Aftershocks

September 29, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 3 Comments

Heavy aftershocks rocked Somerdale south to Bishop Hills, rattling windows, and cracking sidewalks. Red Olsburg prowled the streets in his heavy-duty, dually pickup using his city council ID to get him access to closed roads and highways. He was looking to claim his share of disaster spoils. What the earthquake didn’t destroy, the residual tremors … Continue reading Aftershocks

Looking back

September 8, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 5 Comments

Looking back, Widow Winslow wasn’t a very convincing recluse. She’d only come into town Saturday mornings when she’d drive her 1955 Ford Fairlane to the Farmer’s Market where she rarely spoke to anyone other than to ask Satchel Brewster about his heirloom tomatoes or haggle with Natty Crowe for some of his sourdough buns. Sometimes … Continue reading Looking back

Daymare

July 24, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

The recliner was pushed so far back that its occupant’s head was lower than his feet. He gripped the armrests to keep from sliding off onto the floor. “Are you sure you’re comfortable?” Dr. Holman sat in an adjacent chair, debating with himself whether to toss some of the couch cushions beneath Cyril’s head, lest … Continue reading Daymare

In pursuit of justice

July 5, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

Tiny, plastic American flags lined both sides of the road leading into the complex. A light wind flipped the tips of each one sending a synchronized crackling down the rows. No one knew who put out the flags, only that by first light on July 4, they were in place leading from the main, public … Continue reading In pursuit of justice

Act accordion-ly

June 26, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 8 Comments

The house smelled of old age and senility. Each room was crammed full of tables and chiffonier, sideboards and china cabinets; chairs, ottomans, and sofas of all sorts. No surface was bare, no cabinet empty, no nook unoccupied. In an earlier time, the resident would risk being labeled a hoarder. The house was a warren … Continue reading Act accordion-ly

Spare tire

June 16, 2016April 30, 2018 ~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

Held snug against the earth by brawny roots, the discarded spare stayed lost among the underbrush, forever abandoned to time and harsh elements. A rustling in the trees gave him hope that he would be rescued from his exile. Two young humans! One tried to pull him out of his trap. “Hey, lookit, food,” the skinny … Continue reading Spare tire