Get Away

Caution!  Dangerous curve ahead!

The yellow signs flashed by too fast for Grace to read.  She and Bob had fled their hotel leaving half of their belongings scattered across the room when the desk clerk had called them warning them of the arrival of the police.

For two weeks they had thought they would get away with committing the perfect bank heist.

Wheels squealing in protest Bob fought to keep the jeep on the road as they skidded around the curve.  Unable to stay on the road they sailed off the cliff meeting a fiery end to their criminal career. 

Once A Working Dog Always A Working Dog

“Lucy!”

A piercing whistle sounded from his pursed lips.

“Lucy, come.  It’s time to go.”  He headed away from the water’s edge toward the parking lot, scanning the sand dunes for the appearance of a black and white dog.  Behind him the sun was setting.  Above him a lone seagull circled.

He and Lucy had this stretch of the beach to themselves and he had let her off the leash.  He spotted her running back and forth, occasionally voicing a bark.

“What did you find?” 

To his amazement Lucy was shepherding a group of baby sea turtles toward the ocean.

Sleeplessness

At three am she still could not sleep.  The motion of the cruise vessel should have lulled her to sleep, instead it nudged her just enough to annoy.  In exasperation she slipped out bed.  Careful not to wake her husband she donned sweatpants and tank top, pulled on her flip flops and stepped out into the passageway.

She made her way down to the promenade deck without seeing another person, a strange phenomenon on a ship carrying four thousand people. 

She luxuriated in the peacefulness of solitude as she walked thinking about life at sea, wondering what it was like.

Once again I was able to connect while out at sea.  Modern technology, is wonderful!

Day At Sea

The early risers scoped out the decks finding a spot to call their own for the day.  They draped towels over deck chairs and set out books to stake their claim.  Bob, an early riser by nature, moved with measured pace lining up chairs for his travel companions.

One by one they made their way to the deck, collapsing into the chairs.

Slathered in sunscreen, dark glasses hiding bloodshot eyes from the late night party, the last two members of the group arrived with the midday sun.

“Looks like you two had a lot of fun last night.”  Bob said.

First Stop

Lined up at the pier, the three ships descended in size from the biggest the farthest out from shore to the smallest nearest the boardwalk granting access to the city. 

“They look like the three bears.”  The woman in the white shorts said coming to a stop and looking up.  Her husband grunted his agreement.

The crowd of tourists flowed around them as they followed their tour guides.

“Come on.”  He said tapping her arm.  “We don’t want to be left behind.”

“Yep, just taking a picture.”  She said struggling to replace her camera in her tote while she gawked.

Get Away

The bed was firm.  The pillows were soft and she was tired.  All the comforts of a five star hotel were at her beck and call.

 It had been weeks since she had enjoyed a decent night’s sleep and she was hopeful tonight would be the first of many.  The incident at the bank was the cause of it all.  If only the teller hadn’t tried to play hero, she would be enjoying her ill-gotten gains instead of trying to erase the image of the young woman crumpling to the floor with a bloom of red blossoming across her chest.

I was starting to get a little concerned I would get this one posted today.  We have been on the road all day and just settled in for the night and got the laptop fired up.  Now I can sit back and relax.

Traveling

At the end of the day, when the sun was slipping down past the edge of the world and stillness filled the cabin of the car, the driver yawned as he focused on the road ahead.  All day they had traveled driving across the desolate landscape headed for a new beginning.

The night slowly settled around the car and quiet conversation was engaged in.  They wouldn't make their destination that night and thoughts turned to stopping.

Up ahead a blue sign appeared advertising a Comfort Inn.  A quick consultation among the travelers.  The driver nodded agreement and left the interstate.

Guilty

It sounded so soothing, the steady rolling of the surf breaking against the white sand.  A sense of peace filled him as he stood at the water’s edge, his bare toes curling into the sand as the waves washed over his feet.  This was exactly what he needed, a break from the craziness of the last couple of weeks, a quiet time to reflect on his mad, frantic run from the horrific, appearance of his long dead neighbor in his bedchamber.

Uneasiness caused him to look around.  There was Sam lumbering toward him, the knife still stuck in his neck.

Half way done and the biggest challenge faces me.

I've left the frozen northland for a warmer climate and will have to figure out how to get access to post everyday while I soak up the sun and sand.  It's going to be tough, but I am more than willing to make the sacarific of not having my computer with me and making do with the generousity of my family.  Their great and happy to help.

Leaving

A click and the radio came on.  Set to low volume it took a moment for the sleeping couple to register the sound.

 

“Mm, I suppose I should get up.  Why are we flying out so early?”

“I got us the best deal this way.”  Her husband’s sleepy voice sounded in the dark.

