My Short Short for the Day

Once upon a time there was a Snow family. They were best friends forever. Then one day they met a moose and a polar bear.

“Ooga Booga.” They said.

The moose and polar bear farted.

“Ewww!” Snowmom said.

“Smells stinky.” Snowgirl plugged her nose.

Then they met a silly starfish who was riding on Snowdad's back. It crawled onto his face and got in his way so he couldn't see. “Oh, that tickles.' He said wiggling his carrot nose.

“Hee hee.” The starfish giggled.

“You're kind of cute.” Snowmom said tickling the starfish.

“Can we keep her?” Snowgirl begged.

“Ok.” Snowdad said. “As long as she finds some place else to sit.

Starfish giggled again and crawled up to the top of Snowdad's head. Snowdad smiled and the whole family walked home with their new pet.

Meanwhile the moose and polar bear had followed the Snow family home. “Can we come in, too?” They asked.

“Sure.” Snowmom said holding the door open.

Then they all laid down for a nap together.


The End
Story and picture by Harley

My Short Short for the Day

I started to fall. I flailed my arms desperately trying to grab hold of anything. I came up empty. I didn't know what else to do, so I accepted my fate. It was stupid. I was stupid. Not paying attention to what I was doing and backed into a foot stool. I was moving fast enough that I couldn't stop my momentum. I wanted to save myself but knew after those few seconds, it wasn't meant to be. I was falling wrong, I couldn't correct it. I'd bend my neck wrong. I wouldn't survive. It's strange how calmly these thoughts filled my head. I was thankful that my daughter wasn't here to see me. But she would know soon enough. What would she do? How would her life turn out? What a stupid way to die. So careless and pointless. If only I'd slowed down. If only I'd watched where I was going. If only I hadn't been so distracted. If only I could turn back the time. Why? Why now? Why me? I'm not done with my life. Why?

I landed with a crack. I went numb instantly. For a moment I had hope. My phone. I reached for my pocket but couldn't move. It was right there. Suddenly it rang. I desperately tried to grab it. I yelled at it. No good. I sighed heavily. At least I think I did. I couldn't feel anything. I wanted to cry. Maybe I did, I couldn't feel it. How long would I lay here? My head was twisted back at an angle so I could see the couch and coffee table my daughter uses to write letters to pen pals, create works of art, do her school work, read books, sticker in her albums, play, eat and have fun.

Please don't let my daughter find me. Anyone else, but her. Please let her grow up healthy and happy. Please don't let her grief ruin that. Please help her find her path in life and live fully. Please don't let me die. I want to live. There's so much I still want to do and see. So much to experience. So much left undone. Why did I waste so much time? Why did I always think there would be another day, another chance?  Just one more chance.  Please.

My Short Short for the Day

The ice began to crack. Zola screamed. Wila screamed, too, unsure if she should run for help or stay to help her sister. Zola screamed again. Wila grabbed a branch and flopped onto her stomach. She inched out onto the ice praying the ice would hold. She stretched out as far as her arm would go but the branch wasn't long enough.

The ice cracked again, louder this time and Zola screamed. Wila looked up as Zola shot down through the hole in the ice. “No!” She inched further onto the ice, ignoring the frozen chill settling into her body. She ignored her chattering teeth and the icy rawness of her exposed face.

The ice cracked once more. Very close to Wila. She stopped and remained still. Willing the ice to stop cracking but the sun above was leaving puddles on the surface. Wila inched forward again, moving faster. She didn't have time to be so cautious anymore. Zola's head bobbed up to the surface. She looked blue. She was too cold to scream but her eyes glazed with fear.

The ice cracked right beneath Wila. She didn't have time to scream before plunging into the icy depths. The shock stole her breath. She struggled to grasp the slick ice. She turned to see where Zola was but couldn't see her head bobbing in the water anymore. “Zola!” Her scream drifted into the emptiness.

The ice cracked every time Wila grabbed hold. It was no longer solid. There was no way to crawl across it anymore. They were out in the middle of the pond. So far to swim and claw their way across the chunks of ice. And Zola. Where was Zola?

The ice cracked one last time. The sun melted the ice chunks around Wila, yet the icy water remained cold. She knew there wasn't much time. She'd have to dive down, but would she be able to make it back up. She couldn't think of that now. She dove down, grabbed Zola and pushed off the bottom as hard as her legs would allow. She shot out of the surface, clasping Zola's limp body tightly. Blocking out all else, she swam one armed toward the shore. She didn't hear the screams or see the people running out of the woods. She only saw the shore and felt the weight of her sister's life.

Strong hands lifted her and Zola easily out of the water. They were both wrapped in many warm blankets and laid down next to a roaring fire. When did this all get here? Wila thought.

