My Short Short for the Day

“Daddy! Daddy! I just knew you'd come.” Cindy ran to her father hugging him tight and beaming brighter than the sun.

“Of course Honey! I promised you, didn't I.” He picked her up and tossed her in the air until she giggled uncontrollably.

“Mommy! Mommy! He came! He came! I told you!” Cindy raced to the back room.

“Oh, Honey. I know you wished...” Kathy stopped short when she saw him. “Oh, Jim? Is it...”

He smiled that easy grin. She hurried into his arms and held him tight struggling to hold back the tears. Cindy hugged them both. “Group hug!” She cheered.

They laughed and played talked for several hours when Jim stood. His smile was still there but a sadness filled his eyes. “It's time to go.”

“Where are we going Daddy?” Cindy asked standing up and taking hold of his hand.

“No, not we. I have to go...alone.” Jim ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead.

“But, so soon?” Kathy reached out to him and clasped his hands.

He pulled her into his arms and this time she didn't hold back the tears. “Not now. Not again. Please.”

Cindy grabbed hold of her mom and dad's hands. “Don't go Daddy! Please!”

He hugged Kathy and kissed her tenderly then knelt down and hugged Cindy. “I love you Sweetie. Never forget that.”

He stepped away and climbed the steps to the door. He pulled it open and the light that flooded through was so thick and bright nothing could be seen beyond.

Cindy watched with tears rolling down her cheeks. Kathy was holding her in her arms letting her tears flow as well. “Bye Daddy! I love you!” Cindy whispered.

Jim paused and looked back at his family and smiled. Then turned and walked into the light.

My Short Short for the Day

It was a sunny day, not too warm and not too cold. Just the right temperature, well, if you were having a good day. But Andy was not. The weather was immaterial as Andy scuffed his feet along. He did not want to be up at this hour, let alone walking down the sidewalk in this particular direction. There was no way he could avoid it, he had to go. He promised. What he wouldn't give for a sudden thunderstorm with hail so heavy that it was dangerous to go outside. Or lightning flashing so close by that anyone would run the risk of being struck if they stepped outdoors. Or what if strange beings from another planet picked today of all days to visit Earth. Not mean aliens because he wasn't prepared for battle, but friendly aliens. Or...or...hm? Well, something big but not where people got hurt or killed or anything like that. There was enough death as it was, without nature or aliens adding to it.

Andy sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. His shoulders were hunched and his eyes looking down. He knew where he was going and just didn't want to go. He usually loved visiting his mom and helping out around the house. They had always gotten along but recently he had taken on a bigger role. She depended on him and that's why he agreed to help her today.

“I was beginning to wonder about you Andy.” His mom said with a warm smile. “Come in, come in. I've got fresh ice tea and donuts.”

“Jelly?” Andy perked up for moment.

“Of course.” She lead him into the kitchen and poured a tall glass of ice tea and set it by the plate full of jelly donuts.

“Awesome!” Andy was grabbing a donut even as he sat down. “Thanks!”

After Andy had polished off half the tea and 2 donuts, his mother cleared her throat softly. “I know you are not looking forward to this. And I know how hard it is, but I really appreciate your help. I...I just couldn't do it myself. Too many memories.”

“It's ok Mom.” Andy patted his mom's hand. “I'd better get to it.”

“Anything of your dad's that you'd like to keep. Go ahead.” His mom dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

“Thanks Mom. Don't worry. I'll take care of it.” Andy gave his mom a quick hug then grabbed another donut and headed upstairs. “Last chance aliens...or mother nature. Anyone? Bummer.”

Andy trudged upstairs and down the hall. He walked into his father's office and took a deep breath. “Still smells like you.” He walked over to the desk and sat in the chair looking around the room at all the memories. “I miss you Dad.”

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!”