My Short Short for the Day

The pattern was clear, etched into Mia's memory so when she saw the stone, she knew it was the one. Grandfather had talked longingly of the Crystal Stone. He had many adventures seeking it, but was never successful in finding the precious stone. He spoke of the old days so fondly, that Mia had dreamed of having her own adventures one day. She vowed she would find that precious stone for Grandfather one day.

She was finally old enough to venture out beyond the village and she decided today would be the start of her grand adventure. The Crystal Stone was out there, somewhere, and she would find it and bring it back to her Grandfather. Maybe, just maybe that would make him well again. He had always been so strong but the sickness had hit her village hard and several had died. Grandfather was very ill and weak but was holding onto to life, not ready to take his final adventure beyond the clouds.

Mia tiptoed into his cabin, knelt down by his bed and whispered softly to him. “I will find the Crystal Stone, Grandfather, and bring it back for you. I promise.” He gently squeezed her hand and smiled. “You are a very special girl, Mia.” She fought away the tears and kissed her Grandfather on the forehead, then rose and walked out.

She had packed a bag the night before with some supplies and hid it under her bed. The sun was still sleeping but it would rise soon. She quietly returned home, picked up her bag and crept back outside. She silently crossed the village and disappeared into the forest. No one had saw her, no one followed, no one knew where she was going, except Grandfather and he wouldn't tell.

She was completely on her own. Her heart jumped at the thought, fear and excitement coursed through her. Straightening her shoulders she took a deep breath, settling her nerves. She had to do this, for Grandfather. He just couldn't die. Not now. Not yet.

She journeyed through the forest, climbing trees, crawling through caves, wading through streams, hiking up mountains. Days passed until she lost track of how long she had been gone. Her body had long since ceased its aching. Her focus was sharp. She ate when she could, slept when she could, but always kept searching.

And then, in the middle of a grassy field, with the sun burning bright above, a glint of light shot up from the grass. She ran toward it, heart pounding, and she knew as she stared down. She had found the Crystal Stone.

My Short Short for the Day

She raced into the clearing, heart pounding, lungs burning, legs throbbing. She skidded to a halt just shy of the plant. It was beautiful. She started to reach out but quickly jerked her hand back. The warning rang through her mind. One touch, even the slightest could be deadly. It was mesmerizing, she lost herself until a cold chill raked across her face, snapping her back to attention.

She had to bundled it up quickly and carefully. She'd lost hours already. She pulled out the bag, arranged it carefully on the ground. Then putting gloves on she pulled out a small saw and began to cut at the stem. She was lean but strong and soon had the plant falling over onto the bag. She gently wrapped it up, tying it securely. She hurried off eating up the miles until she reached the pond.

The pond was covered in a thick layer of green slime. It would contain and eventually break down the plant, rendering it harmless. She found a large rock, tied it to the plant and tossed the whole thing into the pond.

Done. Now only 235 more to go.

My Short Short for the Day

The sky is so...so...beautiful. I haven't seen it in over 500 years. This is my last day so I thought I would enjoy, well, everything.

I've spent my life in the shadows, hiding, sneaking, avoiding being seen. But then I met Dag. I tried to avoid him, stay away, but he wouldn't let me. He left me sweet notes, brought me treats and made me laugh. That's what finally made me give in. We started spending time together and soon we were in love. Completely, totally and hopelessly.

Then he was gone. Just like that. Well, maybe not quite that simply. We were together, watching tv, cuddling on the couch and all of a sudden the room started to shake, smoke billowed in and a bright flash of light blasted through. We didn't have time to run. I couldn't even move, but Dag did. He threw himself on me. He saved me and did it with a smile.

I tried to go on without him. But I was just barely surviving. Until I finally came to accept what I had to do. I had to live. Do all that I had wanted to but never dared. I had all the time in the world, right? But Dag threw me off. He changed me. He made me feel alive. The pain I felt now was proof that I was alive. And now I need to live.

So today is my last day. I'm staring up into the blueness of the sky with the white, puffy clouds floating across. The air is so fresh and clear, unlike the dampness of the shadows. The singing of the birds, so musical and sweet.

This is my last day, my last day of waiting to live.

My Short Short for the Day

“Are you sure that's the one?” Ebby crouched to get a closer look.

