My Short Short for the Day

Sandy hurried after her father. He took such big steps it was hard for her to keep up with her small legs but she didn't back down from the challenge. She walked as fast as she could, puffing out her breath and concentrating on closing the gap.
 
“Come on Honey!” Dad called over his shoulder.

“Coming Daddy!” Sandy said with a burst of energy. So close. Maybe if she stretched out her hand. She reached but couldn't quite make it. Then his hand swung away from her. “Ratso!” She mumbled.

“What's that Honey?” Dad looked back at her and smiled at the determination on her sweet, little face.

She scrunched up her face and made a last lunge for Daddy's hand and grabbed it. She stumbled but he easily caught her into a great big hug. She giggled wildly and hugged him as tight as her little arms could squeeze. He twirled her around a few times before feeling a bit dizzy.
 
“I did it!” Sandy squealed giving Daddy a big kiss on his forehead.

My Short Short for the Day

Sy looked into the glass orb. She squinted, then opened her eyes wide, trying to make sense of the blurriness.

“What do you see?” Ev was so patient but also expectant. You couldn't ever wait him out with silence.

“Um, well, a...a plant pot maybe. And some leaves of some sort.” Sy strained to see more then abruptly straightened with a huff. “I don't know, it's just too blurry.”

“Try again. Focus. Don't force your eyes to see. Just focus and let the images form.” Ev folded his hands onto his lap and shifted ever so slightly. His face was serene and pleasantly wrinkled.

Sy stared at him for several minutes but he didn't flinch or budge or say any more. With a loud and heavy sigh she turned to face the orb again. She stared for several minutes then took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She opened them again on the exhale and relaxed. She looked at the orb without trying to make something appear. She just stared and soon the images were shifting and changing, forming new things from the blur. Her heart thumped in her chest but she kept her eyes glued to the orb trying not to blink.

“Uh, I think I see something. It's...it's...” Sy held her breath as the image became clearer. “It's...my mother.” The woman was clear for a moment smiling at Sy, then a sudden wave crashed down on her sweeping her away into the darkness.

“This gift is not an easy one. Only the strongest souls can survive it. Your purity of heart will help you bear this weight.” Ev stood, rested his gnarled hand on Sy's shoulder. “And strength of love will help you use it well.”

My Short Short for the Day

Maggie stretched her arms high above her head then behind her back. The joints popped and crackled a bit. She shrugged her shoulders and shook her arms out. “Ok, I'm ready.”

“Wait Mags, just a second.” Alec yelled rushing up behind her.

Maggie lowered her hands and turned to look at her friend. “What is it Alec?”

“I've a note for you. From Master Scog.” Alec handed off the note then leaned forward with his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

“Thank you.” Maggie opened the note and read it furrowing her brow.

“Is everything alright?” Alec's face mirrored her concern.

“Yes, yes. Um, I have to go.” Maggie hurried off the way Alec had come.

“Wait! Mags, I'll go with you.” Alec turned to follow and tripped over a stone. “Mags! Mags!”

Maggie hurried off without a backward glance. She rushed down the path and into the building. There were other students milling around but she didn't take notice. She arrived at the Master's door and paused. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she knocked.

“Come in Maggie.” The voice was solid, strong and kind.

“I came as soon as I could.” Maggie said closing the door gently behind her.

“Yes, I know. Thank you.” Master Scog walked around from behind his desk. He paused at the window and looked outside for several moments. When he turned back around his eyes were glistening.

Maggie's heart began to race. This was so unlike Master Scog. She didn't know what to do or say so she kept very still.

“It's time dear.” Master Scog placed his hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “I'm afraid it's time.”

Maggie walked slowly back to her room. Carefully she slid the worn and faded picture out of her pocket. She had looked at this picture so many times over the years but still she couldn't understand what it meant. Master Scog believed in her but did she believe in herself? It may be time but was she ready for what was to come? Would she ever be ready?

My Short Short for the Day

Harold staggered step by ragged step. The sun burned down upon his bald, bare head. The sweat dribbled down his back and face and chest splashing onto the ground. How much farther could he go? He desperately needed water but couldn't find any. Thirsty! So thirsty! His throat was raw and his tongue felt like one of his wife's overcooked, shriveled around the edges chicken breasts. Oh, what he wouldn't give for a tall, cold, sparkling clear glass of water with frosty ice cubes floating lazily inside. He tried to smack his crusty, dried lips but they wouldn't budge. Water! I need water! His mind cried out since his voice had long since ceased to work.

Must keep moving. He willed his legs to move one step at a time. Just have to keep going. There has to be some water soon. Where could it be? He squinted, straining his sun-dried eyes out in the distance. All he could see was the heat shimmering off the ground. So hot! Maybe I can use my shirt to cover my head. Maybe that will keep me cooler. Harold reached down to pull his shirt up over his head. It was half way there when an arm grabbed him.

“Harold. Stop right there.” Martha pulled his arm back down. “For heavens sake. What do you think you're doing?”

