk.

“What?”  Bob didn’t hide his annoyance.

“Really.  Just up on top.”  Bill said.  “It’ll be worth it, I promise.”

“Ok, let’s get this over with.”  Bob followed Bill to the leg of the desk.

They quickly marched up and over the edge to the top.  Bill all but danced his way across the desk while Bob stopped and stared in awe.  It was the biggest apple he’d ever seen.  Big enough to feed the colony for a long time.

“Come on.  Let’s get this home.”  Bill said tugging at Bob.

“I can’t believe it.”  Bob said.  “You really came through this time.”

Bill hurried over to the apple with Bob right behind him.  Just as they reached it a dark shadow appeared over them.  Whack!

“Gross!”  The girl said tossing the soiled newspaper into the trash.  “I hate ants!”