My Short Short Story for the Day

Have you ever heard of Nice Mice? No? Well, don't worry, you're in the majority. I always get the same reaction from people I mention it to, the "you're a little bit crazy" look. I insist this candy used to exist but the doubt in their eyes is clear even as they laugh it off. This used to be my favorite candy as a kid and could only be found at the YMCA. Although I enjoyed playing sports at the Y, I'd have to say the highlight of my visits were definitely afterwards when I got to enjoy this tasty treat. In 5th grade I started playing basketball for a local elementary school so my visits to the YMCA ended. If only I had known back then, that  Nice Mice wouldn't be around forever, maybe I would have stocked up. Filled a suitcase with them and rationed them out over the years. This was before people were more conscientious about what went into foods so those mice probably would still be good today. 

There are many things I've forgotten over the years but not my all time favorite candy.  They came in a rectangular shaped box similar to those candy hearts with messages on them you can get around Valentine's Day. The candy themselves were similar in texture to Circus Peanuts except they were, of course, in the shape of mice. They were different colors, not just orange, and they squeaked when you bit them (no, just kidding about that part). I don't know when or why they disappeared but just once I'd love to go down memory lane and have one more box of those sweet, little, Nice Mice.

My Short Short Story for the Day

 “Today’s lesson is very important.”  The teacher stood at the front of the room.  “It will change your life.”

Elby sat as still as a lizard frozen in wintertime but her mind drifted off.  The teacher always said the same thing about each lesson and so far, nothing had ever come close to being useful in her life, let alone changing it.  She spent most of the day dreaming about adventures and what must be happening outside while she sat at her desk.

“Elby?  Are you coming?”  The teacher was standing next to her while all the other kids crowded by the door staring at her.

“Huh?”  Elby quickly stood as her face flushed.  “Yes.  Sorry.”

The children rushed outside but stopped abruptly.  Several villagers were gathered there waiting.  The teacher walked to them and spoke for a few minutes while the children whispered amongst themselves.

“Today will be the last day of school for most of you.  A few of the younger children will remain but the rest of you will be assigned a mentor who will teach you a trade.  The lessons I have taught you over the past few years will have provided you with a strong foundation.  Now it is time for you mentors to take over and teach you all the details of your specific trade.  I have spoken with each of the mentors and matched you with the person as well as the trade I think best suits you.  As I call your name, please step forward.  I wish you each the best in your future endeavors.”

Elby regretted letting her mind wander during class and even now let her mind wander for several minutes before shaking herself out of it.  How embarrassing it would be to not here her named called.  Who would her mentor be?  Would it be a trade you would enjoy or be good at?  What did she want to do?  She hadn’t even thought that far ahead.

“Elby.”  The teacher was looking at her patiently.  Once Elby met her eyes the teacher continued.  “You will be with Sandor.”

Elby stared at the teacher in surprise as excitement bubbled up within her.  She couldn’t believe it but Sandor stepped forward and she walked to him before anyone could change their mind.  What luck!  Now life was finally going to get interesting.

My Short Short Story for the Day

When I was sad you let me dry my tears on your fur.  When I was angry you let me throw you onto the floor and never blamed me.  When I was scared you let me squeeze you tight.  When I was hungry you sat patiently at the table taking whatever scraps I offered.  When I was lonely you let me carry you everywhere in my hand, pocket or whatever was handy.  When I was happy you let me toss you high into the air over and over again without complaint.  When I was in a hurry you accepted whatever quick kiss, hug or goodbye I gave.  When I was young you were my best friend. 

My Short Short Story for the Day

What is love?  What does it mean to be “in love”?  How do you know if you are?  How do you know if it’s real?  A parent loves a child and a child loves a parent, without question, without thought.  It’s just a natural feeling that grows each day.  But loving someone not related to you, how do people do it?  How do people set aside all that negativity it seems to bring out?  How do people just love another without examining it, turning it, twisting it, stomping on it, then trying desperately to smooth off the rough edges only to get frustrated and start the process all over again.  It would appear that some people have figured out how to give love freely but many others are still wading through the muck, searching for the magic fix-all cure.  Is it possible that we, as humans, are not meant to love just one partner for life?  Is it beyond our capabilities?  No, that can’t be true because I’ve witnessed enduring love.  So what is the secret?  What is the answer?  How do we find it?  What is love? 

