My Short Short for the Day

Sidney collapsed to the ground. She could feel the warmth of heat surrounding her. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked around. She was home. The darkness was gone. She was lying on the couch and the sun was peeking through the curtains and shining on her face. She sat up rubbing her neck. On the table she saw a little blue mouse Ginny had just got yesterday. It was her treasure. Sidney smiled. Oh, what a horrible night. Her dreams had faded but left behind a feeling of despair in the pit of her stomach. She stood and stretched her arms high over her head. With a big yawn she rubbed her lower back to work out a kink and then walked into the kitchen. She filled a glass with water and took a long drink. The coolness soothed her throat. Carrying the glass she walked down the hall to Ginny's room.

“Time to get up Sleepyhead.” She said walking into the room.

She saw the empty bed and smiled. “Ok, silly goose. Where are you hiding?”

Sidney searched the closet and under the desk. Then she got on the floor and looked under the bed. Nothing.

“Where are you?” Sidney laughed walking into the hallway. “I'm going to find you.”

Sidney walked down the hall and into her bedroom. “Are you in here Sweetie?”

There were no sounds. Sidney's joy started to fade. And where was Ed? She searched under the bed, in the closet, in the bathrooms and every possible place a child could fit, but nothing. Ed was no where either. They must have gone to the store or something. Sidney breathed a sigh. That had to be it. She was being foolish because of those dreams. She shook her head. Just being foolish.

The phone rang and Sidney picked it up. “Hello?” There was no sound from the earpiece. The ringing continued but it was coming from Ginny's room.

Sidney frowned and walked into her daughter's room. She looked through the toy bin following the ringing sound. Then she found the toy phone. How could it be ringing. Sidney looked it over. No batteries, no mechanical parts. How is it possible? The ringing continued.

“Hello?” Sidney said holding it up to her ear.

“Mommy, is that you?” Ginny's voice was soft. “Where are you?”

My Short Short for the Day

“Mommy? Where are you? I can't see you.” Ginny's voice came from the creature but the body didn't move.

“Ginny?” Sidney knelt beside the limp body cradling the head.

Ginny's eyes popped open and her mouth twisted into a smile. “Oh, there you are. Where are we?”

“It's ok Sweetie. I'm right here.” Sidney lifted her little body into her arms. “I'll get you out of here.”

Sidney turned away from the skeleton and began to run back the way they had come. It was pitch dark again. The light was behind her. She ran anyways, desperate to get home. She ran faster trying to outrun the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She crashed into a wall and fell backwards. She had smashed her face against it but she was too numb to feel the pain yet. She picked up Ginny and inched forward slowly this time.

Then she heard the scraping sound again. It was behind her. Getting closer. She moved quicker. There was a small patch of light ahead. She moved faster toward it holding out a hand to give her a few seconds warning of anymore walls. Ginny didn't move or speak. She felt light, too light.

They got closer until finally the light surrounded them. Sidney stopped to look down at Ginny and screamed. The little girl's face was covered in blood. She wasn't breathing. The wall, she had gotten crushed when Sidney had run into the wall. “No!” She screamed.

My Short Short for the Day

Suddenly the creature stopped. Sidney nearly ran into it but caught herself just short of making contact. She sucked in her breath and demanded her heart to stop thundering in her chest. The flashing lights stopped moving and dimmed to almost a pitch black. There was only silence surrounding them. Almost silence, there was a noise, faint and distant...or was it? It sounded like a scraping of something sharp along a rock. Sidney strained to hear better. A shiver raced up her spine as the hair on her arm stood on end. The sound had stopped and the darkness was complete. She couldn't see her own hand less than an inch from her face.

The sound started again but it was right behind her. She wanted to jump but fear froze her in place.

“Don't worry Mommy.” The creature whispered. “He's here now.”

