My Short Short for the Day

The darkness of the night oozed in through the doorway, spreading out across the room, drowning everything in black. Celia huddled down deep into her blankets, shivering in the heat. There was a creak on the stairs. Everyone was supposed to be asleep. Who was out there?

Her father had taken her to see the latest Zombie flick. She said she wanted to go and was even excited about spending time with her dad. But she wasn't prepared for all the gross and scary parts, which was pretty much the whole movie. She tried to hide her face but her dad had teased her. She wanted him to think she was brave so she straightened her shoulders and forced her eyes to remain open and fixed on the screen for the next 90 minutes. She almost lost her snack once but was able to choke it back down without her dad noticing.

The creak came again. Maybe it was her mom going downstairs for a drink. No, it couldn't be. She would have been moving faster but the creaks were coming very slow, like someone dragging their foot up the stairs. Like...like a zombie! She almost screeched but remembered that noise will bring the zombies. What should she do? She had to kill it. To protect herself and her family. She had to be brave. Her dad taught her that.

She quietly crawled out of bed and grabbed the toy guitar her mom had given her for her birthday. Then she tiptoed to the door and held her breath. The creak was coming from the floor this time. It was just outside her door. Somehow the zombie knew she was awake. She raised the guitar over her head and held it there. The door slowly opened. Wait, wait until it stuck it's head in. You have to hit it in the head really hard.

The door was now open and the zombie came into the room dragging its foot. It was hunched over and making a weird breathing sort of sound. It stopped beside her bed and grabbed the edge of the blanket. Celia took two silent steps up behind it. The zombie yanked back the blankets and she swung the guitar down on its head with all her might. The zombie dropped to the floor with a loud yell.

The lights came on and mom ran in. “What happened? Dave? What are you doing?”

Dad sat up rubbing the back of his head. “I was trying to scare Celia but she whacked me with that darn guitar.”

Celia looked down, worried that she'd be in big trouble.

Mom turned to Celia and gave her a hug. “What were you thinking, Dave?” She said shaking her head. “Come on, kiddo. Let's go get some milk and cookies.”

My Short Short for the Day

"Be quiet! Don't move!" He growled.

She shrank down into the darkness scared as the light disappeared. He was drunk again. There was no telling what he might do. She did as he said. She had learned long ago how to remain utterly still. Even how to curl up just right so that he wouldn't even see her chest rise and fall with each breath. She didn't dare close her eyes but she locked her mouth shut breathing silently through her nose.

It was so dark and cramped in the closet. This was the latest hotel room. They never stayed anywhere for long. Her father would be ok for a day or two but then one sip and he was meaner than any imaginary monster

Every so often she dared to peek outside but only when he was passed out. Even then she would peek for a moment or two, looking over her shoulder to be sure he wasn't stirring. The world outside was so beautiful. She saw kids laughing and playing. Moms and Dads smiling. The air was cool and fresh. The sun so warm on her cheek. This time she had lost herself in a daydream and didn't hear him wake. He bundled her up in an old blanket and shoved her into the closet.

He ranted and raved for a long time but at least in here, she could tune him out. She could imagine what it might feel like to be happy. To enjoy something...anything. Her stomach growled and she froze. It sounded like thunder to her so she held her breath dreading the footsteps. Praying he wouldn't come. The minutes ticked away and nothing. Maybe he had fallen asleep again. Oh, please, please let him be asleep. Gradually she relaxed and let her breathing return to normal. She stared into the darkness but didn't see the dingy closet door, instead she imagined a big house with a white picket fence, green grass, and pretty flowers all around. She pictured a lovely mother and kind father playing with her in the yard. There was a cute little puppy racing around after a small red ball. The sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze drifted lazily along. She smiled.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Bess leaned over to smell the fresh fragrance of the beautiful pink flowers. She had been waiting all year to see them bloom and finally they were here. She smiled.

“Hey Mom! What're you doing?” Sally asked running over.

“Just stopping to smell the flowers.” She said.

“Har har har.” Sally replied dashing off across the yard.

She stood admiring her handiwork for several more moments. Enjoying the colors, the scents, the beauty. Just as she started to turn away she heard a whoosh past her face. She jerked to the side and looked at the blur as it landed right on top of her lovely flowers.

“Mom! Are you ok? Sorry. I'm sorry. I was playing and then Jack came up and kicked at it and I couldn't hold it...Mom?” Sally looked up at her mom. “Mom?”