“Yes, this is it. Just as Ilka described.” Serra carefully clipped the plant and wrapped it in a damp cloth. She then tied it securely with some twine then tucked it into her bag. “Ok, let's go.”

Ebby raced after Serra. “Wait up.”

They hurried down the pine needle covered dirt trail. The sun was just beginning to set and a chill settled into the air. Serra held the bag a little tighter to herself. Ebby tucked her collar tighter around her neck. They rounded the curve in the trail and stopped.

“I'm going straight to Ilka. You go home so Mom and Dad won't worry.” Serra said.

“But I want to go with you.” Ebby pleaded grabbing Serra's arm.

“No, Ebby. It's late, you need to get home.” Serra gently removed Ebby's arm and nudged her toward home. “Please, just go.”

“Ok. But it's not fair.” Ebby pouted and trudged off down the trail a few steps. A crack of a branch kicked her into a run.

Serra watched her disappear into the shadows before continuing on. Soon she reached the hut and knocked.

“Come in Serra.” Ilka's voice was weathered but still had a bit of song to it.

Serra went inside closing the door behind her. She set the bag on the table where Ilka indicated then gently pulled out the bundle. She untied the twine and unwrapped the flower, then stepped back.

“Oh, Serra, it's beautiful. Thank you.” Ilka reached out to skim her fingers ever so lightly over the petals. “It's perfect.”

My Short Short for the Day

 

(Photo by Ma)

 

 

“I'm so tired.” Ben whined. “When will we be there?”

  

“Come on wimpy, keep moving.” Ella snapped.

  

She had no idea how long they'd been walking but the sun was setting and it would get cold soon. They weren't prepared to stay out all night. She tried not to blame Ben but he had run off when Dad told them to stay close. She chased after him so he wouldn't get lost. Now they were both lost. She felt responsible for Ben's safety but she had no idea how to get back to camp. They had slid down a ravine and got turned around. It was too damp to stay put so they moved. She tried her best to sense the right direction but the more they walked she feared the further they were going away from the camp. Now, with no food, water or camping gear, they might be stranded out in the woods overnight.

  

“I'm scared Ella.” Ben slipped his hand into hers and looked up at her with teary eyes.

  

“It's ok Ben. We'll be alright.” Ella smiled. “It's an adventure, alright?”

  

Ella took a deep breath and let it out. Then looking around. She quickly spotted a cluster of trees. “There, that would be a good place to built a lean-to.”

  

“Just like the settlers?” Ben asked with a hint of excitement.

  

“Just like the settlers.” Ella said grasping onto the hope.

  

They worked quickly and soon a small lean-to was built. They gathered small sticks and some stones to build a campfire. Then shared the last of the water from Ella's water bottle.

  

“Ok, let's see if I can make a fire.” Ella chipped two stones together praying a spark would jump out.

  

“Ella? I know I'm not supposed to have this...please don't be mad.” Ben looked so nervous.

  

“It's ok Ben. I won't be mad.” Ella said still focused on chipping the stones.

  

“Here.” Ben stretched out his hand.

  

Ella took the object and grabbed Ben into a big hug. “Oh Ben, I'm so glad you didn't listen to Mom and Dad this time."

  

Ella used the lighter to start the fire and they sat side by side feeding twigs into it until there was a steady glow. The warmth spread through her and she knew they'd be alright now. Dad would see the fire and find them soon. She just knew it.



My Short Short for the Day

(Photo by Ma)


The day started like most days. The sun was warm and bright. The skies clear and blue. The wind gentle and smelling of toasted pine needles. Julia sat in the lawn chair enjoying the peacefulness of the early June morning. It promised to be another blissful day of relaxing and doing just as she pleased. Her favorite thing on a morning like this was to sit in her backyard, breath in the fresh air and dream of all the possibilities the day held. She sipped some cool water and closed her eyes, lying back in the chair and soaking up the sun.

She didn't know how long she had been resting when a sudden cold chill shivered through her. She opened her eyes with a jerk and looked around. Everything looked normal but the warmth was gone and the chill lingered. She looked around again then slowly turned her eyes upward. The glint of metal flashed in her eyes causing her to blink. It hovered for just a moment then disappeared. She stared at the spot where the flying saucer had been.

