My Short Short for the Day

 “Raptorman, Raptorman.  Does whatever a Raptor can.”

Mary smiled at her son as he sang the song to the tune of Spiderman’s theme song.

“He steals the children.  To build a nest.  Never stops. To take a rest.”

Mary’s face scrunched up.

“Watch out for Raptorman.”

Mary turned to her 5 year old son.  “Honey, what was that song you were singing?”

“I dunno.”

“Well, who did you hear it from?”  Mary squatted down near the boy who continued to play with his tiny toy trucks on the linoleum floor.  “Was it someone at school?”

“No.”

“Oh, was it a kid from the neighborhood?”  Mary leaned in a bit.

“No.”

“Well, where did you hear it?”  Mary’s brow furrowed deeper.

“Oh, just somewhere by the bushes.”

“The bushes near the playground?”  Mary tensed.

“Yeah.”

“Was someone in the bushes?”  Mary struggled to keep her voice calm.

“Yeah.”

“Did you see who it was?”  Mary asked.

“Yeah.”

Mary took a calming breath.  “Do you know them?”

“Yeah.”

Mary was reaching for her cell phone.  “Who was it?”

“Raptorman.”

My Short Short for the Day

It was almost Christmas and she still had nothing for Grammy.  What do you get someone who has everything?  And what do you buy to really express how much that person means to you?  She had spent all last summer at the old cottage with her grandmother.  Just the two of them.  The cottage was small but cozy and just across the dirt road from the secluded, private beach.  The warm days were spent combing the sand for seashells and sand dollars, splashing in the cold ocean water, and climbing the rocks to search for hidden tide pools.  Every night they had a small bonfire on the beach and cooked up seafood they had gathered earlier from the mud flats.  Grammy told her stories about her childhood, growing up in Ireland.  Stories about her family traveling to the US on a ship that sailed for weeks.  About starting a new life in a new country and how it made her stronger.  About marrying and have children, raising those children as best she could after her husband died young.  About becoming a grandmother and being able to relax and enjoy spending time with all her precious grandchildren. 

It has to be the best gift ever!  Just any old thing won’t do.  But what?!  She was too old to get away with making some kind of craft, plus she wasn’t particularly good at crafts.  Grammy loved music, but she didn’t know how to sing or play music, so that wouldn’t work.  Grammy loved to read, maybe she could write a story.  Well, probably not, she wasn’t very good at writing.  Or maybe she could make some sort of scrap book or collage with pictures.  No, that wouldn’t work.  She didn’t have the money for the supplies nor the creativity to create either.

Slowly she trudged to her Grandmother’s house.  She inched her way up the steps, disappointed that she couldn’t come up with anything good enough as a gift for her Grandmother.  She rang the doorbell and waited with her head hung low and her shoulders slumped, her hands shoved in her jacket pockets and her foot kicking the clumps of snow at the edge of the doorway.

“Oh, Angie!  Come in dear!”  Grammy waved her in.  The air smelled of fresh baked gingerbread and cocoa.  Grammy’s smile lit up the room as she hung Angie’s coat on the rack.  She ushered her into the kitchen.

As Angie sat down, Grammy put a cup of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows floating on top and a plate of gingerbread cookies in front of her.  Grammy got a cup of hot tea and sat down across from her.

“What a wonderful surprise!” Grammy said.  “How are you dear?”

“Not good.”  Angie pouted and stared into her cocoa.  “You see.  I’ve spent the past week trying to come up with the best Christmas gift for you and…I couldn’t do it.”  Her voice trailed off.

“Now dear, don’t you know?  You’ve already given me the best Christmas gift ever.”  Grammy stretched her hand across the table and patted Angie’s hand.

“I have?”  Angie looked puzzled.

“Yes, dear.”  Grammy smiled.  “It’s you.”

Angie took a moment, then brightened, jumped up from her chair, raced over to her Grammy and gave her a big hug. 

