My Short Short Story for the Day

The water rushed past the boat pushing and pulling it along. Mack clung to the seat praying to survive. He glanced over to his right and saw Sal was still there, glassy eyed and a bit green. He looked to his left and Evan wasn't much better.

“Just hold on. It has to end soon.” Mack yelled hoping they could hear him over the thunder of the rapids.

The front of the boat dipped low under the white capped wave, sloshing water in but not enough to panic over. At least not right away. Mack held his breath as the boat heaved again, certain they would be dumped this time. He closed his eyes and prayed, vowing his undying devotion to any entity that would save them. The boat leveled out and Mack expelled his breath as relief flooded over him. Calmly he opened his eyes and screamed. The water was quiet and gentle as it flowed over the edge. He looked for a paddle, stick, anything but there was nothing. His eyes met Sal's then Evan's. Each had the same look. This was it.

The boat jutted out over and for a moment they all admired the amazing view of the surrounding valley. The lush greenery, the towering trees, the fragrant flowers blooming in every color imaginable, the snow capped mountains, and far off the faint scent of the salty ocean air. Home, that's what he thought of as the boat ever so slowly tipped until they were looking straight down into a lake far below. He screamed. He couldn't help it. He had no control at all. Home, if only he could see it once more. If only.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Are you sure it's safe?” Al asked looking closely at the plate.

“Uh, well, I think so.” Mac scooped up a forkful and shoved it in his mouth. “Not bad.”

Al moved the food around on his plate for several more seconds before setting his fork down. “I'm not eating this crap.”

“It ain't bad, Al. Give it a try.” Mac shoveled more food into his mouth.

The phone rang and Al picked it up. “Do you know this number?” He held it up for Mac. After a quick look and a shrug, Al turned it back to stare at it. It rang again then was silent. “I guess if it's important they'll leave a message. He set the phone back on the table and pushed the plate away.

Mac wiped his mouth with the napkin then leaned back in his chair. “I'm full.”

Just then the phone rang again. Before Al could pick it up Mac grabbed it. “Hello? This is Mac. Naw, he's just sitting here. Yup. Yup. Uh, huh. Oh. Okay. Bye.”

“So?” Al asked taking back the phone and slipping it into his pocket. “Who was it?”

“Sally. She asked we bring the plates to her school.” Mac said standing up and collecting the plates.

“Why?” Al frowned standing up as well.

“It's her school art project. She forgot it this morning.” Mac carried the plates to the door.

Al opened the door and followed Mac to the car. “Seriously? An art project.” Al shook his head. “What are you gonna tell her about that missing one?”

Mac grinned. “Oops.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

Skip across the lawn, twirl around 3 times then take 5 large steps to the right. It sounded like fun so Tasha followed the instructions exactly giggling all the way. Cindy was right beside her giggling just as wildly. The warmth shined down on them as they danced around the yard, singing without a care. Maggie watched the girls and smiled at their pure joy. The oven dinged. Maggie carefully pulled the pan out of the oven and placed the cookies on a plate. She filled up a couple glasses with milk and set them on the table along with the cookies. Five, four, three, two, one. Maggie opened the door and Tasha and Cindy hopped into the kitchen. One sniff and they hurried to the table.

“Uh, uh.” Maggie said pointing.

“Aw, Mom.” Cindy half heartedly whined.

“Go.” Maggie said.

The girls giggled their way down the hall to the bathroom. Maggie heard the water run and went to the pantry. Pulling out some items, she quickly set up. Finishing up just in time, Maggie stepped back and waited. The giggling ceased as the girls stopped in the doorway. Maggie smiled at the look on their faces.

“Surprise.” Maggie said. “Come, sit down.”

The girls squealed and took their seats digging into the cookies, milk and gifts all at the same time. After several minutes Cindy got up and walked over to Maggie. “Thanks Mom.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

This is it. Sue thought to herself as she stared down at Box 41. Is it here? Do I want it to be here? What will it say? Well, I'll never know unless I open it. She took a deep breath and put the key in the lock. I can't look. She closed her eyes and turned the key. But I need to know. No. Yes. Ok, ok. This is ridiculous. Just open it already. She pulled the door open and several letters slid out dropping to the ground. At the sound she opened her eyes and glanced at the letters but they were in a pile making it difficult to read the return addresses. Ok, just do it. Just pick them up without looking too closely and get back inside. She grabbed the letters from the box and closed it up, then bent down to pick up the letters on the ground. As hard as she tried not to look, she couldn't help it. Her eyes zeroed in on that letter. It was here. Her heart began to race. It's ok, just get the letters and go inside. It's ok. She stood and took another deep breath to steady her pulse then walked back to her apartment. Shutting the door carefully she set the letters on the table and removed her shoes. Then she walked into the kitchen, poured herself a tall glass of water and chugged it down. Ahh! She set the glass in the sink and returned to the table. Picking her favorite chair she sat down and looked over at the letters. Carefully avoiding that letter, she went through the rest sorting out bills and ads and junk. Once the rest of the mail was taken care of she turned her eyes on that letter. What if it's not what I want to hear? What if I can't handle it? What if...what if...what if? Oh, come on. Just get it over with. Enough already. She tore the envelope and pulled the letter out. She unfolded it and skimmed through. 'No evidence of breast cancer'. Her hands shook as she read and reread the letter to be sure. The smile that spread across her face shined all the way to her eyes. The tears rolled down her cheeks as the relief washed over her. It's ok. She thought. It's ok now.