“Just my imagination.” Julia muttered picking up her bottled water and frowning as she went indoors. The chill remained on her skin even as she pulled on a sweater. She tried to shake off the unease that remained. “Maybe some breakfast will help.”

Julia cooked up some eggs and bacon, then sat at the table to eat and read her book. After a few moments she was lost in the pages of the latest JD Robb novel. Without a pause, she cleared her dishes with one hand and held the book with the other so she could continue reading even while cleaning up. After the kitchen was cleaned she settled onto the couch to get comfy while reading.

Soon a chill filled the air quickly followed by a knock at the...window. Julia dropped her book and turned to the window. How could anyone reach it? It was 2 stories up. She pulled the curtain aside and there it was, the shiny metal craft had returned and hovered at eye level outside her window. What could it want? It was just her imagination, right?

It tapped the window again, then against her will, she opened the window and moved aside to let the ship in. It hummed as it entered the house, spreading a chill in its wake. This can't be good she thought closing the window and turning to face the ship. Please help me, she screamed in her head as pinpricks of light shot out at her, burning her skin and through to her flesh and bone.

My Short Short for the Day

“Hurry! Faster!” Linda called over her shoulder.

“I'll get you!” Andrew yelled.

The trees became a blur as the two raced through the forest, legs moving faster and faster. Heart pounding. Arms pumping. Sweat glistening on their faces. The thrill of the world flashing by, the joy of the high they always felt when they pushed beyond that threshold. The strain of their muscles, the rush of their breath, all smoothed out when they hit that magical threshold. Then there was no pain, no struggle, no stress, just bliss as they ran like they'd never run before. Each time hitting a new high.

Linda abruptly skidded to a stop. Pointing at the tree. Andrew barely missed colliding with her. He stumbled and fell just beyond her feet.

“What did you do that for?” He blustered sitting up and brushing the dirt off his knees.

“Look.” Linda raised her hand, pointing at the tree. “There on the branch.”

“I don't see any...” Andrew froze in silence. “Is it?”

“Yes. I can't believe it.” Linda slowly lowered her hand and knelt down beside Andrew. “I didn't think they existed anymore.”

“Are you sure it's real?” Andrew whispered.

“Yes. Positive.” Linda moved slightly forward. “We need to let El know.”

“Ok. I'll go.” Andrew said rising slowly to his feet.

“But...” Linda didn't take her eyes off the duck.

“I'm faster. Don't argue.” Andrew barely finished the words before disappearing into a blur of light as he streaked away back into the woods.

“Yeah, right.” Muttered Linda settling on the ground in a cross legged position.

My Short Short for the Day

“We have to go find her!” Max jerked his arm away from Cole's grip. “She needs us!”

“No! She said to wait here and that's what we'll do.” Cole stood facing Max.

“Fine! But I won't wait much longer.” Max slammed his fist on the nearest branch.

The sun gradually faded into orange and red streaks, sinking down below the hills. A chill seeped into the air and the turtles that had been resting on a nearby tree slipped into the warmth of the pond. The frogs came out to croak their song and the woodland critters settled in for a rest.

A twig snapped a few yards away and Cole's eyes darted, piercing the darkness. Silence returned. Cole touched Max's arm and he jerked awake.

“What? What's happening?” Max started to rise but Cole restrained him.

“Quiet. Don't move.” Cole was looking into the distance searching, scanning.

A bird called gently into the night, not far from their spot. A mourning dove. Soft, sad.

“It's her.” Cole said answering her call.

Jen walked into the clearing. “I've got it.”

“You're safe.” Cole greeted her with a hand clasp.

Max pushed him aside and gave her a bear hug. “You scared me Sis! What took so long?”

“Well, it takes a little time to find and steal this.” Jen held out the glowing orb, bathing her in its glittering light.

“Good work Jen. We need to go now.” Cole moved into the darkness of the forest.

“It's good to have you back.” Max said patting her shoulder.

“Glad to be back.” Jen smiled swiftly gliding into the darkness behind Cole.

My Short Short for the Day

Helen and Jack snuggled up close in front of the crackling fire. Helen leaned her head on Jack's shoulder and closed her eyes. The howling wind faded away as the warmth of the flickering flames soothed away all the tension. It had been a long week, very long. Budget meetings, deadlines, final exams, holiday shopping. All too much crammed into one week. But it was over. Helen loved having a snowstorm on a quiet Sunday. The perfect excuse to stay home and do nothing.