Bess looked down sadly at her smashed flowers and anger started to brew but then her eyes focused on the ball. She looked from the ball to her daughter's serious face and took a deep breath. As she let it out she knelt down beside her daughter and gave her a hug. “It's ok sweetie. It was an accident.”

Instantly the tension left Sally's tiny shoulders and she fiercely hugged her mom. “I can help you fix them. We can get more seeds and I'll dig holes and water them everyday....

Bess smiled as she listened to Sally's plans for the new plants.

My Short Short Story for the Day

What do I do? Melanie thought as she walked slowly down the deserted sidewalk. She loved the quiet of the early morning. It was her favorite time of day, walking and thinking about all life's...adventures. Like Kirk. She loved him but just wasn't sure she was ready for such a big commitment. They'd been together for a few years and he had asked several times, but she just couldn't bring herself to say yes. Her mother had given up long ago. She did manage to throw in from time to time how much she wanted grandkids. Melanie laughed. Someday, she would say. Some day. Oh, Kirk. He was so sweet and patient but...but... What was it that was holding her back? If only she could figure it out. Her friends all liked him, her parents liked him, his family liked her, his friends liked her. What was it? Melanie tried to pinpoint the cause of hesitation when suddenly she was thrown into the air. She didn't feel any pain, just the strange sensation of air rushing past her as her body took flight. There was a loud thud echoing in her ears for several minutes as she stared up into the clearest blue sky she'd ever seen.

“Yes, please hurry...”

All sounds faded into the distance as a rush of peace came over her. She didn't fight the overwhelming urge to close her eyes. Warmth spread out around her as her breath slowed. Now, everything became clear. All the questions, all the uncertainty, all things. It was so easy now to see what she needed to do. Soon, just a short rest, then she'd talk to him. Soon.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Kara looked at the stone. It was so small, so light. Why couldn't she do it? She concentrated but nothing. Her teacher shook his head. She scrunched up her face, focusing all she could on the stone. Nothing. She huffed out her breath as her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“You have to focus Kara. You need to clear you mind and concentrate only on moving the stone.” Ven kept his voice calm and firm. Kara had the ability but she just couldn't seem to slow down and really focus. It was all about getting it done quick instead of right.

Kara took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. “I can't do it!” She grumped. “It's too hard.”

Ven walked over to her placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You can do it. I believe in you. You have the skill. Just don't rush it. Take your time and forget everything else. Just think only of the stone. Nothing else.”

Kara looked up at him studying his face. Yes, he did seem to be telling the truth. She smiled and relaxed. “Ok.” She took a deep breath and pushed all her other thoughts to the side. Slowly she raised her hand and the stone lifted up as well. As it rose higher she got so excited that she lost her focus and the stone dropped back to the ground. Beaming she looked over to Ven.

“Very good Kara. Very good.” He smiled.

My Short Short Story for the Day

It had been a long day and I was so thankful to finally be going to bed. I settled in and closed my eyes. The next thing I know my alarm is going off and the sunlight is peeking through the blinds. I smack the alarm and roll over to tell Harry to get up. I don't know why he doesn't just set his own alarm. Why do I have to be the alarm? Oh, whatever. It's easier this way. Then we don't have to fight about it every morning.

Harry has his back to me with the covers tucked up over his shoulder so all I see is the back 0f his fuzzy head. I poke at him and he grunts so I poke harder.

“It's time to get up.” I said starting to get annoyed. I put my hand on his back this time and start to shove. Then I notice how cold he is, almost like sticking your hand in the fridge. I push up onto my elbow and pull him onto his back. His eyes are open but weird. His skin is very pale and he stinks. Not just the normal kind of smells but rotten flesh kind of stink.

He turns his head toward me and grunts again slowly stretching his hand out. My heart leaps into my throat as I try to leap out of bed. I scream but for a zombie he's pretty quick and grabs my ankle holding me tight. I kick him and hear a disgusting crunch as something of his breaks. It doesn't faze him. This can't be real! This can't be real! This can't be real! I chant closing my eyes tight and willing this nightmare to end.

I hear a faint buzz that grows stronger until suddenly I open my eyes and realize that my alarm is going off. Thank goodness! I sigh in relief. I look over and all I see is Harry's fuzzy head sticking out of the covers. I gently touch his back and he feels warm.

He rolls over to look at me. “What's wrong?”

“You jerk!” I said punching him.

“What did I do?”