My Short Short Story for the Day

Kurt tried to listen but his mind kept wandering.  He would be with a small group of children his age, out exploring for the very first time.  He had waited so long for this day and now it was finally here.  A sharp poke from his father refocused his attention on the teacher.

“You have all worked hard toward this honor.”  The woman smiled down at each solemn face with pride.  “Each one of you has earned this right.  Use your knowledge and skills to document all you discover.  But remember…”  She looked sternly at the eager, young faces.  “You are out there to observe and record.  Nothing more.”

She let the silence linger for several minutes before ringing the bell.  After the fifth chime the children said goodbye to their parents, then formed a line to receive their travel packs.  Everyone watched as the children marched single file down the path and into the woods.  Slowly the group broke up, each moving to their own homes to wonder what adventures their children may have, hoping they would be brave and praying they would return safely.

The children marched well into the night before stopping.  After eating a cold meal they climbed into the trees and fell asleep.  Two more days of marching and they were outside the boundaries of the village so the next morning meant the start of charting the new territory. 

Kurt was the first to come upon the strange wall.  To the left it was a shimmery white as far as the eye could see.  To the right it was an inky black stretching out of sight.   The children stood staring from one side to the other and back to the middle.

Kurt stepped forward.  “We will split into two groups.  One goes into the light, the other into the dark.”

Max stepped forward.  “I will lead one group.”

Kurt nodded and divided the children.  “We will meet back here in 10 days.”

“Agreed.”  Said Max.  “Be safe.”

“And you.”  Kurt said then led his group into the shimmery white wearing a brave face and wishing his father was there.

My Short Short Story for the Day

All that stands between me and whatever flesh eating, limb tearing, disemboweling, freaky monster outside are these fake wooden blinds and a thin pane of glass.  What should I do?  The curiosity is killing me but the monster would finish me off for real.  That hideous snarling, the clicking of those razor sharp claws, the snuffling snort of that snot encrusted snout.  Maybe just a quick peek, open and shut before it notices.  No.  No!  I can’t do it.  But that creature, it could be one of those mythical beings and I could sell a picture of it to the tabloids and make millions of dollars and…well, you never know.  Ok, I’ll just slide my phone between the slates and take a quick picture.  That way it won’t see me and maybe the flash will blind it and scare it away.  Good idea.  Alright.  Careful.  Ok, good.  There we go.  Oh, wow.  That didn’t scare it away at all.  It sounds even worse than before.  Well, here goes.  I might as well see what I’m dealing with.  What?  That can’t be right.  A Chihuahua?   Seriously?  I gotta lay off those horror films.    

My Short Short Story for the Day

Once upon a time there was a little girl named, hmm, let’s see.  How about Shirley?  Yes, that’s good.  There was a little girl named Shirley who lived in a nice home, in a nice neighborhood, with her nice parents.  She was a happy little girl until that fateful day.  The day that her parents shall never forget.  The day she discovered defiance.

It had started like any other day; wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast and off to preschool.  Shirley and her mother took turns telling stories on the car ride to school.  Then a quick hug and kiss at the classroom door and Shirley was off to play with her friends while her mother went to run errands.  After school Shirley ran to her mother the instant she appeared in the doorway and gave her a joyful hug.  On the way home Shirley told her mother all about her day.  The afternoon passed pleasantly as Shirley and her mother played together.  At the usual time, Shirley’s father came home from work and they sat at the table to eat dinner.  It had been a very nice day indeed.

At 7:00pm Shirley’s mother said.  “It’s time for your bath Shirley.” 

Shirley stood up and was quiet for several moments then spoke.  “No.  I don’t want to take a bath tonight.”

Shirley’s mother raised her eyebrow and looked at Shirley.  “It’s time for your bath honey.  Let’s go.”

Shirley crossed her arms making a noise that sounded like ‘hrumph’ and stood her ground.  Shirley’s mother was caught off guard.  This was new, now how should she deal with it?  First she tried being stern, then making a joke, then making a deal, then threatening to take away privileges and finally begging.  Nothing worked.  Shirley’s mother slumped into a chair clueless about what to do next. 

At that moment, Shirley turned to her mother and with the sweetest smile spoke.  “Can it be a play bath?”