My Short Short for the Day

The wind howled.  The trees whipped.  The thunder rumbled.  The rain pelted.  The lightning streaked.  The sky frowned as the campers huddled in their flimsy tents, hoping the storm would pass quickly.  In response to their silent pleas, the clouds dumped hail down on them.  The campers groaned, sliding deeper into their sleeping bags.  Time passed and eventually so did the storm.  The thunder rumbled off until the only sound left was the gentle dripping of rain water as it slid off the nearby tree branches and onto the top of the tents.  The moon was hidden behind the clouds leaving the campsite blanketed in darkness.  The campers sighed in relief and slept more soundly until dawn. 

As the birds began their day, chirping and flitting about, the campers awoke.  They stumbled out of their soggy tents looking bedraggled.  The squirrels chattered in the trees, laughing at the scene below.  The worms quickly squiggled into their holes to avoid heavy boots.  The mice skittered away to hide until after the campers were gone so they could search for crumbs left behind.  There were always lots of yummy crumbs to collect.  And a little family of ants huddled under the giant mushroom eagerly awaiting their feast.

The campers wiped down their tents before packing them away.  Going through the ritual mindlessly munching on breakfast bars.  Hefting the packs onto their backs, the campers slogged off down the muddy trail.  A loud whistle from the lookout crow alerted the rest that the coast was clear.  In no time the campsite had been picked clean of anything even remotely edible.

My Short Short for the Day

Sam flapped his little flipper-like wings gliding through the water and letting the ripples tickle his tummy.  This is the best day ever he thought to himself.  The sun is shining, warming up my tail feathers.  The water is clear so I can see any fishies swimming around.  The pond is empty.  All mine!  Ah!  So relaxing.  Sam wiggled his tail feathers to shake off the water then paddled his feet to build up speed.  Just as he was about to dive down under Sploosh!  A wave crashed into his side rolling him over.  He righted himself and ruffled up his feathers before settling down again.  He swam to the nearest rock and waddled up. 

“Hey!  What do you think you’re doing?”  He yelled.

“Sorry about that.”  The stranger replied.  ” Did I get you wet?” 

“Yeah!  Lucky for you I like water.”  Sam stared at the unusual creature as it slowly emerged.

“I didn’t realize anyone else was in here.”  The stranger smiled pulling itself onto the rock next to Sam.  “It’s such a beautiful day, I thought I’d practice my cannonballs.”

“What?  What’s a cannonball?”  Sam frowned at the creature.  “And what are you?”

“I’m a turtle.  My name’s Greg.”  The stranger grinned.

“I’m Sam.”  Sam couldn’t help but smile back.  “So, what’s a cannonball anyway?”

“Oh, it’s a lot of fun.  I just learned how to do it last week from a pelican friend.”  Greg inched to the edge of the rock.  “See, you jump up, tuck your arms and legs into your shell and Sploosh!”

Sam tilted his head to the side.  “Uh, Greg, I don’t have a shell.”

“Oh, yes, right.”  Greg shook his head.  “You just curl up into a ball then, tuck all your body parts in.  That should work.”

“Well, let’s see.”  Sam jumped and Splat! landed a belly flop on the top of the water. 

“Oooo, that’s gotta hurt.”  Greg cringed.  “Here, watch me.”  Greg jumped up and out from the rock, pulled his arms, legs and head into his shell and Sploosh! landed in the water sending a giant wave up and over Sam.

“Wow!  That was awesome!”  Sam cheered.  “Ok, I want to try again.”  Sam waddled out and inched to the edge of the rock.  Then crouched down and jumped up as high as he could, tucking himself into the tightest ball and Sploosh!  He sent a wave crashing over Greg, the rocks and even over the edge of the pond.

“Woohoo!  Way to go Sam!”  Greg yelled.

Sam bobbed on the surface grinning.  “Let’s do that again!”  Sam swam to the rocks and waddled up behind Greg.  This was the best day ever he thought to himself.

My Short Short for the Day

The fan creaked as it rotated slowly back and forth, blowing a gentle breeze across the deck.

“It shouldn’t take more than a couple hours dry.”  The man said.

“Thank you.”  The woman replied.  “Good bye.”

The truck sputtered off down the driveway and the woman retreated inside letting the door shut with a click.

“Ok, Hank, now’s our chance.”  Ben said inching across the wood.

“No way!”  Hank replied snugging up against the wall.  “That stuffs still wet.  I don’t want to get it on me.”

“Oh, come on.  It’s almost dry.”  Ben grinned.  “Just live a little.”

“I will, by staying right here.”  Hank scowled.

“Party pooper!”  Ben said throwing himself off the edge of the step.  He hung in the fan’s breeze for several seconds until the fan rotated away.  Then with a thump he landed on the pebbles below.  “Woohoo!  That was awesome!”

“You’re crazy!”  Hank yelled moving ever so slightly away from the wall.

Several moments passed before Hank could see Ben’s head peeking up over the edge.  He sighed.  “Now can we go?”

“No way!  I’m doing it again.”

“What?!  Why?!”  Hank started to move.  Maybe if he could reach Ben in time, he could stop him from jumping again.

