My Short Short Story for the Day

It happened so fast that Alice couldn't even think for several seconds. The longer she stared at it, the slower her heart started to beat. Minutes ticked away as she stared silently down. Finally, she could breath normally, her pulse no longer racing. The sweat had dried on her forehead. The panic subsided. What's done is done. She thought allowing herself to blink. One deep breath and she could look away. She eased back several steps then turned to the kitchen. Rummaging through the drawers she came up with a garbage bag, paper towels and some carpet cleaner. She returned to the spot and knelt down. Carefully she filled the garbage bag and tied it up tight, then scrubbed the carpet. The stain wasn't coming out. She sprayed more cleaner and scrubbed harder. It was fading a bit but not enough. She had to clean it completely. Get rid of the evidence. But she was running out of time. She scrubbed some more and continued until the stain had faded. She stood up and stepped back. Nope, not good enough. She could still see it. The clock chimed and her eyes widened. Oh, no! I have to hurry. She scrubbed a bit more but it just wasn't coming out. She stood up, stuffed the used paper towels into the bag and took it out to the garage. Opening the lid of the trash can, she carefully dug down making a hole. Then she stuffed the bag in and covered it over. Quickly she returned to the living room but the stain glared at her knowingly. She looked around as her heart started to race again. So close, just need to...to...hide it! She dragged the ottoman over and placed it squarely on top of the stain. Perfect! Looking at the clock she hurried off to wash her hands and get in bed.

“Alice!”

Alice opened her eyes groggily, not knowing how long she had been asleep.

“Alice Pembly!”

Alice bolted upright in bed remembering what had happened earlier and knowing that she had been caught. Slowly she climbed out of bed and walked out to the living room.

“What is this?”  The voice was very stern. 

Alice could only stare at the accusing stain for several seconds before quietly responding. “Chocolate milk.”

My Short Short Story for the Day

“Ok, here, here. This is good. Quick! Duck!” Ishy whispered loudly.

“Are you sure? He might find us? What if he finds us?” Kel asked.

Ishy rolled her eyes. Her little sister was always worrying about everything. Always second guessing everything. She just didn't know how to relax and have fun. Ishy had decided it was time to teach her and what better way then a game of hide`n`seek with Dad.

“Shhh!” Ishy said holding onto Kel's shoulder.

“What if he finds us? What'll happen?” Kel whispered.

“Quiet!” Ishy peeked around the edge of the bushes but didn't see her Dad. “He has no idea where we are? She giggled.

Kel stared at her for a moment then relaxed just enough to smile a little.

Just then they could hear footsteps getting closer. “Ok, get ready.” Ishy whispered to her sister.

Kel tensed but was ready. Her heart was racing but Ishy had assured her this would be fun. She sure hoped so.

“Now!” Ishy whispered pulling Kel up.

“Boo!” They yelled in unison.

Dad jumped backwards. “Argh!” He was smiling even as his heel bumped a rock and he tumbled backwards to land squarely on his back. “Oof!”

Ishy was laughing wildly but Kel raced to Dad frightened. “Are you ok? Dad?!”

Dad sat up still smiling. “Just got the wind knocked out of me a bit. I'm ok though, kiddo.” He hugged Kel who was close to tears.

Ishy was still laughing but came over to help Dad up.

“That was a good one girls. You really got me that time.” Dad laughed picking Kel up and taking Ishy's hand. “Now, how about some ice cream?” They were all smiling as they walked home.

My Short Short Story for the Day

The wind fluttered through the leaves, sweeping away the dust and cobwebs stretching between the branches. The sun peeked in warming the soil in tiny dots of light. Silvie slowly opened her eyes to the fresh new morning. Sleep had come easily to her and now, quite refreshed, she was ready and eager to be on her way. It promised to be a wonderful day. With a smile she bundled up her mat and gear, tossed them onto her back and stepped out into the world. A robin greeted her with soft chirps and a squirrel chattered to her from a nearby tree.

“Hi little critters! Good morning!” Silvie waved to each animal she met on the path. You just never know when something magical might happen. She thought. “Do any of you speak?” She paused for a moment then shrugged and continued on her way.

A tune popped into her head so she began to whistle and soon it turned into a song which she sang softly. It made the walking easier with a distraction so the song carried on for miles, changing and shifting like the river that wound its way alongside the path. Maybe today would be the day. She had been searching for a very long time but never gave up, never wavered from the belief that one day she would find “Home”. And maybe, just maybe, today was that. She smiled at the possibility and continued to walk.

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.