My Short Short for the Day

The darkness pervaded every inch of the room, seeping through the windows and doorway, oozing in through the cracks in the ceiling and gaps in the floorboards.  The air was silent and still, void of sound except the single heartbeat coming from the corner.

The train rattled across the icy tracks, thunking along.  The swaying of the cabin did nothing to still the thudding heart.  Maybe it wouldn’t notice, maybe it would keep going, past this small, insignificant compartment.  The heartbeat thumped.  Please, oh please keep going.  Don’t stop here.  Please don’t stop.

The silence was broken by a soft swish of a socked foot sliding across a smooth floor.  Swish.  Silence.  Swish.  Silence.

The heartbeat thumped faster.  Shhh!  Stay calm.  Stay quiet.  Stay hidden. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Swish.  Silence.  The sound came closer.  Swish.  Silence.  It was nearly to the small, insignificant compartment.  Swish.  Silence.  It was here.

Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump.  Hold your breath.  Don’t make a sound.

Silence.

Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump.  Stay quiet.  Stay hidden.  Shhhh.

Silence.

Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump.  Why won’t it go.  I can’t hold still for much longer.  Go away.

Silence.  Swish.  It moved away, inching down the hall.  Swish.  Silence.

Thump thump thump thump.  It’s going.  Stay calm.  Stay still.  Wait.

Swish.  Silence.  It was getting faint now.  Swish.  Silence.

Thump thump thump.  Ok.  Breathe.  Quietly.  Slowly. 

Silence.

Thump thump.  Carefully, get up.  Move.  Softly.

Silence.

Thump.  Now’s my chance.  Slide open the door and run for connector.  There is an emergency exit there.  Jump.  You’ll have to jump.

Silence.

Go!  Now!  The door slid open.  The heartbeat stayed normal.  Quickly, down the hall.  The clank of the door opening and closing.  Too loud.

Swish.

Oh, no!  It’s coming.  Hurry!  The handle, it’s stuck.  I can’t…

Swish. Silence. Swish. Silence.

It’s moving fast.  Hurry!  Phhshh.  Jump!  Jump!  Now!

Swish. Silence.

White snow swirled around silently, softly burying the heartbeat.  Muffling it, disguising it.  Hidden beneath the cold.

My Short Short for the Day

 Chip the squirrel raced down the tree, around the yard, up the fence, gathered himself…this was his time to shine!  He made a monumental leap across the gap to the wire, traversed the wire, scurried down the pole onto the sidewalk, weaving and dodging pedestrians strolling along and finally scampered back up the tree again.  Panting, he turned to survey his course.  Excellent! He was finally ready for the Squirrel Tournament.

My Short Short for the Day

Moira grumbled as she hit the alarm knocking it to the floor.  With a huff she slammed the blankets back and pulled herself up.  She rubbed her eyes, put on her glasses and trudged to the bathroom.  Once she was somewhat refreshed, she slouched to the kitchen, poured a bowl of cereal and crunched it mechanically while staring at the wall.  It tasted like sawdust.

The cell phone rang making her jump.  She instantly straightened up, replaced the distant grouchy look with one of alert seriousness and answered.  “This is Sanders.  Yes.  Be there in 5.”  Time to work.  She dropped the half full bowl in the sink, grabbed her gun holster and put it on, pulled her jacket on over it and grabbed her keys on the way out the door.  The car started quickly for once and she sped off to the crime scene.

My Short Short for the Day

The smell of cookies filled the room.  Ellie, Sam, and Meg were eagerly preparing their workspace.  A piece of parchment paper, a bowl of frosting with a popsicle stick for spreading, tiny bowls of sprinkles, sparkles, and other toppings.  The oven dinged.  Mom put on her oven mitts and carefully opened the oven door.  The kids stood nearby with rosy cheeks and big smiles. 

After the cookies had cooled, Mom placed one in front of each kid.  “Ok, ready, set, go!”