Jack wrapped his arm around Helen's shoulders. The week had been a struggle but it ended on a high note. Some much needed time alone with his wife. They had been fighting a lot lately over the usual, money, jobs, time or rather lack of. Now it was all a million miles away. The snowstorm isolated them from the rest of the world. No worries, no interruptions, no nothing to disturb them. Just peace and quiet, alone time for them.

The evening passed pleasantly. They enjoyed a picnic dinner in front of the fireplace. Then a leisurely glass of wine and conversation until suddenly the darkness flooded the room.

“What happened?” Helen said sitting up.

“Power's out.” Jack said as he rose to his feet. “I'll check the fuse box.”

Helen inched closer to the fireplace wrapping the blanket around her. Several minutes passed when Jack came back into the room. “Not the fuses. Looks like power's out all down the street.”

“What should we do?” Helen asked reaching out for him.

He took her hand and sat down. “Well, not to worry. We still have the fire and each other. Let's enjoy the evening.”

Helen smiled at him and settled her head back on his shoulder. “Sounds nice.”

My Short Short for the Day

If you could be a super hero, who would you be? Superman? Wonder Woman? The Flash? The Hulk? Or maybe someone completely new. What would your powers be? Run fast or see through objects, read minds or fly? What would your goal be? To fight crime? Solve world problems? Work for the government? Make lots of money?

Or would you even want to be a super hero? Would you want that responsibility to take on the world, be a role model for others and have to always do what's best for others, never putting yourself first. Would you keep your powers a secret? Or would you tell the world and revel in it?

Part of me wishes I could be a super hero but another part would hate it. I mean, if you're a super hero how could you possibly have a normal life. You just couldn't. Once you made enemies then your friends and family would be at constant risk. And would you even be able to have a family of your own?

Another question to think about is, would you rather be born with power or be given them later in life? And if you weren't born with them, would you want to be given powers or if the choice was presented would you turn it down?

Ah, so many questions and each answer leads to more questions. What would you do?

My Short Short for the Day

The cold wind whipped across the yard swirling the snow up into the air and past the window. Sue stared out the window pouting at the gray sky. When would the snow end she sighed loudly.

“Oh, Honey. Come finish your lunch.” Melody called from the kitchen.

“But Mom, I want to go outside.” Sue trudged back to the table and half-heartedly took a bite of her sandwich.

“I know kiddo. Soon. Maybe it'll let up soon.” Melody sat down across from her daughter. “How about a game? You pick.”

“Aw, alright.” Sue dropped her sandwich and left the room grumbling the whole way. After several minutes Sue trudged back into the room with her favorite game. She set the game up while her mom washed the dishes and put the food away.

They settled in to play and Sue quickly forgot about her sulking. They laughed and played for the next hour, chatting about school, friends and trips to take during spring break. Soon the game ended.

“Ha! I won again mom.” Sue said with a bright smile. “You were close this time, though.”

“You're getting too good kiddo.” Melody ruffled her hair as she went to the cupboard to get cups. “Some hot cocoa?”

“Yum!” Sue said putting away the game.

“Oh, look Honey, the snow stopped.” Melody held the curtain open. “You can go outside now.”

“Hmm, maybe later.” Sue said taking the cocoa from her mom. “I'm having fun in here.”

Melody smiled and sat across from Sue. “Well, what should we play now?”

My Short Short for the Day

So my daughter and I were talking about Star Wars yesterday. I told her I had seen the original movies when I was a child. That I wanted to marry Luke Skywalker and have Yoda as my best friend. I even spent hours trying to will them (with my mind) to come to my house and take me off into space to visit all those strange planets and meet all the exciting people. Especially to have all those fantastic adventures I had seen on the big screen.

She said, “You could have married Yoda and then had me.”

I smiled and said she would have looked very cute with the long pointy ears and the green skin. We had a good laugh.

This afternoon I thought about that conversation some more. What would happen if I had a child with someone other than Harley's dad? Obviously she would look different, but would it still be Harley's spirit? Would the essence of what makes her her still be there?

My Short Short for the Day

“I can do what?” Lidy stared at her thumb.

“Magic. I said magic.” Ben said shaking his head. “Geesh Lidy, weren't you listening?”