The cold, icy fingers of the creature grasped Sidney's hand. It was all she could do not to yank it away. As they walked a light spread before them, leading them forward. Sidney looked around but it was a thick blanket of darkness around them. Only the narrow strip in front of them was lit. They walked for several minutes then the creature dropped Sidney's hand and collapsed to its knees. It lay on the ground like a rag doll, limp and lifeless and looking exactly like Ginny.

Sidney clasped her hands over her mouth. She wanted to scream, rage against who ever was doing this, but terrified to make a sound. Another sound and she looked up. She stared willing her eyes to focus in on the being sitting high up on a throne a few feet away. Slowly the image cleared and it was a skeleton. Not creepy at first but the longer she stared the more it morphed into something from a nightmare. This was a nightmare. It had to be. Why couldn't she wake up though. Sidney cried silently.

My Short Short for the Day

Sidney opened her eyes but was too terrified to look around. She fixed her gaze on the striped socks of the creature that was following Ed. They were Ginny's socks, but it was definitely not Ginny wearing them. What was that creature and where was Ginny? Was she ok? Was she safe? Maybe she had run out of the house, escaped to the neighbors. She could only hope.

“Here we are Mommy.” The creature said with a smile.

Ed set Sidney down. She stood, looking up and felt an immediate lurch in her stomach. Swallowing hard, she forced the bile back down. What was this place? “Ed? Are you in there?”

Ed stared right through her.

“Daddy can't hear you anymore.” The creature said cheerfully skipping by. “Come on Mommy, I have so much to show you.”

Sidney walked carefully, shielding her eyes from the flashing lights that threatened to make her sick. She had to concentrate on finding a way out. How could she escape and where would she go? She looked behind her to pick out some object, some landmark to remember how to get home. Home. Why was this happening? How? No, enough of that. It didn't matter how or why or any of that. Escape. That's all that mattered. And not throwing up. Those lights were making it very hard to see and to forget her twisting stomach.

My Short Short for the Day

Ed sat up with a glassy stare. He was looking toward Sidney but he wasn't seeing anything. Sidney's scream stuck in her throat. She could only look in horror as Ed slowly rose to his feet and walked toward her. Sidney was paralyzed in fear.
Ed leaned over grabbing Sidney's arms and pulling her to her feet. His hands were icy cold s they dug into her flesh.

“Ed? What are you doing?” Sidney pleaded. “Stop. You're hurting me. Ed?!”

“Don't worry Mommy. Daddy is fine...now.” The little creature spoke with Ginny's voice but didn't resemble her in any other way. The creature looked up to Ed. “Bring her this way.”

Ed lifted Sidney off her feet and laid her over his shoulder. “Ed! Let me down! Ed! Wake up!”

“He's not sleeping Mommy. He can't hear you anymore.” The creature said with a smile before ducking under the bed and crawling to the farthest corner.

Sidney winced as Ed knelt down still carrying her. She closed her eyes and held her breath. Ed moved quickly. How they fit under the bed, Sidney didn't know but soon they were in a cold, dark tunnel. Where were they going and how could this be happening? Was it still a nightmare?

My Short Short for the Day

As Sidney rocked her daughter, Ed finally shook his head and turned to them. “I just don't know what to make of it. I mean, it's just not possible to vanish.”

“Well, they can do that in your comics Daddy.” Ginny said.

“Yeah but that's not real.” Ed said with a smile.

The family sat silent for several minutes. Sidney just couldn't wrap her mind around it. She'd read ghost stories before and watched plenty of movies but never believed in supernatural beings. How else could she explain what she saw. She yawned uncontrollably. Maybe it was a nightmare. Maybe she was still asleep. She closed her eyes for a moment.

“You're not dreaming Mommy.”

Sidney opened her eyes at the sound of her daughter's voice. She screamed and dropped the creature as if being burned. She scrabbled away as fast as possible but bumped into the bookshelf. She looked toward Ed but he was sound asleep on the floor next to the bed. He wasn't moving.

The creature stood and walked toward Sidney. The creature spoke with Ginny's voice. Sidney's eyes darted around the room. Where was Ginny?