“You're safe now Wila.” A familiar voice said close to her ear. “And you saved Zola. She'll be alright.”

Wila could only manage a weak smile before succumbing to the sleepiness.

My Short Short for the Day

“No! Let go of me!” Yoli yelled twisting her wrist and yanking her arm back, just like Sensei Don had taught her. The sound of her heart thundered in her ears but she ignored it. “Let go of me!”

With a quick jerk, she swung her fist up into the stranger's face causing a bloody nose. The stranger screamed, clutching his nose and stumbling backwards. He tripped and fell to the ground making a loud thud as his head hit the concrete. Yoli kicked him in the stomach as hard as she could then ran. Several adults were rushing toward her.

“Are you ok?” A woman asked kneeling down in front of Yoli.

“Yes. I'm alright but that man there tried to grab me.” Yoli pointed toward the fallen stranger.

“Stay here. I'll call the police.” A man said walking toward the stranger's still body.

“Let's call your parents.” The kind woman said taking Yoli's hand and leading her to the front desk.

Yoli waited quietly in the comfy chair watching the commotion as the police showed up and escorted the stranger out of the store. He was groggy but able to walk for the most part.

“Yoli? Honey, are you ok?” Yoli's mother grabbed her into a big hug. “Are you hurt? What happened?”

“I'm ok Mom.” Yoli had often told her mother she was too old for hugging in public, but today, she'd make an exception. “I did just as Sensei Don has been teaching us for years. I even remembered to yell in his face as loud as I could.”

“She is a very brave young lady.” The kind woman said. “She knocked that guy out cold all by herself.”

Yoli's mother finally let go and took a step back. “You did good kid.” She said before pulling Yoli into another hug.

Yoli smiled.

My Short Short for the Day

“Ahhhhh!” Gaby sat up quick. Sweat drenching her face. The sheets tangled around her. That dream again. That horrible vision. Why won't it stop!

“Are you ok Honey?” Her mother pulled her in close for a hug.

“It was the dream again.” Gaby wept bitterly while her mother stroked her hair.

“Tell me about Sweetie. Maybe it'll help.” Her mother said.

“It's a beautiful morning. The sun shining bright above. The air warm and clear. A gentle wind whispering through the trees. I'm in a wide open field full of soft, green grass and brightly colored flowers. I hear the birds singing in the trees and the squirrels chattering as they gather nuts. I feel happy, happier then I've ever felt. So at peace, so calm. I feel...wonderful.” Gaby wiped her eyes dry and sipped some water.

“Sounds lovely.” Her mother brushed some from Gaby's brow and tucked it behind her ear.

“It is.” Gaby smiled savoring the memory for a few moments before the frown returned. “Then all I can see is this eye. It fills my view, blocking out the entire world. It stares at me. Stares into me. My soul turns to ice. I try to move but I'm frozen in place. I can't see anything except that eye. I yell at it. 'What do you want'. But it doesn't answer. It doesn't blink. It doesn't look away. It just stares.”

“Shhh! It's ok now Honey.” Her mother pulled her into her arms and rubbed her back. “You're safe now.”

Gaby closed her eyes and clung to her mother as the tears began again. Then a sudden cold chill raced up her spine and her heart began to pound. She opened her eyes and all she could see was the eye, staring silently at her.

My Short Short for the Day

“You go first.” Max said shoving Ian.

“No way! You go!” Ian jerked his arm away. “I'm staying right here.”

The boys peeked at the darkness from the safety of the tree limb hanging over it. The day was warm with a gentle breeze and the boys had headed out early to hunt for small game. Their parents didn't really expect them back any time soon so the boys had hours to do as they pleased. Early in their adventure they saw this darkness in the path. At first they thought it was a mud puddle from the rain the night before but as they got closer, they saw it was strange. Not quite right.

They wanted a closer look but from a safe distance. Max saw the tree overhanging the puddle and scrambled up with Ian close on his heels. They stretched onto their bellies and inched out almost to the end of the branch. Holding tightly they leaned over staring into the darkness.

“What is it?” Max whispered reaching out his hand.

“Don't do that.” Ian said pulling Max's hand back.

“Quit it.” Max jerked his hand away scowling at Ian. “I just want to touch it.”

“We should go.” Ian said inching backwards. “Get an adult or something.”

“No, not yet."  Max said swinging down to the ground.

“Hey Max. Stop!” Ian scurried down the tree.

Max squatted by the darkness and reached out his hand again. “It feels...soft and smooth. Kind of...”

“Max!” Ian shouted as the darkness wrapped around Max's wrist and yanked him in. “Max!