“It's hot woman. I'm dying!” Harold whined.

“Seriously?! It's only 80 degrees.” Martha shook her head. “I think you'll survive.

My Short Short for the Day

“Heel Whiskers! Heel!” Melody yelled.

“Honey, Whiskers is a little too young to understand what you're saying. She needs some more time to learn all these new words.” Erin gently touched her daughter's shoulder. “If you use a calm voice then Whiskers will listen to you better.”

“Ok Mommy. I'll try.” Melody took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then knelt down next to her mini pig and petted its head softly. “Ok, Whiskers. You need to walk next to me. It's not safe for you to walk ahead because I can't protect you that way. You also can't ever go out of my sight. That would be very naughty. Do you understand? Good girl.” Melody hugged her little pig who snuffled her cheek.

They walked along and Whiskers tried her best to stay near Melody but there were just way too many new things to see and smell that sometimes she forgot and pulled ahead.

“Whiskers.” Melody spoke firmly and Whiskers would immediately stop and look back at her. “That's my girl. Now walk with me. Don't tug the leash please.”

“That's very good Melody. I think Whiskers is improving already.” Erin said.

“Thanks mom.” Melody beamed. “I told you a mini pig would be the best pet ever!”

My Short Short for the Day

The darkness of the night oozed in through the doorway, spreading out across the room, drowning everything in black. Celia huddled down deep into her blankets, shivering in the heat. There was a creak on the stairs. Everyone was supposed to be asleep. Who was out there?

Her father had taken her to see the latest Zombie flick. She said she wanted to go and was even excited about spending time with her dad. But she wasn't prepared for all the gross and scary parts, which was pretty much the whole movie. She tried to hide her face but her dad had teased her. She wanted him to think she was brave so she straightened her shoulders and forced her eyes to remain open and fixed on the screen for the next 90 minutes. She almost lost her snack once but was able to choke it back down without her dad noticing.

The creak came again. Maybe it was her mom going downstairs for a drink. No, it couldn't be. She would have been moving faster but the creaks were coming very slow, like someone dragging their foot up the stairs. Like...like a zombie! She almost screeched but remembered that noise will bring the zombies. What should she do? She had to kill it. To protect herself and her family. She had to be brave. Her dad taught her that.

She quietly crawled out of bed and grabbed the toy guitar her mom had given her for her birthday. Then she tiptoed to the door and held her breath. The creak was coming from the floor this time. It was just outside her door. Somehow the zombie knew she was awake. She raised the guitar over her head and held it there. The door slowly opened. Wait, wait until it stuck it's head in. You have to hit it in the head really hard.

The door was now open and the zombie came into the room dragging its foot. It was hunched over and making a weird breathing sort of sound. It stopped beside her bed and grabbed the edge of the blanket. Celia took two silent steps up behind it. The zombie yanked back the blankets and she swung the guitar down on its head with all her might. The zombie dropped to the floor with a loud yell.

The lights came on and mom ran in. “What happened? Dave? What are you doing?”

Dad sat up rubbing the back of his head. “I was trying to scare Celia but she whacked me with that darn guitar.”

Celia looked down, worried that she'd be in big trouble.

Mom turned to Celia and gave her a hug. “What were you thinking, Dave?” She said shaking her head. “Come on, kiddo. Let's go get some milk and cookies.”

My Short Short for the Day

"Be quiet! Don't move!" He growled.

She shrank down into the darkness scared as the light disappeared. He was drunk again. There was no telling what he might do. She did as he said. She had learned long ago how to remain utterly still. Even how to curl up just right so that he wouldn't even see her chest rise and fall with each breath. She didn't dare close her eyes but she locked her mouth shut breathing silently through her nose.

It was so dark and cramped in the closet. This was the latest hotel room. They never stayed anywhere for long. Her father would be ok for a day or two but then one sip and he was meaner than any imaginary monster

Every so often she dared to peek outside but only when he was passed out. Even then she would peek for a moment or two, looking over her shoulder to be sure he wasn't stirring. The world outside was so beautiful. She saw kids laughing and playing. Moms and Dads smiling. The air was cool and fresh. The sun so warm on her cheek. This time she had lost herself in a daydream and didn't hear him wake. He bundled her up in an old blanket and shoved her into the closet.

He ranted and raved for a long time but at least in here, she could tune him out. She could imagine what it might feel like to be happy. To enjoy something...anything. Her stomach growled and she froze. It sounded like thunder to her so she held her breath dreading the footsteps. Praying he wouldn't come. The minutes ticked away and nothing. Maybe he had fallen asleep again. Oh, please, please let him be asleep. Gradually she relaxed and let her breathing return to normal. She stared into the darkness but didn't see the dingy closet door, instead she imagined a big house with a white picket fence, green grass, and pretty flowers all around. She pictured a lovely mother and kind father playing with her in the yard. There was a cute little puppy racing around after a small red ball. The sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze drifted lazily along. She smiled.