“Ed!” Sidney screamed reaching around for anything solid to grab. “Ed!”

My Short Short for the Day

“I don't know.” Sidney said slowly getting to her feet.

There was a soft sound and Sidney bolted out of the room. She rushed into the other bedroom and threw herself on the floor.

“Are you ok Sweetie?” Sidney reached in to grab her daughter's hand.

“Yes, Mommy.” Ginny's voice was very soft and she was clutching her stuffed unicorn. “I'm scared.”

Sidney helped her daughter out and pull her into her arms. Ed sat on the bed still looking confused.

“What happened?” He finally said.

Sidney snuggled Ginny close in her arms. “I feel asleep on the couch. The click of the door closing woke me up. I was a little dazed at first but I saw two shadows go by. I grabbed the dumbbell. I didn't know what else to get. They went into our bedroom so I stopped at Ginny's and told her to hide under the bed. Then I went to our bedroom and they were whispering. I couldn't tell what they were saying. I just lunged at the closest one. I know I hit him but then...it's like the light came on and they disappeared.”

Ed tugged at his beard looking downward, staring at nothing in particular.

My Short Short for the Day

The gentle click of the door jolted Sidney awake. She had stayed up late working and while the computer shut down she checked on her daughter, sprawled across the bed and sleeping soundly. Then she made her way down the hall to her bedroom where her husband was also sprawled across the bed sleeping soundly. Walking back down the hall she couldn't help but smile at her two bed hogs. She fluffed the throw pillow and unfolded the quilt then settled down on the couch. With a huge yawn she shut off the light and lay down. She thought she'd have trouble falling asleep, but the next thing she heard was the gentle click of the door. Her head was a bit fuzzy with sleep but instincts told her not to move. She looked toward the sound only moving her eyes. There were two shadows that moved down the hall. Fear choked her but she swallowed hard. Her daughter. Her thoughts raced as she silently slid off the couch. She was in motion and had to act without time for a lot of thought.

Grabbing the dumbbell tucked under the TV stand she rose to her feet. A quick breath for courage and she glided down the hall. The shadows had moved straight to the back room. Her husband. She could here him snoring. She ducked into her daughter's room. She covered her mouth and lifted her to a sitting position. Her daughter woke with a start and seeing her mother's eyes, quickly quieted.

“Under the bed, far back corner. Stay there.” Sidney whispered.

Her daughter nodded and immediately crawled down. Sidney paused at the doorway to check that she was hidden, then glided down the hall. She paused outside the partially closed door and heard whispers. She couldn't understand what was being said. What to do? No time to panic or hesitate. She had to act. People don't break into your house for good reasons.

She slipped through the door and lunged toward the nearest shadow swinging the dumbbell with all her might. Her arm shook with the tremor of making contact. The lights suddenly came on and she fell to the floor. She looked toward the light switch. Her husband was standing there looking down at her.

“What was that?” His eyes mirrored her shock.

My Short Short for the Day

The night was dark and dreary, as any good Halloween night should be. The air was chilly with a hint of wood smoke simmering among the trees. The ghosts rustled in their hiding spots, waiting for the unsuspecting to walk by. Vampires were pushing up their coffin lids and stretching after their day's rest. Witches stirred their brew, chanting their spells into the green smoke. Goblins sharpened their claws and teeth while dreaming of tasty treats to come. Zombies clawed their way out of their graves, reattaching parts that may have fallen off.

Inside the homes where warm lights glowed in the windows, eager children hurried through dinner. Dressing into their costumes took some time but there were giggles and squeals the whole time. Makeup was painted on their bright shiny faces, clothing was snugged on their wiggly bodies. Masks and mittens placed carefully on their faces and hands. Once shoes were laced up and tied snug, baskets were handed out and front doors opened.

The creatures of the night were lined up ready to scare.

The children were lined up ready to trick or treat.

It would be a night to remember for all.