My Short Short for the Day

This looks like a nice place to rest, Bee said to himself settling onto the soft, fuzzy cushion. Ahh! Bee closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep. He jerked awake suddenly when he felt a tingle in his wings. He didn't move, instead he remained still giving himself a chance to look around. He didn't see anything that looked like danger, so he moved.

“Momma! Momma! He's moving. He's alive!” The little voice sounded very close.

“Don't touch him Honey!”

Bee froze again in fear. He didn't dare move or look around. His peaceful spot of serenity had changed completely. Not so long ago he thought he had found paradise. But now it looked like his end was near.

“What do we do Momma?” The little voice was closer now but Bee couldn't see what it came from.

The woman moved too fast for Bee to react. He was soon covered by a clear object. Immediately his instincts kicked in and he flew around his enclosure furiously trying to find a way to escape.

“See, then slip a piece of paper underneath. Gentle.” Bee could now see the little girl. She didn't seem threatening but a bug could never be sure.

Bee watched as the woman lifted his enclosure and walked away from his comfy resting spot. The little girl opened the door and they two walked out. They walked a little ways then stopped by a tall tree.

“This looks like a good spot Momma.” The little said with a smile.

Maybe I can fly out before they crush me. Bee thought preparing himself to dash the moment he saw a crack in the enclosure.

The woman set the cup down and slid the paper from under it. “Ok, Honey, now step back.”

The little moved back a few paces and the woman tipped the cup over before quickly stepping back herself.

Bee couldn't believe his luck. He shot out of the cup and up into the air. I'm free! I'm free! He shouted soaring into the air. I'm fr...

“Oh, Momma! He hit that tree.” The little girl said.

“It's ok Honey. He'll be alright.” The woman said taking the little girl's hand.

“Silly Bee.” The girl said.

My Short Short for the Day

It's time. She told herself calmly folding her shirt before placing it in the suitcase. It's long overdue, but at least I'm taking that step now. She had thought of this moment so many times but it had always filled her with such fear, terror of being alone. But now, as she closed the lid and listened to the click of the latch, she felt only calm. This was the right thing for her. It was time.

She loaded the last of the suitcases into the van and drove down the street. After she had put several miles behind her, she turned on the radio and hummed to the tune. As dark settled in, she pulled into the motel parking lot. She paid for her room and grabbing a small bag, locked up the van and went into the room. She slept soundly for the first time in years.

The morning sun peeked through the curtains waking her gently. She smiled, letting the sun warm her face. After washing and dressing, she checked out of the motel and hit the road. After several hours she came to a small town. It looked so peaceful, so unassuming. There were trees everywhere, a water fountain at the center, and people walking around leaving their cars at home. The sun was warm surrounded by clear blue skies. The air was fresh as she breathed in deeply.

She pulled over to the curb and turning the engine off. Nearby she saw a small park with a tiny pond in the middle. There were beautiful flowers blooming and soft green grass covering the entire area. She got out of her van and closed the door, locking it out of habit. She stepped onto the curb and walked toward the park. The sun sent welcoming rays toward her.

She was home.

My Short Short for the Day

“Wait! Stop! You'll get killed!” The urgency saturated his words.

“I have to go.” Affa said calmly even as the tears glistened in her eyes.

“But...” She stopped his words with a kiss then turned away, dashing into the fire.

She ran fast, pushing her legs until they went numb. Then she glided along in a fog. The fire has only burned for the first few moments then the sensation was only one of painless heat. She had no idea what lay beyond the fire, but it didn't matter. She had to go. This was her destiny. She had resisted at first but realized her life and more importantly, the lives of all those in her village and beyond were at stake. Her doubts and fears didn't matter. She had to succeed. She had no choice. It was her destiny.


“Can she do it?” Sanat asked.

“She will do what she has to.” Jerget said gently touching his lips, feeling the last of the kiss fade. “It's her destiny.”


Affa felt the change in the air before the cool water misted her face. She didn't slow her pace but did allow a moment of relief to pass through her as the heat dissapated. Soon the cool water turned to icy cold on her skin. A shiver raced through her but her pace did not slow. Don't think, she reminded herself locking her mind to the feelings churning inside her.


“How long should we wait?” Sanat asked fidgeting.

“Until she returns.” Jerget said never taking his eyes off the flames.

My Short Short for the Day

She took a deep breath trying to calm her racing pulse. Why did she agree to meet him here? It was crazy. She hadn't seen him in 20 plus years. They had dated in High School but ended as friends each going their separate ways. They hadn't talked in years and suddenly last month, they bumped into each other online. It started out as reminiscing about the old days. Then they started talking about what had happened since High School. The friendship was easily rekindled, like no time had passed. But maybe it had only been the safety of being online that allowed them to feel so comfortable sharing such intimate details of their lives.