“Right now, I’m not sure it’s worth it, 2:30 in the morning and minus 10 degrees outside.”

“Think about palm trees and beaches.  We will be enjoying sunshine and ocean breezes by dinner time.”

 

She smiled, threw back the covers and climbed out into the chilly room.

Lawn Care

Dusty!  Dry!  Barren!  A total wasteland!

That’s how I would describe the landscape I was looking at, a total disaster.  Why would I think that?  After all, the homeowner had been dutiful in the caretaking; at least that’s what they thought.

To start with, the fertilizer was applied too heavy encouraging the grass to grow too fast, the mower was set too low and watering in the middle of day intensified the sun burning the short blades. 

A damaged lawn, a graduation party on the horizon and I, The Lawn Doctor, get a phone call to try and save it.

Today's story was inspired by http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Seeking A New Start

The view outside the window was dark as the transport completed its journey.  Sarah’s face was reflected back at her and she studied it.  She looked too young and pretty to be making this journey through space by herself. 

Her looks had caused her the same difficulties she always had.  The crew assumed she wasn’t knowledgeable and left her out of the technical conversions, the single men bothered her in hopes of making a connection and the family groups avoided her.  She had hoped to start a new life out here on the colony world, but some things never changed.   

New Technology Anxiety

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.  It will be fine.”

“Okay, but I’m not sure.  What if I mess it up?”

“You won’t.  Don’t worry, I’ll talk you though it.”  He shifted the phone against his ear and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.  Business had taken him out of town and she was home alone.  Before he left, they had celebrated her fiftieth birthday with their grown children and he had presented her with an iPad.  Now he sat on the phone, miles away, trying to talk her through the process of syncing the new device to her computer. 

The Hunt

He slipped through the silent woods following the faint spoor.  His movement was slow and steady.  On occasion he would stop to raise his head and peer ahead before dropping his nose down to the ground again.  The quarry had come this way and the scent told him he was gaining.

He arrived at the base of a large oak.  He made his way around the base, trying to read the conflicting smells, trying to determine the path his prey had taken.

One complete circuit and he knew the squirrel had made it to safety by climbing up the tree.

Young Love

It happened on a Saturday night.  He had finally asked her out and she agreed to go. 

He arrived at her parent’s house in the clunker he had bought with hard earned cash.  It roared up the street leaving thick plumes of smoke in its wake.  A beast of a car, it was his pride and joy.

Together, they rode in silence to the movie theater.  She was unsure of her decision to go out with him.  Her friends had teased her.  But when she looked in his eyes and listened to him speak, she knew he was the one.

I hear the cheers of the crowd, at first a soft murmur of a few faithful voices, now growing louder as more join in.

Not quite halfway, I feel renewed in my determination to complete the challenge set before me.

Embarrassing Moments

She felt the heat flood her face, without looking in the mirror she knew her checks were getting bright red.  What on earth had possessed her to say what she thought out loud?  The neighbors had been friends of theirs for years.  They had raised their children side-by-side, swapped recipes and spent many a Friday night playing cards together. 

Now, as she walked home with her head high, she wasn’t sure she would be able to face Beth again.  It’s not that she didn’t like Beth, it’s just, after all these years she had enough of her dry, crappy cake.

Aggggggggg!  I think I am starting to understand what it means to run a marathon, mile after mile of placing one foot in front of the other.  All you can do is focus on making it to the next mile marker, forging ahead with determination.

For me its day after day of coming up with a story and editing it to proper word count.  Its something I think about before I go to bed, what is the next days schedule and when will I have time?  Its something I think about when I wake up, what am I going to write about?  Its something I think about after I post, is it a good story, will people like it?

Unlike the marathon runner, my raceway isn't lined with cheering crowds shouting encouragement.  I sit at my computer and compose in quiet solitude, take a breath and hit Publish, hoping somewhere out there in the nether space of the Internet someone will take note and read my little story.

And, yet, I feel a sense of accomplishment each day as I post, a reassurance I will finish this race and make it to end.

Moonlight

In the middle of the night, when the house is quiet and peaceful, she sits looking out her window at the garden.  The moon is casting its silvery radiance on the land.

They slip out of the shadows in ones and twos, joining hands and twirling as they greet each other.

She longs to join them in their frolicking and places her hand on the pane of glass.  The leader steps forth and with a bow invites her outside.  She leaves her chair and hobbles out on the lawn where she regains her youth as she dances with the fairies.

Lake Home

The surface of the water rippled in the breeze sending glints of sunlight dancing on the surface of the lake.  Overhead the cloudless blue sky was dotted with v-shaped formations of waterfowl returning from their winter homes.  There was still a nip in the air as the last grip of winter fought to maintain its hold on the land.  Along the shore and islands, once bare trees unfurled new leaves casting a green haze of fuzz over the landscape.