The race was on.  Who would create the most amazing cookie ever!

Ellie and Sam were smearing a thick layer of frosting followed by a dash of sparkles, a pinch of sprinkles, a couple mini marshmallows, some rainbow-colored nerds, and a dusting of powdered sugar.  With a flourish, Ellie threw her hands up in the air and stepped away from her cookie.  Close behind, Sam set his popsicle stick down, gave his cookie a quick once over and then put his hands in the air.

Meanwhile, Meg had carefully spread a thin layer of green frosting over her cookie.  She made sure to keep the frosting on the cookie with none of it touching the edge.  She smoothed the frosting down so there were no ripples or bumps to be seen.  Then she picked up a mini marshmallow and picked a small piece off it and carefully placed it on the cookie.  She repeated this gesture over and over until there was no more marshmallow.  She studied her cookie for a moment then picked up some blue sparkles and sprinkled them over the cookie.  After another moment of studying it, she smiled and put her hands in the air.

“Ok Bakers, place your cookies on the plate and we will get the judges reaction.”  Mom held the plate out to the kids and each one carefully placed their masterpiece on it.  Mom walked out into the living room where Grandpa was sitting in his favorite chair.  The leather was worn and faded but it suited Grandpa. 

“Now, it is time for the judging.  Bakers, please be seated.”  Carefully placed the plate of cookies on the tv tray in front of Grandpa.

“Well, let’s see here.  Hmm?”  Grandpa looked very serious as he studied each cookie.  “I’d say they all look quite interesting.  The tree is elegantly decorated on the first cookie.  The snowman is very tough looking on the second cookie.  And the heart on the third cookie is very lovely.  But I can’t decide based on looks alone.  Now, I must taste them.”

Grandpa took a big bite of the first cookie and made several “Mmms” and “Hmms”.  Then he took a big bite of the second cookie and made several “Umms” and “Ohhs”. And finally, he took a big bite of the third cookie and made several “Ahhs” and “Uhhuhs”.  The children watched excitedly as Grandpa carefully finished off each cookie, wiped his mouth clean and set the napkin on the crumb covered plate.  “Well, I have made my decision.” 

Grandpa sat up straight in his chair and looked fondly at each child who was beaming back at him.  “My decision is…I need more cookies to test before I can decide!”

“Grandpa!”  The children laughed and tackled him.

My Short Short for the Day

 “Looks like it’s gonna be another cold one.  Get bundled up before heading outside this morning.  We’re gonna be hitting a low of 0, so make sure you wear a hat and gloves and grab that scarf that’s been laying around.  You’ll need that, too!”

Jan clicked off the radio.  “Great.”  She grumbled as she pulled on her jacket and trudged outside.  The car had a glaze of frost over it.  No point in scraping the windshield, I’ll let it warm up a bit first.  She thought as she settled into the freezing seat and shut the door.  Click, click, vroom!  She pressed the gas pedal a couple more times to make sure it would idle, then climbed out, slammed the door, and raced back inside to the warmth.  “I’m so tired of this cold.”  She muttered pouring herself another cup of hot coffee.

“Are you tired of the cold?  Looking for an adventure?  Search no further!  Come join us in Kauai!  Beautiful beaches, warm sun and all the fun you desire!  Don’t wait for adventure to come to you, you should come for the adventure of a lifetime.  Kauai!”

“Oh, wouldn’t that be nice.”  Jan muttered rinsing out her cup and setting it on the rack.  She bundled herself into her thick coat, turning the collar up.  Then she pulled down her warm hat, wrapped her thick wool scarf around her neck and face, then sat down to tug on her boots.  Next the pulled on her gloves, grabbed her bag, and walked miserably out to her car.  After a several minutes of scraping her windows were clear and she got in her car.  Once she was buckled up, she carefully made her way down the driveway and onto the slippery street.  Her drive to work was slow and tense as everyone cautiously made their way through the snow and ice. 