My Short Short Story for the Day

“I'm going through something right now.” Carla said slumping into her chair.

“What is it? Maybe I can help.” Ann said sitting across from her friend.

“I don't know. That's the problem.” Carla shifted crossing her legs. “I'm having all these thoughts and feelings swirling around in my head but they won't stop moving long enough for me to make sense of them.”

“I don't get it.” Ann frowned.

“Imagine dropping a puzzle into a pool and trying to collect the pieces but every time you grab at one the movement pushes the rest away from you.” Carla said.

“Why don't you just get a net and scoop them all up like the pool cleaner guy?” Ann said.

“Oh, never mind.” Carla shook her head. “It's stupid.”

“Come on. Seriously. I want to help.” Ann said. “Hey, why don't you tell me when this all started.”

“Well, alright. It was a week or so ago.” Carla lowered her voice. “I had a dream about this guy.”

“Oooh. Who's the guy?” Ann whispered.

“That's not important. Anyway, I don't remember what happened in the dream just that this particular guy was in it.” Carla paused looking down at her hands. “And I can't stop thinking about him.”

“Hmm?” Ann sipped her coffee.

“And the more I try to figure out what it all means, the more jumbled up it gets.” Carla looked over at Ann.

“Alright, well, first off, who's the guy?” Ann asked.

“It doesn't matter what his name is.”

“Of course it does. Tell me.”

“I don't want to.”

“Tell me!” Ann grabbed Carla's arm.

“Ok, ok. Let go.” Carla pulled away. “It was Chuck.”

“Chuck? Stephanie's fiancee Chuck?”

“Yes, that Chuck.” Carla couldn't meet her eyes. “I know, I know. We've known him for years and I've never thought of him as anything but Steph's boyfriend.” Carla ran her hand through her hair. “But this dream, it's...it's just got me all confused. It feels like there's something I'm supposed to learn from it or figure out. Something important.”

“Just forget it Carla.” Ann took Carla's hand. “You need to let this go.”

“I've tried but I can't.” Carla met Ann's eyes. “What if I just talk to him?”

“No! Leave it alone!” Ann dropped Carla's hand and glared. “Steph has finally found a good man, don't screw it up for her. I mean it.”

“Ok. Forget I even brought it up.” Carla stood finishing off her drink.

“Good. I'll see you tomorrow then.” Ann grabbed her purse and walked to the door. “I'm sure it was just another of your silly dreams Carla. It didn't mean anything.”

Carla forced a smile. “You're right. What dream?”

Ann smiled back and waved as she walked away. Carla tossed her empty cup in the trash and left the shop. “Yeah, nothing. I wish. It's never just nothing.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

Into the darkness I walk, steadily, with confidence, self assured. The crunch of gravel beneath my feet echoes the determination in my head. I must do this. I have no choice. Do or be undone. The gravel gives way to dirt. The dust kicks up into the air, my eyes water but I blink them clear without slowing, never faltering. Time moves forward with each step. Destiny, fate is just ahead. The grass stretches out onto the dirt path growing thicker the further in I go. Soon I'm surrounded by grass, enclosed by a ring of trees, only a beam of sunlight squeezes through the treetops. I'm standing in a circle of bark with one single flower growing. I am here. I have made it at last. The time flashed by as it dragged its heels. There is only one last thing to do, but I hesitate. No, my resolve must be strong. I must do this. I have no choice. I reach down and pluck a tiny yellow piece of the flower careful not to touch the pink petals. I straighten, looking up into the sun until sweat glistens on my face. I look around at the trees, the green, green grass and even the brown of the bark at my feet. The pink petals stand out brighter than before. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I raise my hand and place the tiny yellow piece of flower onto my tongue. I close my mouth and begin to chew. I close my eyes and after a few moments I swallow. It is done. I feel a cold breeze bite at my cheeks and open my eyes to an unsettling site. Bright, barren and cold. No colors, no sounds, no scents, no warmth, nothing. It is much worse than I could ever have imagined. But I must face this, my destiny, my fate. It is what I will it to be.

My Short Short Story for the Day

Once upon a time there lived three princesses. One was named Soola, one was named Poola, and one was named Chala. They all loved pink flowers more than any other kind of flower. In their opinion, pink smelled better than any other color, especially when they smelled like strawberries. Chala was the oldest with very long hair which she wore in a single braid. She was a very tall princess who loved to sing. But the Queen always told her don't sing until the King is here so that he won't miss a single beautiful note. Poola was the youngest and smallest princess. She had short hair that she always wore in curls. She loved to dance. All day she practiced dance steps and quite often made up her own, creating new dances which she loved to share with her family. Soola was the middle princess and not so tall as Chala but not so small as Poola. She had hair down to her shoulders and left it as it was. She loved to play the flute and play songs all day long, often writing her own music. When the King arrived home, Chala would sing while Poola danced and Soola played the flute. The King and Queen enjoyed every evening while their daughters entertained them. When the princesses took their bows, the servants would toss lovely pink flowers at their feet and cheer. This was a very happy kingdom.

(Co-written by my daughter)