My Short Short Story for the Day

It happened so fast that Alice couldn't even think for several seconds. The longer she stared at it, the slower her heart started to beat. Minutes ticked away as she stared silently down. Finally, she could breath normally, her pulse no longer racing. The sweat had dried on her forehead. The panic subsided. What's done is done. She thought allowing herself to blink. One deep breath and she could look away. She eased back several steps then turned to the kitchen. Rummaging through the drawers she came up with a garbage bag, paper towels and some carpet cleaner. She returned to the spot and knelt down. Carefully she filled the garbage bag and tied it up tight, then scrubbed the carpet. The stain wasn't coming out. She sprayed more cleaner and scrubbed harder. It was fading a bit but not enough. She had to clean it completely. Get rid of the evidence. But she was running out of time. She scrubbed some more and continued until the stain had faded. She stood up and stepped back. Nope, not good enough. She could still see it. The clock chimed and her eyes widened. Oh, no! I have to hurry. She scrubbed a bit more but it just wasn't coming out. She stood up, stuffed the used paper towels into the bag and took it out to the garage. Opening the lid of the trash can, she carefully dug down making a hole. Then she stuffed the bag in and covered it over. Quickly she returned to the living room but the stain glared at her knowingly. She looked around as her heart started to race again. So close, just need to...to...hide it! She dragged the ottoman over and placed it squarely on top of the stain. Perfect! Looking at the clock she hurried off to wash her hands and get in bed.

“Alice!”

Alice opened her eyes groggily, not knowing how long she had been asleep.

“Alice Pembly!”

Alice bolted upright in bed remembering what had happened earlier and knowing that she had been caught. Slowly she climbed out of bed and walked out to the living room.

“What is this?”  The voice was very stern. 

Alice could only stare at the accusing stain for several seconds before quietly responding. “Chocolate milk.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Ok, here, here. This is good. Quick! Duck!” Ishy whispered loudly.

“Are you sure? He might find us? What if he finds us?” Kel asked.

Ishy rolled her eyes. Her little sister was always worrying about everything. Always second guessing everything. She just didn't know how to relax and have fun. Ishy had decided it was time to teach her and what better way then a game of hide`n`seek with Dad.

“Shhh!” Ishy said holding onto Kel's shoulder.

“What if he finds us? What'll happen?” Kel whispered.

“Quiet!” Ishy peeked around the edge of the bushes but didn't see her Dad. “He has no idea where we are? She giggled.

Kel stared at her for a moment then relaxed just enough to smile a little.

Just then they could hear footsteps getting closer. “Ok, get ready.” Ishy whispered to her sister.

Kel tensed but was ready. Her heart was racing but Ishy had assured her this would be fun. She sure hoped so.

“Now!” Ishy whispered pulling Kel up.

“Boo!” They yelled in unison.

Dad jumped backwards. “Argh!” He was smiling even as his heel bumped a rock and he tumbled backwards to land squarely on his back. “Oof!”

Ishy was laughing wildly but Kel raced to Dad frightened. “Are you ok? Dad?!”

Dad sat up still smiling. “Just got the wind knocked out of me a bit. I'm ok though, kiddo.” He hugged Kel who was close to tears.

Ishy was still laughing but came over to help Dad up.

“That was a good one girls. You really got me that time.” Dad laughed picking Kel up and taking Ishy's hand. “Now, how about some ice cream?” They were all smiling as they walked home.

My Short Short Story for the Day

The wind fluttered through the leaves, sweeping away the dust and cobwebs stretching between the branches. The sun peeked in warming the soil in tiny dots of light. Silvie slowly opened her eyes to the fresh new morning. Sleep had come easily to her and now, quite refreshed, she was ready and eager to be on her way. It promised to be a wonderful day. With a smile she bundled up her mat and gear, tossed them onto her back and stepped out into the world. A robin greeted her with soft chirps and a squirrel chattered to her from a nearby tree.

“Hi little critters! Good morning!” Silvie waved to each animal she met on the path. You just never know when something magical might happen. She thought. “Do any of you speak?” She paused for a moment then shrugged and continued on her way.

A tune popped into her head so she began to whistle and soon it turned into a song which she sang softly. It made the walking easier with a distraction so the song carried on for miles, changing and shifting like the river that wound its way alongside the path. Maybe today would be the day. She had been searching for a very long time but never gave up, never wavered from the belief that one day she would find “Home”. And maybe, just maybe, today was that. She smiled at the possibility and continued to walk.