My Short Short for the Day

 

It was a cold, cold day on the ice far up north where only Polar Bears dare to venture out into the open air. The wind was howling, swirling the dusting of loose snow up into little tornadoes and sending them to dance across the frozen ground. The sky was full of gray clouds blocking out the sun and any hope of warmth. The white was almost blinding. Far off into the distance a little black dot could be seen slowly meandering down a trail that could only be followed by scent. The blistering cold froze each little drip of moisture almost instantly, forming an icicle beard on the huge beast. Lumbering down the trail, the bear wagged it's head back and forth searching for something, anything that might settle the growling in his tummy.

My Short Short for the Day

It was a warm summer day as the friends gathered together in Owly's nest. It was a free day with no plans and no obligations. They pondered what to do on such a lovely day. After several minutes of tossing ideas around, they settled on ant races. Each friend had a pet ant they were very proud of. So the friends made a quick race track.

“Ok, the first ant to make it around the track wins.” Owly said.

The friends gently set their ants down at the starting line and on the count of 3 let them go.

“Run Annie! Go Arty! Yay Amy! You can do it Al!” The friends cheered as their little ants scurried around the track.

All the ants ran fast and remained very close to each other, all except one. Little Koala's ant, Pokey, was small even for an ant. And unfortunately, she had stubbed her toe earlier that morning so she was unable to keep up with the other ants. She kept trying her best, though, refusing to give up.

“Go Pokey! Keep trying! I believe in you!” Little Koala cheered.

Pokey dug down deep inside and found the will to run faster. She pushed herself faster and faster and started to close the distance. The other ants weren't quite so far ahead now. Pokey pushed herself and got even closer. The ants finished the race one by one with Pokey only a few paces behind.

Little Koala picked up Pokey and gave her a big hug. “You did so great Pokey! You were awesome!”

Pokey smiled and snuggled in.

My Short Short for the Day

“Bow down to me you puny humans!” The voice roared over the screams of terror as the little beings ran around in confusion and fear. There was no place to hide. No escape from this demon of evil. What could they do? Who would help them?

“Never fear little ones, I will save you!” The fearless voice quieted the terror. The beings stopped running and stared up at the magnificent super hero. “Yay!” The cheers were almost deafening as the brave hero paused for a moment to survey the surroundings.

“Whatcha doin Bunny?” Fuzzy asked walking over to the table.

“Super Bunny was just about to save the village from the evil monster.” Bunny hopped over to his friend and showed him the scene.

“Can I play, too.” Fuzzy asked.

“Sure. Do you want to be the evil monster?” Bunny handed him a paper sword.

“Ok. Mwah hahaha!” Fuzzy said leaping to the table top and threatening the toy people.

“Oh, no! Save us Super Bunny! Please!”

“Get back you evil monster! For I am Super Bunny!” Bunny hopped up to the table.

The battle was on. Evil Fuzzy used his sword but he was no match for Super Bunny's amazing bunny kick. Soon the Evil Fuzzy surrendered and was thrown in jail. “If you mend your evil ways, you will be released, but until then you shall do no more harm.”

Super Bunny turned to the people. “You are free from the Evil Fuzzy's reign now.”

“Yay! Super Bunny!”

My Short Short for the Day

The snuffling grew louder as a large snorting beast appeared in the doorway. Noodles made eye contact and froze. The beast seemed to smile with its tongue hanging out. Its breath was strong enough to knock him over but Noodles managed to remain upright. The beast walked up and sniffed Noodles then turn to walk away. A piece of hair drifted down from the beast and settled on Noodles' head which promptly made him sneeze. The beast turned back around and stared at Noodles who was wiping his nose. The beast stepped forward and laid down so that his nose was just a smidge from Noodles' belly.

“Good boy.” Noodles said petting the snout.

The beast licked Noodles knocking him over and drenching him in slobber.

“Ewww!” Noodles tried to brush the slime off

“Hee hee hee!” The snicker came from above.

