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...