Jan turned on her radio and the song was just ending.  “All Elvis, all day! So up next is ‘Blue Hawaii’” As the song began, Jan smiled and sang along with the words.  “The King may not be with us anymore, but he still lives on in our hearts.  Here’s another oldie but goodie!”  By the time Jan pulled into her parking spot at the office, she was in a much better mood.  Then she opened her door and was hit by a blast of cold in her face.  “Ugh!”

She slammed her door shut and hurried into the building.  She stomped the snow from her boots before walking into the lobby.  Her frown engulfed her mood completely.  She slugged her way to her desk, unbundled her layers of clothing and changed into her work shoes.  Then she settled at her desk with a hot cup of coffee.  She turned on her radio and turned it to the “Elvis station”.  As the King sang “Hawaiian Sunset”, Jan’s mind drifted to the add from earlier about Hawaii.  The next thing she knew, she had picked up the phone and dialed a number. 

“Brunswick Tour and Travel.  How may I help you?”  The woman asked.

“I would like to book a trip to Kauai, please.”  Jan smiled.

My Short Short for the Day

 His arrival was expected but he was running late.  The dark was settling down around the tiny house in the woods.  A stream of smoke wafted into the sky, leaving a white trail behind. 

Ma sat in her rocking chair knitting a blue and green scarf.  The chair creaked softly, and the knitting needles clicked as her fingers deftly looped and tugged the yarn into place.  The scarf would be warm for little Johnny and it was his favorite colors. 

Pa sat in his rocking chair moving slowly back and forth and smoking his pipe.  His eyes were half closed as he hummed quietly to himself.  From time to time he would poke at the fire to stir it up. 

Ellie sat on the rug near the hearth playing with her rag doll.  She talked to the doll, making up a fantastical story in which the doll was a princess and had to go fight an evil monster to save the kingdom. 

Johnny was sound asleep in his bed in the next room.  It had been a struggle to get him out of the barn earlier and wash him up for bed.  The calf was a few days old now, but Johnny insisted he had to be there to make sure it was safe.  A few cookies finally coaxed him into the tub.

Mary was sitting at the table with her book open, trying to read but her nerves wouldn’t let her.  She wanted to get up and pace across the worn floor but didn’t want to answer to Ma and Pa’s questions.  So she sat still staring at the pages but not seeing a word.

A firm rap on the door silenced the room.  All eyes turned towards the sound.  Pa set down his poker and took the pipe from his mouth.  He gently patted Mary’s shoulder as he walked past her to the door.  “Edward, good to see you.  Come in.”

Edward stepped into the room and Mary blushed as their eyes met.  His smile warmed her heart. She walked over to him, wanting to hug him but restraining herself.  “Hello.”  She said.

Edward bowed.  “Hello Mary.  I’m deeply sorry for making you wait.”  Then he looked from Pa, who had returned to his chair, to Ma and spoke again.  “I apologize for being so late.  The weather was not agreeable and caused a delay on the train.”  His eyes returned to Mary and he took her hands in his.  “I would have exited the train and run all the way here if I could have.”

Mary laughed at his foolish remark.  “Don’t be silly. You would have gotten lost in the dark.”  She looked at him for a moment more before leading him to a couple chairs Pa had set near the hearth.  They sat and talked by the warm fire, never letting go of each other’s hands.

My Short Short for the Day

 “Alright Stanford, start typing.”  Stanford’s fingers hovered above the keyboard, paused, waiting for inspiration to hit. 

“Honey, why don’t you take a break and have some tea with me.”  Wanda called out from the kitchen.

“No, I can’t, I have to write.”  Stanford called back.  He dropped his hands to his lap. 

“Suit yourself.”  Wanda set a cup of tea and a small plate of cookies on the desk before taking her tea into the living room.