No such luck.  Ben threw himself in the air again just as the fan came around.  This time he floated in the breeze several seconds longer than before.  “WheeHee!”

Hank hurried to the edge and tried to stop but hit a slick spot that hadn’t finished drying.  Before he knew what to do he was going over the edge and floating on air.  His scream of fear turned to surprise as he hung in the air for several seconds, flying. 

“This IS awesome!”  He yelled to Ben.

Ben looked up in awe as his buddy flew.  Then his look of awe turned to a cringe as the fan creaked away taking the breeze with it and Hank slammed into the side of the step.  The tiniest bit of his tail had stuck in the wet paint, gluing him to the edge.

Ben couldn’t help but laugh.

“When I get loose, you’re bird food!”  He yelled at Ben.

My Short Short for the Day

Willa raced down the dirt path kicking up dust behind her.  She skidded around the curve nearly colliding with the crooked oak tree but caught herself just shy of impact.  Gaining speed again she dashed up the hill, crested the top and tucked her shoulder in letting momentum carry her in a controlled tumble down the hill.  As she neared the bottom, she untucked and landed on her feet.  Without a pause she sprinted the last stretch and reached the massive stone structure.  The archway over the doors seemed to frown down at her.  She dusted off her clothes, straightened her back and calmly knocked.

Footsteps echoed down the hall as Willa waited.  The door creaked open just as the bell gonged.  Willa’s eyes twinkled in mischief as Garet looked down at her with disapproval. 

“On time, as usual.”  Garet stated.

Willa bowed with perfect dignity and respect.  “Thank you, sir.”

Garet rolled his eyes and stepped back bringing the huge door with him.  “Enter.”

Willa nodded and walked inside.  She forced her mouth to stay shut as her eyes took in the amazing artistry of the stone hallway.  One day, she would create such beautiful imagery.

“This way.”  Garet shuffled past her gesturing slightly with his hand.

Willa fell in step behind him peeking at the tapestries draping the walls.  The adventures they must have had, Willa thought.  One day she would have splendid adventures, too.  She would travel the world, the universe and write stories of her adventures.  She would paint pictures and weave tapestries, too.  People would tell tales of her legendary journeys. 

“Ahem.”  Garet was staring down at her holding a door ajar.

Willa shook herself out of her imagination and blushed slightly.  Bowing her head, she slipped inside the door.  The door shut silently pushing a small gush of wind at her back. 

“Willa, my dear.  Come.  Come.”  The gentle, old voice beckoned her.

She smiled warmly as she walked into the fire light.  She bent and kissed Eden’s wrinkled cheek as the gnarled hand enveloped hers.  Willa knelt down by the chair and looked into the fire. 

“Do you see it, dear?”  Eden asked.

“Yes, yes.  I do.”  Willa said concentrating on the image that slowly came into focus.

“What do you see?” 

“It’s…hard to say.”

“Try, dear.”

“It’s kind of grey but sparkly, too.”  Willa leaned forward as if that would help the image become clear.  “I can’t tell what it is, though.”

“Yes, it is hard to tell.”  Eden shifted.

At the movement Willa turned her head and looked directly into Eden’s eyes.  Eyes that had once 

been clouded now looked just as the image did.  Grey with sparkles.  Willa’s brow furrowed.

“What’s going on?”  She whispered.

“That is the question, my dear.  That is the question.”  Eden turned back toward the fire.

Willa looked down at her lap, still holding Eden’s hand, clasping it for comfort.  “I’m afraid.”

“Yes, dear.  As you should be.  But do not let fear turn you away from your path.”  Eden said gently squeezing Willa’s hand.  “We all depend on you now.  You are the one who must answer the question.”

“Me?  But I still have so much to learn.  Isn’t there someone else?”  Willa wanted adventure but she assumed it would be when she was much older.  It was easier to be brave when adventure seemed a ways off in the future.

“You are the one, dear.  I’ve known for a long time this day would come.  You are ready.  It is time.”  Eden placed her other hand on top of Willa’s head.

Willa wanted to cry but the comfort that flowed from Eden soon filled her heart.  From this comfort came strength which filled her spirit.  “Yes, it is time.”

Willa stood, bowed low to Eden before gently releasing the gnarled hand.  Willa stared for a moment longer, etching the old woman’s image into her mind.  Slowly Eden smiled as if knowing.

“It is time, dear.”

Willa bowed one more time then turned and walked to the door.  At the door she hesitated just for a second, waiting for any last words but none came.  She slipped out the door, down the hall and into the dark of night.

My Short Short for the Day

“Look out!” 

Ally ran as fast as she could, crashing through the waves and plunging into the icy cold depths.  The fin had sent chills down her spine as she watched her son splashing with his friends.  There had never been any sightings this close to shore before.  Her heart thundered in her chest as she sliced the water with her strong, even strokes.

The children were too far away to hear her.  All she could do was swim as fast as possible and hope.  Hope that she could reach them first.  If not…no, she couldn’t think about that.  Swim!  Faster!  Hurry!

Then she stopped. The water was still.  She listened but no sounds.  She couldn’t see anyone. 