The peaceful scene was broken by the excited yelp of the fisherman as he hooked his first catch of the season.

The Party Goes On

She sat at the dining room table, delicately cutting her meat.  Now, after everyone had filled his or her plate she could relax, enjoying a moment’s respite from the work of hosting. 

The day before she had spent preparing for this magnificent feast with baking pies and cutting up vegetables.  In the morning she had risen with the sun to start the turkey roasting and finish her preparations.  Her guests had arrived in singles and groups bringing covered dishes to add to the buffet.

She nodded, listening to the conversations around her, oblivious to the empty chairs at the table.  

End Of The Semester

Hurry!

The word reverberated through her mind as she scrambled to finish.  It was the last exam of the year and the one she had been dreading the most.  It wasn’t that she was unprepared.  She had spent countless hours solving the assigned problems and extra sample problems she found on-line.  She knew the material, but no matter how much she practiced it took her longer to solve each problem then the time they would have during the test.

She glanced at the clock, inhaled slowly and smiled.  She was going to finish the math final before the hour was up. 

Sacrifice

“Oh!”  She squealed in delight.  “This is the one!”

Lizzy pulled the prom dress off the clothing rack and held it up against herself.  Her mother, standing beside her, tried to maintain a neutral expression.

“I don’t know.”  Martha said, examining the price tag.  “It’s a bit, well, I just don’t know.”

Lizzy glanced at her mom.  She noticed the dark circles under her mom’s eyes, the tired droop of her shoulders. 

Martha’s eyes met her daughter’s, seeing the despondency from a lifetime of struggle in eyes too young.

“It’s perfect.  You will be the prettiest girl at the dance.”

This morning I woke up a bit on the tired side.  I had spent a fair share of the night tossing and turning, thinking of all the stuff I have to do today and not feeling very inspired to write.  I figured it would take me longer than usual to come up with my story for the day, so I fired up my computer while I drank my first cup of coffee and started playing around, you know, checking email, reading a couple of the blogs I follow and what not.  When what do I hear?  The inspiration for today's story.  When I checked it out, my dog had indeed pulled a new blanket out of a shopping bag and dragged it down the hall.  He didn't damage it, just decided to play with it and cause a ruckus. :)

The joys of dog ownership frequently offer me hours of entertainment and in today's case material for my writing.  Enjoy!

Suspicious Noises

What in the world is going on up there, she asked herself.  Through the ceiling she heard repeated thumping as if a herd of elephants had decided to stampede through her living room.

Unable to concentrate with the loud noise above her head, she got up.

She climbed the basement stairs and quietly opening the door she stepped into the suspicious silence of the main level of the house.

His tail wagging, her 100-pound Akita sat looking up at her with a foolish grin on his face and the remains of her new comforter scattered across the living room floor.

Unexplained Encounter

Before last night I didn’t believe in the supernatural.  Now, I admit there is a possibility, at least, until I find an explanation for what we saw.

It started as dinner out with friends and ended up with discovering a grisly crime had taken place.  We were headed to the restaurant by the Peterson farm, when Hank swerved suddenly and drove into the ditch.

“Did you see it?”

We got out and looked, sweeping across the road was the filmy image of Amanda Peterson.

We ran off toward the farm, where we meet the police responding to an emergency call.

The Coat

The wool coat appeared one day, hanging on the coat rack near the door.  The receptionist asked everyone in the office if they knew where it came from.  Everyone denied knowing.  She checked the appointments for the last week for possible owners and made phone calls.

Everyone denied owning a coat like that and for several weeks it hung there unclaimed.

One winter day the receptionist glanced outside to see a young woman standing in the entryway shivering coatless in the cold.  She got up from her desk, took the coat down and gave it to the woman in need.

I noticed something interesting in writing my story for today which led me to do some research.  The word air-conditioned is counted as two words in my word document even though I would count it as one, so I looked it up and yes, most of the answers and grammar sites I looked at counted a hyphenated compound word as one.

So, why does the electronic word count function count it as two, I asked myself?

I found out it had to do with coding in computing.  Most text systems consider a hyphen to be a word boundary instead of a character so the compound word created with a hyphen is counted as two words.

Since, grammatically (air-conditioned) is one word, I posted today's story without removing the extra word the electronic word counting says the story has.  :)

I suppose there are earlier stories I treated differently, before I discovered this discrepancy, but then the method of word count in manuscripts is a whole other discussion and I will leave that for another day.

Suffice it to say, I will stick with using the electronic word count unless the story contains a hyphenated word and yes, I am kind of nerdy when it comes to accuracy.