“Ok, focus.”  Stanford sipped his tea.  “Mmm.  Not bad.”  Then he dipped a cookie in it before taking a bite.  “Well a short break won’t hurt.  In fact, maybe that’s just what I need to re-energize my brain.”  He took his tea and cookies into the living room.

About a half hour later, Stanford returned to his desk.  “Ok, Stanford, you’ve had a break, now it’s time to get serious.”  He stretched and flexed his fingers, sat up straight and tall, and placed his feet flat on the floor.  “Alright, let’s go.” 

His fingers hovered over the keyboard, paused, waiting for inspiration to hit.  Nothing.  He slouched.  His hands dropped to his lap.  He stared at the blank screen.  He was about to put his head down on the keyboard when he heard his wife coming towards him.

“How’s it going dear?”  Wanda called as she passed by into the kitchen.

Stanford typed furiously on the keyboard.  “Great!  It’s really moving along now.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful.  I guess all you needed was a little break.”  Wanda walked over and kissed Stanford on the head.  “Can I read it?”

“Oh, no, not yet.  I’m really in the flow of things.  Later, ok?”  Stanford hunched forward to block his screen.

“Ok, dear.”  Wanda patted his shoulder and left.

“Phew!”  Stanford looked at the barrage of random letters scattered across his screen.  He deleted it and then started typing whatever came into his mind.  At first, he trudged along but soon it turned into something more solid. 

“Dinner in a half hour, Stan.”  Wanda called from the kitchen.

“Ok.”  Stanford’s fingers were flying across the keyboard as the words poured out.  Finally, he hit the end of the page and stopped.  “Wow, Stanford, not bad.”  He stared admiringly at the words that filled up 3 pages.  “Not bad…well, hopefully not bad.” 

“Dinner!”  Wanda called.

“But we can wait until tomorrow to see if it’s bad or not.”  Stanford saved the pages and closed the laptop.  

My Short Short for the Day

 Little Elf flew as fast as she could.  The puffball on the top of her stocking cap flapping in the wind.  The stars twinkled a path to her house but already the darkness was beginning to fade and the light would soon dawn.  She was late!  How could she have overslept?  Why did her alarm pick today of all days to not go off?  What a mess!  She was a new elf and she was making a rookie mistake.  She had prided herself on always being punctual to every meeting, every training, every class.  And now, of all days, and of all times, did she blow it?  Ugh!  Fly faster!  She willed herself to move faster than ever.

The moon was slowly drifting down below the horizon and the sun was peeking.  She only had a few more minutes.  What would she do if she was late?  How would she explain to the poor child?  She couldn’t!  She wasn’t allowed to talk with the child.  Her new child!  Poor thing!  It was her first time meeting this child and she was going to be late!  How could this happen?!

Suddenly her house was within view!  Oh, I can make it!  It’s not much further.  She pushed herself to fly with all her heart.  She was almost there.  A light turned on upstairs.  Oh, no!  That must be the child’s room!  She had to hurry.  Almost there!  She zipped down the chimney, careful to not bump the soot covered walls and zoomed out into the living room.  Ahh!  Look at that beautiful tree!  She admired the tree for a moment until she heard a thump on the staircase.  Oh, right!  Where to sit?

Little Elf zigzagged around the room trying to find a comfortable spot to land.  She’d be stuck there all day, so it had to be a good spot.  She flitted around like a hummingbird until she found the perfect spot on top of the mantle next to some books and ceramic reindeer.  She settled in just as a giggle came from the bottom of the stairs.  She put on her biggest smile and froze. 

The giggly child came into the room and searched everywhere.  Little Elf enjoyed the enthusiasm as the child checked under every cushion and on top of every book.  She even checked the stockings near the tree before she turned toward the mantle.  She locked eyes with Little Elf and squealed.  “Momma!  Momma!  I found her!  She’s here!”

Little Elf wanted to hug the darling little girl but didn’t dare move.  Instead the smiled and let her heart warm.  She had made it, thank goodness!