My Short Short Story for the Day

Skip across the lawn, twirl around 3 times then take 5 large steps to the right. It sounded like fun so Tasha followed the instructions exactly giggling all the way. Cindy was right beside her giggling just as wildly. The warmth shined down on them as they danced around the yard, singing without a care. Maggie watched the girls and smiled at their pure joy. The oven dinged. Maggie carefully pulled the pan out of the oven and placed the cookies on a plate. She filled up a couple glasses with milk and set them on the table along with the cookies. Five, four, three, two, one. Maggie opened the door and Tasha and Cindy hopped into the kitchen. One sniff and they hurried to the table.

“Uh, uh.” Maggie said pointing.

“Aw, Mom.” Cindy half heartedly whined.

“Go.” Maggie said.

The girls giggled their way down the hall to the bathroom. Maggie heard the water run and went to the pantry. Pulling out some items, she quickly set up. Finishing up just in time, Maggie stepped back and waited. The giggling ceased as the girls stopped in the doorway. Maggie smiled at the look on their faces.

“Surprise.” Maggie said. “Come, sit down.”

The girls squealed and took their seats digging into the cookies, milk and gifts all at the same time. After several minutes Cindy got up and walked over to Maggie. “Thanks Mom.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

This is it. Sue thought to herself as she stared down at Box 41. Is it here? Do I want it to be here? What will it say? Well, I'll never know unless I open it. She took a deep breath and put the key in the lock. I can't look. She closed her eyes and turned the key. But I need to know. No. Yes. Ok, ok. This is ridiculous. Just open it already. She pulled the door open and several letters slid out dropping to the ground. At the sound she opened her eyes and glanced at the letters but they were in a pile making it difficult to read the return addresses. Ok, just do it. Just pick them up without looking too closely and get back inside. She grabbed the letters from the box and closed it up, then bent down to pick up the letters on the ground. As hard as she tried not to look, she couldn't help it. Her eyes zeroed in on that letter. It was here. Her heart began to race. It's ok, just get the letters and go inside. It's ok. She stood and took another deep breath to steady her pulse then walked back to her apartment. Shutting the door carefully she set the letters on the table and removed her shoes. Then she walked into the kitchen, poured herself a tall glass of water and chugged it down. Ahh! She set the glass in the sink and returned to the table. Picking her favorite chair she sat down and looked over at the letters. Carefully avoiding that letter, she went through the rest sorting out bills and ads and junk. Once the rest of the mail was taken care of she turned her eyes on that letter. What if it's not what I want to hear? What if I can't handle it? What if...what if...what if? Oh, come on. Just get it over with. Enough already. She tore the envelope and pulled the letter out. She unfolded it and skimmed through. 'No evidence of breast cancer'. Her hands shook as she read and reread the letter to be sure. The smile that spread across her face shined all the way to her eyes. The tears rolled down her cheeks as the relief washed over her. It's ok. She thought. It's ok now.