My Short Short for the Day

As Sidney rocked her daughter, Ed finally shook his head and turned to them. “I just don't know what to make of it. I mean, it's just not possible to vanish.”

“Well, they can do that in your comics Daddy.” Ginny said.

“Yeah but that's not real.” Ed said with a smile.

The family sat silent for several minutes. Sidney just couldn't wrap her mind around it. She'd read ghost stories before and watched plenty of movies but never believed in supernatural beings. How else could she explain what she saw. She yawned uncontrollably. Maybe it was a nightmare. Maybe she was still asleep. She closed her eyes for a moment.

“You're not dreaming Mommy.”

Sidney opened her eyes at the sound of her daughter's voice. She screamed and dropped the creature as if being burned. She scrabbled away as fast as possible but bumped into the bookshelf. She looked toward Ed but he was sound asleep on the floor next to the bed. He wasn't moving.

The creature stood and walked toward Sidney. The creature spoke with Ginny's voice. Sidney's eyes darted around the room. Where was Ginny?

“Ed!” Sidney screamed reaching around for anything solid to grab. “Ed!”

My Short Short for the Day

“I don't know.” Sidney said slowly getting to her feet.

There was a soft sound and Sidney bolted out of the room. She rushed into the other bedroom and threw herself on the floor.

“Are you ok Sweetie?” Sidney reached in to grab her daughter's hand.

“Yes, Mommy.” Ginny's voice was very soft and she was clutching her stuffed unicorn. “I'm scared.”

Sidney helped her daughter out and pull her into her arms. Ed sat on the bed still looking confused.

“What happened?” He finally said.

Sidney snuggled Ginny close in her arms. “I feel asleep on the couch. The click of the door closing woke me up. I was a little dazed at first but I saw two shadows go by. I grabbed the dumbbell. I didn't know what else to get. They went into our bedroom so I stopped at Ginny's and told her to hide under the bed. Then I went to our bedroom and they were whispering. I couldn't tell what they were saying. I just lunged at the closest one. I know I hit him but then...it's like the light came on and they disappeared.”

Ed tugged at his beard looking downward, staring at nothing in particular.

My Short Short for the Day

The gentle click of the door jolted Sidney awake. She had stayed up late working and while the computer shut down she checked on her daughter, sprawled across the bed and sleeping soundly. Then she made her way down the hall to her bedroom where her husband was also sprawled across the bed sleeping soundly. Walking back down the hall she couldn't help but smile at her two bed hogs. She fluffed the throw pillow and unfolded the quilt then settled down on the couch. With a huge yawn she shut off the light and lay down. She thought she'd have trouble falling asleep, but the next thing she heard was the gentle click of the door. Her head was a bit fuzzy with sleep but instincts told her not to move. She looked toward the sound only moving her eyes. There were two shadows that moved down the hall. Fear choked her but she swallowed hard. Her daughter. Her thoughts raced as she silently slid off the couch. She was in motion and had to act without time for a lot of thought.

Grabbing the dumbbell tucked under the TV stand she rose to her feet. A quick breath for courage and she glided down the hall. The shadows had moved straight to the back room. Her husband. She could here him snoring. She ducked into her daughter's room. She covered her mouth and lifted her to a sitting position. Her daughter woke with a start and seeing her mother's eyes, quickly quieted.

“Under the bed, far back corner. Stay there.” Sidney whispered.

Her daughter nodded and immediately crawled down. Sidney paused at the doorway to check that she was hidden, then glided down the hall. She paused outside the partially closed door and heard whispers. She couldn't understand what was being said. What to do? No time to panic or hesitate. She had to act. People don't break into your house for good reasons.

She slipped through the door and lunged toward the nearest shadow swinging the dumbbell with all her might. Her arm shook with the tremor of making contact. The lights suddenly came on and she fell to the floor. She looked toward the light switch. Her husband was standing there looking down at her.

“What was that?” His eyes mirrored her shock.