“Yeah, yeah. I was listening then you said that word...” Lidy turned her eyes to meet Ben's. “I just can't believe it. It's...It's...so weird.”

“I know. I was weirded out at first too, but you get used to it.” Ben put his arm around Lidy's shoulder. “And it can be pretty fun.”

“Ok. Say I believe you. Then, why? Why me?” Lidy shoved her hands in her pockets to stop staring at them.

“I don't know. I never thought about it much. It's just the way it is. I guess.” Ben shrugged.
“Who cares anyway, let's enjoy it while it lasts.”

“Yeah, I guess but still...” Lidy followed Ben back towards the house. She stared at her hand again wondering what it all meant.

“Hi Lidy. Hi Ben.” Elsa smiled broadly. “Go wash up. Hurry now. Dinner is almost ready.”

“Ok.” They said in unison hurrying through the kitchen, down the hall and into the downstairs bathroom. 
 
The bell rang and they raced back to the dining table, quickly finding their spots amongst the other children. The orphanage currently housed 29 children ranging from 4 years old all the way up to 15.

Lidy had considered her self boringly average until today. As she waited for her food she looked around the table wondering if any of the other kids had magic. Her eyes met Ben's and he smiled. Then as if reading her mind, he nodded yes.  She raised her eyebrows and he mouthed "All of them".

My Short Short for the Day

Ah...this was the life. A nice, big, cushy pillow to rest on. All the flies a frog could eat. No critters trying to make a meal out me. A kind human to keep me company. What more could I possibly want? Melvin asked himself with another sigh.

“Hey Melvin!” Sally called as she hurried by.

“Hey Sal!” Melvin croaked preparing to hop to her room but Sally hurried back through before he could even make his first jump.

“Here you go Melvin!” Sally tossed some flies his way before rushing out the door.

Melvin slurped up the flies quickly then looked at the door. Wow, she must really have something important to do. She always has time for a pat on the head and a chat. Melvin's lip drooped into a pout. Well, I still have my fluffy pillow, safe home, lots of flies...not the same, though. He...he...he was lonely. Melvin's lip began to quiver and his croaking turned into a soft whimpery croak. He lay down on his pillow.

A while later the door opened and Sally came in at a much slower pace. Melvin didn't bother to look up. Sally walked over gently setting something down on the pillow next to Melvin. He figured it was some sort of treat to cheer him up but he just wasn't in the mood for cheering. He was sad. Sally didn't want him around anymore, she was just too busy for him. He pouted more and croaked.

There was a soft croak and Melvin froze. Since when was there an echo in here. The pillow moved ever so slightly next to him. Slowly he looked to the side and his eyes widened. There was the most beautiful frog he'd ever seen.

“Surprise! I got you a friend. I thought you might be a little lonely here all day by yourself. So now you have another frog to hang out with. I hope you two get along.” Sally knelt in front of the pillow. “Melvin, this is Lily. Lily this is Melvin.”

The two frogs looked each other and then croaked in unison. Now, life truly couldn't get any better. Melvin thought smiling at his new friend.

My Short Short for the Day

The days have dragged by since I got home. It doesn't even feel like home anymore. I've only been gone for a few days but it feels like years, lifetimes. If only I could just forget what happened, what I saw, what I became. If only I could erase it all from my memory.

Five days ago I was standing in this very spot. I had finished vacuuming and decided to give the windows a good washing. It had been many months, maybe even a year since I last cleaned them so they were over due. I smiled. Cleaning always made me feel better. Well, not the cleaning but the way the house looked and smelled after a good cleaning.

I was an ordinary, if not average, person. I worked a 9 to 5 job, in a law firm making a decent wage. I lived within my means, comfortable but not extravagant. I had a good family and missed them as they lived far away, but we talked often and visited when we could. I had a boyfriend, a good man, loyal and kind. I had close friends, the kind that knew me and loved me anyway. I enjoyed exercising, which is weird, I know, but it always gave me a bit of a buzz. I tried to eat healthy but couldn't help indulging my sweet tooth from time to time.

Life was good, comfortable, steady until that day. I reached out to lift the blinds, move them away so I could clean the windows. As the blinds opened a jolt of light shot through me and everything changed. My ordinary life was over. If only I'd known...if only...