“Henry!”  Her voice cracked as she fought back the panic. 

She lost her voice but her heart roared inside her chest.  She gulped air then dove down.  Deeper and deeper, willing her eyes to see a flash of color from their clothing.  Something to give her hope.  The water was too murky to get a clear view.  She thought she saw something but no.  Her lungs burned.  She knew she had to resurface soon. 

A shadow glided above her.  Might as well take me, too.  She went limp, letting go.  One last look at the sun, she thought, just one more time.  She looked up and that’s when she saw.  The whale was gently strolling along in the water above her, almost as if it were waiting.  Waiting for something…for someone?

Ally felt a sudden surge of hope.  She kicked her legs, begged her lungs to hold on and swam with all her might.  She surfaced, gasping for air, fighting back the bitter despair with hope. The tiniest shred of hope. 

“Mom!”  Henry cried in delight.

She whirled around.  Ally smiled warmer than the sun.  Henry and his friends were on the whale’s back, safe as can be.  Ally felt a gentle nudge and clamored on in a less than graceful manner.  She hugged the boys tight.  The whale gave a short snort from its spout and glided to shore. 

The boys slid off the whale’s back and quickly dashed to the sandy beach.  Ally slid down but instead, walked to the front of the whale.  Joy flowed from her as she gently touched the whale’s face and looking into the whale’s eyes she said, “Thank you.”

After a moment, Ally stepped away and the whale drifted off back into the ocean depths, strolling along through the waves and she could hear the faint sounds of its song floating on the breeze.

My Short Short for the Day

He was the oldest chicken any of the chicks had ever seen.  His feathers were a bit ruffled, never quite settling back into place.  His skin sagged low under his chin.  His walk was stiff as he strutted around the yard.  His cluck was garbled and weak.  In spite of all of this, the hens would graciously step aside making a path for him to walk as he made his rounds through the yard.

“What should we do today, Chuck?”  Pete asked.

“Yeah, Chuck, what're we doing today?”  Sal chimed in.

“Well, I think we need to make up a batch of special worm bait.”  Chuck began.  “Yes, that's what we should do.”

“Worm bait?  What's that?”  Eddie asked.

“Well, you see.  It's this very special, very secret recipe that I overheard Mrs. Gobble talking about.”  Chuck lowered his voice.  “It's supposed to be able to bring every worm within a 100 feet out of their holes.”

“Oh!  That would be like fifty tons of worms for each of us.”  Pete said wiping a bit of drool from his beak.

“Oh, boy! Oh, boy!  Let's do it!”  Eddie clucked rubbing his wings together.

“What do we need to do?”  Sal asked.

“Well, we need water, mud from under the coop, 3 buttercup flowers, 2 long green stalks of grass and...”  Chuck paused.

“What?  What?”  The chicks asked.

“We need...one of...the feathers...”

“Yeah?  Yeah?”  The chicks leaned in. 

“From...Grandpa Chicken.”  Chuck said.

The chicks' eyes widened as they stared at Chuck.  Their beaks dropped open and their wings drooped down.  Not a peep was made.

“So...who's going to get the feather?”  Chuck asked.

The chicks looked at each other and took several steps back shaking their heads vigorously.

“Seriously?  No one?”  Chuck asked raising his wings.

The chicks all shook their heads in unison, still wide eyed.

“Fine.  I'll do it.  Just remember to thank me when we are all pigging out on juicy worms.”  Chuck said strutting off to the front yard. 

The chicks didn't dare watch but held their breath and waited.  After several moments had passed, there was a sudden squawk followed by a loud racket.  The chicks peered around the corner of the coop and saw a collection of hens chasing after Grandpa Chicken who was chasing after Chuck.  And as Chuck got closer they all saw what he had in his beak...the feather from Grandpa's backside.  Chuck grinned as he sped past them to the far side of the chicken coop.

My Short Short for the Day

Ilyia looked out the window and stared at the dusty desert stretching all the way to the horizon.  She closed her eyes.  If she could do anything, the first thing she'd do is change the landscape.  The desert was so barren and hot.  The doctors said it was good for her, a dry climate would ease the pain, but still she struggled every day with the unchanging scenery and dismal heat. 

So today she decided to change the view.  With her eyes closed she imagined what she'd like to see.  Some trees.  They don't have to be big but they had to be green.  Then some shrubs, too.  It's hot and dry so they had to be hearty and drought resistant.  Then maybe some smaller plants with colorful buds.  It would take some time to bloom, but it would be worth the wait.  Next some rocks would work well as decorations and some bark to cover up the plain, old sand.

That would be nice.  Hmm?  But that wasn't quite right.  What else?  What was missing?  Oh, yes, a pathway.  Definitely needed a pathway to walk around the garden.  Or maybe several pathways leading to different gardens.  But there would be one main pathway starting at the front door and stretching out as far as she could see.  Then there would be smaller pathways heading off to the right and left.  She would build that garden to cover every last speck of sand.  All that boring, hot, ruthless sand.

She sighed blissfully resting her head on the windowsill and drifting off into sleep to explore her beautiful garden.