My Short Short for the Day

The night was dark and dreary, as any good Halloween night should be. The air was chilly with a hint of wood smoke simmering among the trees. The ghosts rustled in their hiding spots, waiting for the unsuspecting to walk by. Vampires were pushing up their coffin lids and stretching after their day's rest. Witches stirred their brew, chanting their spells into the green smoke. Goblins sharpened their claws and teeth while dreaming of tasty treats to come. Zombies clawed their way out of their graves, reattaching parts that may have fallen off.

Inside the homes where warm lights glowed in the windows, eager children hurried through dinner. Dressing into their costumes took some time but there were giggles and squeals the whole time. Makeup was painted on their bright shiny faces, clothing was snugged on their wiggly bodies. Masks and mittens placed carefully on their faces and hands. Once shoes were laced up and tied snug, baskets were handed out and front doors opened.

The creatures of the night were lined up ready to scare.

The children were lined up ready to trick or treat.

It would be a night to remember for all.

My Short Short for the Day

 

It was a cold, cold day on the ice far up north where only Polar Bears dare to venture out into the open air. The wind was howling, swirling the dusting of loose snow up into little tornadoes and sending them to dance across the frozen ground. The sky was full of gray clouds blocking out the sun and any hope of warmth. The white was almost blinding. Far off into the distance a little black dot could be seen slowly meandering down a trail that could only be followed by scent. The blistering cold froze each little drip of moisture almost instantly, forming an icicle beard on the huge beast. Lumbering down the trail, the bear wagged it's head back and forth searching for something, anything that might settle the growling in his tummy.

My Short Short for the Day

It was a warm summer day as the friends gathered together in Owly's nest. It was a free day with no plans and no obligations. They pondered what to do on such a lovely day. After several minutes of tossing ideas around, they settled on ant races. Each friend had a pet ant they were very proud of. So the friends made a quick race track.

“Ok, the first ant to make it around the track wins.” Owly said.

The friends gently set their ants down at the starting line and on the count of 3 let them go.

“Run Annie! Go Arty! Yay Amy! You can do it Al!” The friends cheered as their little ants scurried around the track.

All the ants ran fast and remained very close to each other, all except one. Little Koala's ant, Pokey, was small even for an ant. And unfortunately, she had stubbed her toe earlier that morning so she was unable to keep up with the other ants. She kept trying her best, though, refusing to give up.

“Go Pokey! Keep trying! I believe in you!” Little Koala cheered.

Pokey dug down deep inside and found the will to run faster. She pushed herself faster and faster and started to close the distance. The other ants weren't quite so far ahead now. Pokey pushed herself and got even closer. The ants finished the race one by one with Pokey only a few paces behind.

Little Koala picked up Pokey and gave her a big hug. “You did so great Pokey! You were awesome!”

Pokey smiled and snuggled in.

My Short Short for the Day

“Bow down to me you puny humans!” The voice roared over the screams of terror as the little beings ran around in confusion and fear. There was no place to hide. No escape from this demon of evil. What could they do? Who would help them?

“Never fear little ones, I will save you!” The fearless voice quieted the terror. The beings stopped running and stared up at the magnificent super hero. “Yay!” The cheers were almost deafening as the brave hero paused for a moment to survey the surroundings.

“Whatcha doin Bunny?” Fuzzy asked walking over to the table.

“Super Bunny was just about to save the village from the evil monster.” Bunny hopped over to his friend and showed him the scene.

“Can I play, too.” Fuzzy asked.

“Sure. Do you want to be the evil monster?” Bunny handed him a paper sword.

“Ok. Mwah hahaha!” Fuzzy said leaping to the table top and threatening the toy people.

“Oh, no! Save us Super Bunny! Please!”

“Get back you evil monster! For I am Super Bunny!” Bunny hopped up to the table.

The battle was on. Evil Fuzzy used his sword but he was no match for Super Bunny's amazing bunny kick. Soon the Evil Fuzzy surrendered and was thrown in jail. “If you mend your evil ways, you will be released, but until then you shall do no more harm.”

Super Bunny turned to the people. “You are free from the Evil Fuzzy's reign now.”

“Yay! Super Bunny!”