She was too old to feel like a foolish teenager going on her first date. This wasn't even a date. She had mentioned planning a visit to her parent's house and he had casually said they should meet. She readily agreed and here she was. It wasn't a date. It wasn't...anything. Then why was she so nervous? Why were her palms sweating and her heart pounding in her chest? Why was she acting like a school girl?

“Hi.” His voice sounded just as she had remembered it.

She turned around and smiled. He looked a lot like he had years ago. A few more pounds but not too much. Shorter hair but it suited him. His clothing was toned down and more casual. The dark angst look was gone but the mischief was still glimmering in his beautiful eyes.

He took a step and looked into her eyes. He raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and lost herself in his kiss.

My Short Short for the Day

Sarla raced down the dirt path leaving a cloud of dust behind her. Sweat dripped down her face and soaked her shirt. Her muscles screamed at the abuse but she wouldn't slow down, she couldn't. She hurdled a fallen tree and ducked beneath low hanging branches. As she crested the hill she saw it. Finally! It looked just like Arnin had described. The beauty of it was breathtaking. Sarla gazed on it for several minutes before shaking herself.

She took a deep breath then plunged into the shrubbery and raced down the hill to the bottom of the waterfall. She reached the pond and stooped to take a long drink. With her thirst quenched she reached out and grabbed a vine. Slowly she crawled and climbed her way up the steep cliff. Just over halfway up she paused and there was the opening. Arnin told her there was a tiny ledge she'd have to cross behind the water to get to the middle.

She took another deep breath and inched her way across the little ledge. She didn't dare look down. She had no desire at all to see how high up she was. She inched forward and froze. There it was. The tiny little pink flowers with soft blue petals. She stretched out and plucked several flowers. Tucking them into her pouch she straightened and started to inch her way back out from behind the waterfall.

She scrambled back down the cliff and was about to set her foot on the edge of the pond when she heard a noise from above. The rocks tumbled down before she could move. She clung to the cliff and squeezed her eyes shut tight. Several rocks banged against her but she held strong. Finally the noise subsided and she opened her eyes.

My Short Short for the Day

Peg looked out across the water. Sure hope it's this calm tomorrow, she thought. A triathlon. Her very first one. She'd trained so long, spent so many hours building up muscles and endurance and speed. Her mental fitness was in top notch shape as well. But she was nervous. What if she goes out too fast and cramps up? What if she pops a tire or crashes? What if she hits the wall and simply collapses? What if...? Well, there were a ton of those to think of but why waste the time. She had a very long day ahead of her tomorrow. Plenty of time to contemplate what ifs. Right now, she needed to clear her mind and relax. Today was a short, easy run and now it was time to cool down before dinner. She always ate a big spaghetti dinner the night before a running race. Tonight would be no different.

Well, that's not entirely true. Tonight was different. There was one big difference. Her coach, the man who had first introduced her to running, the man who had been her coach from the first moment she tied on sneakers until just one short month ago. He had always been there for her. Running beside until age weakened his knees, then using a car to meet her at different points during her run. Always planning her schedule and pushing her to go faster. Always reminder her never to give up, never to quit.

Then one day he didn't show up at her house at 6am banging on the door as usual. She waited around for 15 minutes then called his house. He was gone. Died in his sleep. It wouldn't be the same now. It'd never be the same.

Her mother came up behind her and touched her back. “Honey, dinner's ready.”

“Thanks Mom.” Peg said putting her arm around her mother and walking inside.

“I'm so proud of you Honey. No matter what happens tomorrow.” Her mother said warmly. “And you're father is so very proud, too.”

Peg hugged her mother tightly. “Thanks Mom.”

My Short Short for the Day

Sidney admired the beautiful view even while the tears silently rolled down her cheeks. It was two years ago today that her daughter and husband had disappeared. The investigators had searched for months but with no clues or leads. They had finally been forced to push it aside when a bigger case came up. Sidney had continued on her own but with no luck. Ginny and Ed had simply vanished off the face of the earth.

Everyone told her she had to move on but she just couldn't. She had lost weight, had been unable to maintain her job and was fired, had run through all her savings and eventually was forced to move back in with her parents. She had gone to a counselor, a psychologist and even a psychiatrist but they all felt she needed strong medication. She refused.

She had eventually stopped talking about that night, the last night she'd seen them. No one believed her. The police felt Ed had kidnapped Ginny but they couldn't explain why. Sidney knew that Ed would never do such a thing. But as time passed, even Ed's family had begun to believe that it might be true. Her parents had bought her a ticket to this island and forced her to take a vacation in the hopes she would find a way to put it all to rest.

The island was lovely and the hotel room was amazing, but Sidney couldn't help feeling guilty for taking time off from searching. Oh, Ginny. Where could you be? And Ed, I hope you are with her, protecting her. Where are you both?