Noodles looked up to see a little green critter laughing at him. “Well, maybe if you weren't so hard to find I wouldn't have had to spend time getting to know this...smelly beast.”

“It's a dog. His name is Puggy.” Trouble smiled then whistled. The dog got up and walked to the dresser stopping directly below Trouble.

Trouble jumped down onto the dog's back and rode him over to Noodles. “Want a ride?”

My Short Short for the Day

Noodles typed rapidly on his computer. I've reached this strange planet. It took several minutes for my breathing to adapt but I'm ok now. I will begin my search soon. The beings here are huge but not invulnerable. My first mission will be to find my partner, Trouble. His last transmission was to inform me he had landed safely in the littlest beings room. I will report again once mission one is complete.

Noodles jumped off the table and ran across the carpet out of the living room. He paused for a moment looking at his two options. After some quick calculations in his head he bypassed the kitchen and headed down the hall. He skidded to a halt when a faint familiar scent tickled his nose. Trouble. He turned left and hurried through the door running directly into the littlest being. He immediately froze.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” The little girl knelt down to pick up the little toy. She looked at him and smiled, then placed him in the dollhouse. “You can go play with the dollies.”

“Honey, bath time.” The voice came from a nearby room.

“Coming Mom.” The little girl hurried out of the room.

Noodles sat up and looked around. No sign of Trouble so he climbed out of the small house and ran across the carpet. He checked in every drawer, basket, box, everything but found no sign of Trouble. Where could he be. Noodles scratched his head when he heard a loud snuffle sound coming his way. What was that?

My Short Short for the Day

“Do you want to help me with the artwork?” I asked.

“Yes!” Harley said with so much enthusiasm that she couldn't stay in her seat. She actually launched into the air and did a little dance over to the easel. She carefully selected several crayons and some paper, then returned to her table.

“Ok. Do you want to see what I've drawn so far?” I asked pulling out my sketches.

“Nope. I'm good.” She set her crayons down and focused in on the paper for the next several minutes. She sang aloud as her little fingers raced across the page.

I returned to my sketches moving at a much slower and more indecisive way. I set my pencil down and looked at the picture. Hmm? Not bad. I thought.

“Done.” Harley said sitting on the couch next to me and scooting up close. She set her picture on top of mine and smiled.

I examined it carefully and smiled. “I love it.”

Harley beamed and jumped off the couch. “Now I'm going to start on Squirrely.”

My Short Short for the Day

Halloween was finally here and the fun would now begin. Ed was so excited he could barely stay focused. He turned his attention to the fuzzy little creatures in the box.

“Not much longer my friends.” He said with a smirk. “Then you'll all be free.”

He chuckled as he loaded the last of the boxes onto his truck. He drove down the quiet street looking at all the houses filled with laughter and anticipation. Soon it would be dark and the kids would start the trek around the neighborhood begging for candy.

He remembered the thrill he got each year, making his own costume since his family couldn't afford anything so frivolous. He also remembered how hurt and disappointed he was as his father refused to let him go. “No son of mine will go begging for anything.” He'd say before taking another gulp of beer.

Ed would walked back to his room and settle in front of the window, watching the other kids hurrying up to each door until their bags were almost overflowing. The next day at school the kids would talk about their costumes and how much candy they got. Eventually they would turn to him, point and laugh.

It was the same every year. He just accepted it. Until now. Now, things would be different. Starting with his father. Ed parked on the street in front of his old house. He could hear his father inside cussing up a storm. Nothing new. Ed walked up to the front door and opened it just enough to let several of his little fuzzy friends crawl inside. Then he closed the door and started to walk slowly back to his truck. It didn't take long, the little creatures were hungry and quick. The screams filled the air but no one paid much attention. There was always yelling and screaming coming from that house.

Ed smiled and went back to his truck. He drove all the way to the end of the street where it dead-ended. Then one by one he opened the boxes and set them on the ground. Soon the street and sidewalks were covered in a black moving mass. When he finished, Ed sat down on his truck and waited. Several minutes later the screams began. Soon, all that yummy candy would finally be his.

