Jelly Ol’ Elf

December 14, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

“I thought I broke him.” The lament was uttered in hushed tones over a steaming mug of hot chocolate, a dollop of marshmallow whip floating on the surface. A smudge of the sticky confection dotted the speaker’s nose. Her lavender eyes were brimming with tears. Her companion couldn’t help but giggle a little into her … Continue reading Jelly Ol’ Elf

Reprieve

November 30, 2016November 30, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 2 Comments

“Any last words? This is your final chance to make amends, to give your victim’s family some small measure of peace.” The cleric stood at the foot of the executioner’s table, looking down at Ray Vanderweele. The cleric’s dark grey cassock covered his entire body from the top of his sensible, black leather shoes to the … Continue reading Reprieve

Not so silent night

November 23, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 7 Comments

The family was gathered for holiday dinner. Being the youngest adult, I still got relegated to the kid’s table where the conversation was a scurrilous attack on Debbie Bishop who had brazenly flirted with cousin Pooky’s tenth-grade boyfriend. The level of vitriol spewing from these high school Mean Girls rivaled the juiciest TMZ scandelmongering. Talk at the … Continue reading Not so silent night

Goodbye blue skies

November 20, 2016November 21, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 6 Comments

The launch rocket sat waiting on the tarmac, massive in size, red rust falling from its skin like snow, steam surging out of its engines - the countdown stopped at Four Minutes. A rapid-fire exchange of orders and counter-orders crackled over the radio in the ship’s cockpit. The crew, suited and strapped into their pods, … Continue reading Goodbye blue skies

A thief’s cut

November 13, 2016November 13, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 2 Comments

The first leaf fell at 7:51 p.m. of the Autumnal Equinox. The brittle, brown-paper scrap fell gracelessly from the dying branches of a gray maple tree, to finally be trapped in the tangle of twigs of an abandoned catbird nest. A cold wind tugged more leaves loose, a portend of the bitter winter to come. … Continue reading A thief’s cut

The novel approach

November 2, 2016 ~ Tara R. ~ 5 Comments

If only she took the less novel approach, perhaps handing out wholesome snacks for trick or treat, like little boxes of raisins, or prepackaged flaxseed granola made with organic honey. Cassandra wouldn’t hear it. She wanted her house to stand out in the neighborhood as the one with the most talked about Halloween goodies. She claimed … Continue reading The novel approach