After a harsh winter that left a subtle chill in the air, sunshine and a promise of warmer days was a welcome respite. Eleonora napped under an ancient oak, its tender leaves beginning to spread along its stout limbs, a book opened face down in her lap. A squirrel and a blue jay chased each … Continue reading Lethal incense
Category: 100 Word Challenge
Back to nature
Jasper snatched the shovel from Amee and started backfilling the hole she’d dug earlier. She chewed the inside of her cheek, biting off the words simmering in her mouth. Jasper handed her back the shovel, ignoring her peeved expression. “I had it,” Amee finally said. “Sure, and with more practice, you’ll be great,” Jasper said. … Continue reading Back to nature
Water’s fine
“Tell me about this dream again.” I looked unblinkingly at my therapist a moment before closing my eyes so she can’t see me roll them. “I’m at the top some wooden stairs,” I began. “What’s on either side of you.” One eyelid parted a fraction. “Nothing, just steps leading down to a rocky beach.” “And, … Continue reading Water’s fine
Nightlight
While she nodded off playing a pocket game on her smartphone, inky shadows seeped into the corners darkening the room A heavy crocheted blanket kicked to the floor exposed her restless legs, leaving her vulnerable. Those unprotected legs now pinned to the bed by a sleeping cat snuggly nestled in the bowl made between her … Continue reading Nightlight
Esther’s cat
Anyone looking into Esther’s house, through yellowed sheers covering grimy glass panes, would see a parlor filled with dusty furniture. A bowl of spoiled milk sits by the cold hearth, a treat for a nonexistent cat. An ornate Cabriole sofa upholstered in faded red velvet sits in front of the oriel window. Once a vivid … Continue reading Esther’s cat
Bedtime stories
They sat at a right angle to each other, opposite knees almost touching - he perusing news sites on his smartphone, she absentmindedly counting crochet stitches for her latest project. In their periphery, they both were watching the next show in their Netflix queue. He abruptly planted his feet firmly on the ground and stood … Continue reading Bedtime stories