Quentin had been warned that the laboratory behind the grove of ornamental trees contained ghastly biological specimens that could do ‘immeasurable harm.’ When she indicated that she could not understand the word “harm,” her Before-Me had rocked slowly and become smiling. “In that you are a fortunate creature of the earth,” it murmured. “Some of … Continue reading
Going for Gold
Until the radio announcer reported her brother’s death, Frances had been resigned to a life of ignobility. Suddenly she had a chance to go for gold. With the public memorial only a week away (Alfred had acted quickly), it was crucial she develop a strategy to link her poetry to her brother’s art. She also … Continue reading
Keeping Silent
“Time was you were going to change the world, Mom. Now you can’t even change yourself. All you ever say is no. Before I even spit out an idea, you go on about why it’s impossible.” “What do you mean?” Betty said, annoyed that her daughter, Sally, who lived such a sloppy life, was giving … Continue reading
Speculation
“What happened today?” Carol chirped, dreading the response. “More tests,” her waif mother confessed, a bleak smile fluttering along her blistered lips, “I don’t know what’s left to test.” Carol knew they’d think of something; their imagination, if not their skill, was infinite. “Side effects?” the younger woman asked reluctantly. “Nausea.” Carol focused her eyes … Continue reading
Forget Dick Goodey
The door creaks open. Safe behind half-closed eyes Mary watches the young man’s reflection emerge in the mirror opposite. The moment is approaching. Will it end in “yes” and a happily ever after or a “no” and a crumpled face? Happily, this decision can be delayed. This weekend, she has escaped her chaotic life and … Continue reading
Moving On
Wincing from her worsening arthritis, Vicky knew that the sentimental trek up the steep hill to her home of 34 years would be her last. Where once she had herded dawdling toddlers or carted groceries and gifts, now she only had the strength to drag memories. Her husband Terry watched her from the bottom of … Continue reading
Polar Bear Perils
July 25th, a Tuesday, Tessa greeted the day with a certain confidence that a polar bear would not attack her. On reflection, she wondered if she was being overly optimistic. In life, nothing was certain. With global warming, the polar bear’s traditional food supply was rapidly diminishing. Like her, bears got hungry. She couldn’t live … Continue reading
The Last Laugh
For once, the locals agreed: the way the four old-timers behaved at Dickie Wainwright’s funeral was appalling. What could have fired up four guys who could hardly rouse themselves to check if they’d won the lottery, to take such action? No one who had seen the foursome crunched together in the second pew “like miscast … Continue reading
Think Fast
When I pull back the grimy motel curtain for the 100th time, the view, unlike my life, holds no surprises. There, through the glass, in the dark, my Mini, dent and all, awkwardly straddles the white line of the parking space: a familiar reminder of the normality of yesterday. Across the freeway, the Ballow Burger’s … Continue reading
Do or Die
Flowers in hand, phone set to vibrate at regular intervals to remind him to appear attentive, and a cheat sheet of appropriate responses – Leonard was ready to follow the tips to a romantic dinner he’d read about in his men’s magazine. Gloria was worth the effort, and according to her ultimatum, this was a … Continue reading