My Short Short for the Day

Lenard Lizard skittered across the rocks. The sun was toasty warm on his skin so he paused to soak it in. Soon he felt cozy and sleepy. Just a short nap and he'd be on his way again. A shiver woke him and he looked around. The sun was setting and he knew he had slept the day away. Time to hurry on and find some food before burrowing into his hole for the night. He heard the sound of many tiny feet marching along and knew there was an ant hill nearby. The ants had often shared with him in the past so maybe today would be no different.

He hurried toward the marching sound and soon caught the tail end of the line. “Excuse me.” He said.

“Yeah?” The ant asked.

“Could you tell me where I could find some food really quick?” Lenard paused for a moment thinking fast. “I'd be happy to bring back a large portion for your colony.”

“Well...ok. We found a half of a peanut butter sandwich amongst the rocks over that way about 5000 paces...as the ant walks.” The ant said. “Split it 50/50.”

“Great! Thanks! I'll be by the hill soon.” Lenard loved peanut butter and hurried off in the direction the ant had pointed. Since his paces were much larger it took him no time at all to find the discarded sandwich. He gobbled up half the sandwich then tossed the other half on to his back. He tied a little seaweed around to hold it in place. He scurried back to the ant hill and stuffed the sandwich down the hole. With a bulging belly and a happy, sticky grin he settled into his hole for the night and closed his eyes.

My Short Short for the Day

Danny stretched up onto his tiptoes to get a better look at the yummy cake. Maybe he could stretch far enough to get a fingerful of frosting. Just a little farther. Danny stretched out his little arm and wiggled his fingers, willing the cake to move just a bit closer.

“Danny, you're not in the kitchen are you?” Mother's voice drifted in from the hallway.

“Noooo!” Danny fussed. He sulked as he walked out of the kitchen. “When's the party?”

“Not for another couple hours.” Mother smiled as she ruffled his hair.

“Oh, man! I want some cake now.” Danny dragged himself down the hall to his bedroom.

“Mom? He didn't mess up my cake did he?” Cindy asked walking into the kitchen.

“No, he can't reach it.” Mother said. “The cake is safe.”

Cindy inspected the cake thoroughly. Finally satisfied, she turned back around to see Danny in the doorway.

“What do you want?” Cindy said hands on hips.

“Cake.” Danny replied putting his hands on his hips and leaning in a bit.

“Well, you don't get any until the party.” Cindy took a step forward bending over slightly to look directly down into Danny's eyes.

“Oh, yeah?” Danny started to waver a bit.

“Yeah.” Cindy took another step and stared Danny down.

Danny stared for a moment then pouted and looked away. “Rats!” He mumbled and stalked back to his room.

My Short Short for the Day

Catta held tightly to the silky soft white fur that rolled in waves down the back of the huge beast. She laughed with abandon, squealing as the creature sprinted across the ground, devouring mile after mile without a hint of slowing down. Catta had never ridden so fast before. They had said no girl would ever ride a snow beast. She'll show them. This was the biggest snow beast ever seen and she had tamed it. Well, as much as a beast can be tamed. Now she was riding it faster than the wind. She felt so free. So wild and free. She locked her fingers around the fur and stared over the furry head of the beast, squinting as the wind whipped at her eyes. Her heart raced as the thrill coursed through her. Suddenly the beast was racing towards a cliff's edge. For a moment fear gripped her, but the ground rushed past too fast for panic to set in. The beast didn't hesitate but lowered it's head and Catta followed suit lying almost flat against its back. The beast leaped without missing a stride. They soared through the open air flying high above the land. Catta was frightened but couldn't resist a peek over the side of the beast to the far away ground below. As graceful as an doe, the beast landed and continued racing on without breaking stride. Catta's grin spread and her heart leaped forward into a thunderous noise as she sat up, gripping the fur and reveling in the rush.