Have a great day, wherever you are!

Saying Goodbye

He pulled into the parking lot and parked the car.  The sounds of the engine faded away and the couple sat in the growing silence for a moment.

“I suppose we should go in.”  She said.

He nodded and opened his door letting in the muggy heat of late summer and stepped out.

She waited a moment longer, not in a hurry to exit the air-conditioned vehicle, before opening her door.  Together they shut the car doors.  He came around the front of the car and took her hand.

“It will be okay.”  He said, guiding her toward the church.

Survival

The old man shuffled along the dusty road; with head bowed he moved forward one step at a time. 

He was one of the lucky ones, making it outside the city before the disease spread and the city was cut off from the rest of the world.

Behind him a band of light appeared along the horizon as the sun began its climb.  The dusty vegetation alongside the road slowly emerged from the shadow of night.  Parched from the lack of rain the landscape braced for the coming heat of day. 

He considered his fate if he didn’t find water.

Brief Encounter

Her eyes met his as the subway door slid closed between them.  She had run down the multi-level stairs in an effort to catch the train.  Now with chest heaving from her exertion she watched it accelerate away and enter the tunnel.

A brief look was all she got, but it was enough to impact her psyche.  He was handsome in a rugged, shaggy way, his brown eyes pools of limpid desire.

She felt a yearning to chase after him, a desire to find him.  She shook her head, men like that weren’t interested in a plain girl like her.

Accidents Happen

Crash!

The sound of a glass hitting the floor and shattering reverberated throughout the house.

“Everything okay in there?”  He called from the living room, his chair squeaking as he got up to see if she needed help.

“I’m fine.  The glass just slipped from my hand.”  She said.

He stopped in the kitchen doorway to survey the shards of glass scattered across the tile floor and his wife kneeling down, preparing to clean up the mess.  No sign of blood indicated she wasn’t hurt.  Then his eyes widened at the indistinct outline of a grinning goblin fading from sight.

Nighttime Adventures

The two boys knelt under the pine trees whispering while the third stared in silence at the house.  Above them wispy clouds moved across the waning moon leaving the yard in shadow.

“Shhhh.”  Tommy hissed punching Jeff in the arm.

“What?  There’s nobody around!  The house is empty.”

“Be quiet and watch while I go look okay?”

“You sure you want to do that?”  Ben asked.  “Everyone knows this place is haunted.”

Both boys looked at Ben in disbelief.

“It’s not haunted.”  They said in unison.

“Someone is living there.’  Tommy said.  “And I am going to find out who.”

This week it has been more difficult for me to write these stories.  There is a growing feeling of resistance I have to over come when I sit down at my computer and look at the screen.  A feeling of what's the point, of doubt that any of these are any good, and a creeping feeling of I am not going to be able to come up with something to base the day's story on.

It might just be the annual slow, down following the hectic, crazy month of December and return to the daily chores and stresses of work.  It might be related to the cold snap we are experiencing with temperatures dropping down to zero over night and a strong desire to simply curl up on the couch with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate.  Actually, that sounds like a good idea.  I feel my spirits lifting already.

Enjoy today's story 'Nighttime Adventures' and I will be back tomorrow with another one.

  

Ending The Fight

The rain came down in sheets, plastering her hair to her head.  She walked along the side of the road with her head down, blinking the tear-laced moisture from her eyes.

They had a fight and in a feeling of exasperation she had fled.  She walked with purpose, determined to reach her friend’s house.  It had been a stupid fight, started over a sink of dirty dishes.

The blare of a car horn startled her.  He pulled up alongside, rolled down the window and called out.

“Hey, I’m sorry.”

She turned and fired through the open window.

“Not sorry enough.”

The Creative Process

She sat at her desk, fingers lightly poised on the keyboard, waiting for inspiration.  Her eyes were closed as she let her mind wander, searching for a topic.

Random thoughts danced through her head, it’s a bit chilly in the office, I could do some laundry, I should pick up dog food when I’m out this afternoon…

They spun and swirled, popping in and out, driving her to distraction.

She shifted in her chair, corrected her posture and inhaled, slow and steady, focusing on the quiet.

The image of a forest blossomed in her mind and she began to type.

Resolutions

“Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?”  Tom asked as he maintained his steady stride on the treadmill.

“Nope.  What would be the point, since I wouldn’t keep them past the middle of January?  Besides, what else do I have to work on?  I workout.  I eat healthy.  Janie and I are expecting our first child and I have the job I’ve always wanted.”

The pounding of feet on rubber was the only sound as the two men ran.

“You could try to be more humble.”  Tom said

“Right and how long do you think I could make that stick?”