Road Trip

I am heading out of town this weekend to cheer on my daughters and son-in-law as they run a half marathon and to keep an eye on my grandchildren while their mother is running.  Mostly I will be keeping them entertained at the resort until the race is over.  J  After all the driving and chasing children I doubt I will have the energy to write on Monday when I get home.  L  So I am taking Monday off and will return on Wednesday, June 5^th with another amazing story for your enjoyment.

Have a great weekend!

Summer Ritual

One pull of the cord and the lawn mower growled to life.  He nodded.  Yep, old reliable started right up after being stored all winter.

It looked like the rain would hold off just long enough for Ted to mown the lawn the first time in the new mowing season commonly known as summer.  All the rain for the last two weeks had produced a shaggy, unkempt lawn he couldn’t let go another day.

The purr of the engine mixed with the sweet smell of fresh cut grass evoking memories of his dad at the same task from his childhood.   

Science Fiction

It was a bright sunny day when it happened.  The birds were singing.  She could hear the children playing in the backyard as she tidied up the kitchen.

A shadow slipped across the window leaving the room dim and lifeless.  She looked up from the sink, glancing over her shoulder to look outside.  The forecast had not predicted rain.  With a frown she dried her hands.  A burst of wind sent the curtains fluttering before letting them fall back into place.

At the window she stared in amazement at the spacecraft parked outside, the alien pilot chatting with the kids. 

In Remembrance

All day there were interruptions, phone calls, visitors at the door and his daughter ever ready to leap up and assist him if he made any move at all.  It was exhausting.  He knew they meant well with the out pouring of care and sympathy but on the day of remembrance all he wanted was to sit still quietly reflecting on the past sixty years of his life spent with the woman he loved.

“Dad, can I get you anything?”

“Hmmm.”  There was nothing to say, nothing he wanted more than one more moment holding the hand of his departed wife, seeing her smile and hearing her laugh.

He felt a phantom caress on the back of his neck.  He felt an uplifting in his heart.  He heard the whispered words of tenderness telling him she would be by his side for the rest of his days, keeping him company until he could join her.

Out Of Focus

The cup of coffee sitting next to her computer had grown cold, forgotten in her haze of playing electronic card games.  She was minimally aware of the passage of time as a vague sense of work to be done crept up her spine. 

The day had started out normal, the mad bustle to get ready and to the office, settling in at her desk and checking email.

As the clicking of keyboards permeated the room she couldn’t focus.  Her mind fixated on the news she had received from her doctor, news that the long hoped for child was a reality.

Demanding Career

On Friday her reflection in the mirror was rested and youthful looking.  On Monday the creases of a demanding career appeared at the edges of her eyes and mouth.  The job was taking a toll, sucking the vitality out her weekend after weekend until she felt hollowed out, worn and empty.

When she answered the ad she was excited about working with one of the top magicians in the business, a chance to be on stag basking in the thunderous applause.

Now she understood why he needed a new assistant as he stole her life force to work his magic.