At the end of the battle

Jesse stood in front of her mother’s grave and stared at the simple stone. Felicity Jones, October 1, 1970 to September 1, 2020. One more month and she would have been fifty. It was too soon. Jesse tried to cry, but her pain had withered into meaningless dust. The sky darkened above her head, reflecting …

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Dear Dad,

My dad passed away in February 2017, but there are times when it feels like he left us a short time ago. After he passed, I felt him nearby, as if he was making sure that we were going to be okay. Over time, that feeling has faded as I’ve gotten wrapped up in everyday …

Special Ingredient

The flight from Charlotte to New York City wasn’t too crowded and Ed hoped that there would no one sitting with him. His hopes were dashed when a woman with steel grey hair approached his seat. She pointed toward the window and said, “We’re going to be sitting together!” She smiled sweetly and he was …

Lost

Wind brushed through reeds poking up from marshy swampland as her lantern struggled to penetrate the murky night; each muddy step more difficult than the last. “Willow?” Her tone plaintive as tears threatened. In the distance, a bark. A tentative smile and then, wet fur with sloppy kisses. This month's microprose had to be 48 …

Having a Drink

After four tumblers of whiskey, it was better to plant myself on the barstool than risk driving home right away. By the time the room stopped spinning, it was late and the bar was closing down for the night. Or maybe, I should say morning. Down the way from me, an old man was snoring. …

First Date

He paid for the movie, I paid for the drinks. He was attractive. I was nervous. What did he think of me? When the movie started, he held my hand. I turned to look at him, he kissed me. Written for the yeah write micro prose competition. To read other stories and vote for your …

Flying

As part of a writing challenge I participated in last week, we were required to do a "cover" of a story, poem, television show, etc. I decided to do a cover of the poem "High Flight" written by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., a pilot during WWII.  The words of the poem have been italicized. The …

To Find Love

She painted my nails cherry red while humming a sweet tune. Or was it an incantation? With my fingers under the dryer, I tingled with hope. “That color is ‘To Find Love’. Tomorrow he will search for you.” I smiled. “That will be $50.” Written for YeahWrite's monthly microprose challenge - 44 words, a color …

Maintaining Innocence

Content Warning  The little girl poked the dark, blue spot on her mother’s arm and asked, “Mommy, why do you have these spots?” Trying not to flinch, the mother said, “It’s a bruise honey. I had an accident.” The little girl bent her head and kissed the mark. “Now it will be all better. Just …

New Experiences

When I walked into the Red Feather retreat, I was immediately pulled into the artwork on the walls, the crystals on the shelves and the warm, comfortable atmosphere that welcomed everyone who walked through the door. I’d heard about the place from a friend of mine. We were at a party and she talked about …