My Short Short for the Day

“Yes, my dear. She is perfect.” His touch was light as he stroked her hair. 
 
Elle quietly rested her head on her mother's shoulder, curious but not afraid. Her mother had dressed her this morning in her warmest clothes. She put her on the horse and walked beside, leading the way. The rode in silence. Elle wanted to ask questions but knew better. She trusted her mother completely. She never had any reason not to.

They stopped outside the gates, the horse waiting patiently while her mother stepped forward and spoke with the guard. After a moment he nodded and opened the gates. Her mother walked back, picked up the reins and without a look at Elle, led the horse into the courtyard. They stopped near the front door and her mother lifted her down from the horse. Instead of making her walk, she carried her into the house, holding her close. Elle was surprised at the gesture but feeling the comfort of her mother's embrace, she didn't worry.

They traveled down a long hallway which opened into a large room. The ceilings rose up into the sky with streaks of sunlight reaching down through the stained glass windows. It felt solemn. Elle looked up at the beauty above until her mother stopped. Elle looked at her mother then followed her gaze to the throne sitting up several stairs. An older man sat up there, slowly rising to his feet. He walked down the steps and stopped in front of her mother. Elle looked at his face but he only had eyes for her mother.
 
A tear trickled down her mother's cheek and Elle rested her head on her mother's shoulder.

My Short Short for the Day

“Hey, sit tight guys. I'll get you out. Don't worry.” Herman said looking around for tools. He'd watched every episode of MacGyver so he knew he could build something to free his friends. “Hmm? What do I have here to work with.”

Herman walked around pecking at twigs, fallen fruit, pebbles, leaves, anything that was in his path. Slowly he gathered together a bunch of items by pushing it with his beak over to the corner. He pecked at a twig but it was too big to pick up with his beak so he moved to the fruit. He pecked and it squished down into a pile of mush. Next he pecked at the pebbles but they kept slipping out of his beak. Everything he tried was rotten, too big, slippery or just not right.

“Don't worry. I won't give up.” Herman said trying to reassure his friends. They didn't seem concerned as they walked around the pen pecking at seeds or bugs in their path.

Herman watched them for a few moments then got an idea. “I know! I'll let the worker over there know you are locked in, then he'll open the cage and you'll be free!”

Herman walked over to the worker and began to talk. Unfortunately the worker didn't speak chicken so all he heard was “Buck! Buck! Buck! Buck buck buck!” When Herman finished the man bent over.

“Well, now. How did you get out?” He scooped up Herman and carried him to the pen. Herman was happy. Finally his friends would be free.

The man set Herman down. “There you go. Safe and sound.” The man closed the gate and latched it, smiling he walked away.

Herman stared for several minutes. “Wha...wha...wha...”

“Hey look girls, a new chicken in the pen.” All the chickens hurried over to meet Herman who remained in a stupor.

My Short Short for the Day

The fear ran deep as the blood thundered in her ears. Screaming, clamping her hands to her ears, she ran. Faster, faster than she'd ever been able to run. The tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision, choking her but still she ran. She wanted to die, to end the pain, to end the horror that replayed over and over in her mind. Silence fell over all with only her screams piercing the night. The moon and stars hid behind thick clouds, peeking out between the cracks. The roots of decaying trees stretched up through the ground, reaching out, grabbing at anything that ventured near. She screamed again, unable to contain the rage. Suddenly she was falling. She released her ears and reached out her hands to break her fall but the impact didn't come right away. She kept falling, down, down. The screaming stopped, her eyes dried. Why didn't she hit the ground?

She hesitated forgetting for just a moment all the horror singed into her brain. Then the ground was right there. Face first she hit it with a sickening thud. Her breath was stolen and her vision turned black. She sucked at the air unable to fill her lungs. The pain came next, slicing through her, clearing the blurred edges of her vision. Finally her breath evened out and she pushed herself up to her knees.

She breathed deeply and slowly. Closing her eyes, steadying her pulse, overcoming the pain. When calm sifted through her she opened her eyes. Slowly she rose to her feet, brushing off her clothes. She rolled her shoulders and straightened. She took in a deep breath then released it slowly. Focus settled into place as she prepared herself for what was to come. She had to face the images in her mind, conquer the fear, then and only then could she find resolution. The blood was so thick, so red, so sickly scented...