Silently sneaking ever closer, Ebony kept his prey in sight. The muscles rippled underneath his shiny black coat with every step nearer his intended target. With ears laid back and eyes focused, he watched the unsuspecting mouse scurry back and forth under the rickety old porch.
Stopping suddenly, hackles raised, he stood motionless while a strong breeze ruffled his coat. Once the offending presence had subsided, he targeted in on his prey again and continued the quest.
Ebony watched the mouse grab a piece of cat food and quickly scamper beneath the porch. Tail twitching, back arched, he waited for the perfect time to pounce.
The next time the mouse emerged from under the porch, Ebony shot forward. The mouse quickly darted to the right, climbing a piece of wood that was propped against the deck of structure. Before Ebony knew what was happening, the other end of the board snapped up, hitting him under the chin.
Ebony lay in the dirt, dazed. He saw the mouse watching from the porch, nose twitching, little hands holding a piece of cat food up in triumph.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Road
This is my contribution to the Weekend Wordsmith prompt. It's short and sweet this time!
It stretched before him. The end nowhere in sight. Smooth, straight freedom his for the taking. All he had to do was make the first step. Set his feet in motion. Take the chance on a new life down the road.
With one backward glance, he took the first step toward his future. The past but a shadow, a shrouded eulogy of the life he wished to forget. With a new sense of optimism, he whistled, walking into the night, knowing the best was yet to come.
It stretched before him. The end nowhere in sight. Smooth, straight freedom his for the taking. All he had to do was make the first step. Set his feet in motion. Take the chance on a new life down the road.
With one backward glance, he took the first step toward his future. The past but a shadow, a shrouded eulogy of the life he wished to forget. With a new sense of optimism, he whistled, walking into the night, knowing the best was yet to come.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Loving Deception
This is my contribution to the Three Word Wednesday prompt for the week. Hope you enjoy it!
Vincent sat silently in the corner, observing the other patrons. He fought rising panic, keeping his mind focused on the objective. Total dedication was required to bring this scheme to fruition.
He remembered stammering when April asked why they were going to this particular restaurant, since he usually balked at the prices and glitz of the place. He couldn’t remember the reason he came up with, although he knows it must have been weak because she’d been casting suspicious glances his way since sitting down. He would be glad when the deception was over. He’d never been good at subterfuge.
He watched Armand cross the crowed restaurant, stopping to address guests here and there along the way. The closer Armand got to his table, the more nervous Vincent became. To hide this fact, he quickly began eating.
Thankfully, April was enjoying the harpist playing in the vestibule, completely unaware of Vincent’s agitation. When Armand slid to a stop at their table, April smiled, looking questioningly at Vincent.
Armand set a bottle of champagne and two glasses on the table, then placed a piece of chocolate cake in front of April, before retreating.
Vincent heard April gasp when she noticed the ring resting in a rose petal that was atop the cake. He quickly dropped to one knee, took her hand and pledged everlasting love if she would be his bride.
Vincent sat silently in the corner, observing the other patrons. He fought rising panic, keeping his mind focused on the objective. Total dedication was required to bring this scheme to fruition.
He remembered stammering when April asked why they were going to this particular restaurant, since he usually balked at the prices and glitz of the place. He couldn’t remember the reason he came up with, although he knows it must have been weak because she’d been casting suspicious glances his way since sitting down. He would be glad when the deception was over. He’d never been good at subterfuge.
He watched Armand cross the crowed restaurant, stopping to address guests here and there along the way. The closer Armand got to his table, the more nervous Vincent became. To hide this fact, he quickly began eating.
Thankfully, April was enjoying the harpist playing in the vestibule, completely unaware of Vincent’s agitation. When Armand slid to a stop at their table, April smiled, looking questioningly at Vincent.
Armand set a bottle of champagne and two glasses on the table, then placed a piece of chocolate cake in front of April, before retreating.
Vincent heard April gasp when she noticed the ring resting in a rose petal that was atop the cake. He quickly dropped to one knee, took her hand and pledged everlasting love if she would be his bride.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Passionate Mistake
My contribution for the Three Word Wednesday Prompt.
I only wish I had listened when my mother warned me about Bobby, Sandra thought. Then I wouldn’t be in this mess!
But he was so sexy and dangerous that she let her emotions lead her. She remembers how her heart would pound whenever he came near. Just the sight of him was enough to make her melt. He exuded passion and she wasn’t strong enough to resist.
“Sandra, get your ass in here,” he bellowed from the living room.
Sighing, she went to see what he wanted. The sight that greeted her made her stomach turn. Pizza boxes and empty beer cans littered the tables and floor, stains were apparent on every surface, and the man himself was wearing only a dirty pair of boxer shorts.
He scratched, and then commanded, “Bring me another beer and a sandwich. I don’t know what’s taking you so long in there.”
Sandra scrunched her nose in disgust, replying, “I’m cleaning the kitchen. Thankfully, you don’t spend much time in there so the damage isn’t too bad. It will take a decontamination team to clean this room!” she finished, flinging her arms to encompass the immediate area.
“A decomwhat?” he muttered.
“Nevermind,” she said, turning back to the kitchen.
She often wondered what happened to the stud she married. Not even a glimmer of him existed any longer. He was now a hulking brute.
I wonder how many I told you so’s I’d have to endure if I went home, she mused, spreading mayonnaise on a piece of bread.
I only wish I had listened when my mother warned me about Bobby, Sandra thought. Then I wouldn’t be in this mess!
But he was so sexy and dangerous that she let her emotions lead her. She remembers how her heart would pound whenever he came near. Just the sight of him was enough to make her melt. He exuded passion and she wasn’t strong enough to resist.
“Sandra, get your ass in here,” he bellowed from the living room.
Sighing, she went to see what he wanted. The sight that greeted her made her stomach turn. Pizza boxes and empty beer cans littered the tables and floor, stains were apparent on every surface, and the man himself was wearing only a dirty pair of boxer shorts.
He scratched, and then commanded, “Bring me another beer and a sandwich. I don’t know what’s taking you so long in there.”
Sandra scrunched her nose in disgust, replying, “I’m cleaning the kitchen. Thankfully, you don’t spend much time in there so the damage isn’t too bad. It will take a decontamination team to clean this room!” she finished, flinging her arms to encompass the immediate area.
“A decomwhat?” he muttered.
“Nevermind,” she said, turning back to the kitchen.
She often wondered what happened to the stud she married. Not even a glimmer of him existed any longer. He was now a hulking brute.
I wonder how many I told you so’s I’d have to endure if I went home, she mused, spreading mayonnaise on a piece of bread.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Achieving Your Goals
Here's my contribution to the Three Word Wednesday prompt for the week. It's different than what I've been putting up, but I hope someone likes it!
Faith whispered, “It’s a miracle,” looking at the number on the scale in awe.
Faith whispered, “It’s a miracle,” looking at the number on the scale in awe.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Dawn Break
Dawn slipped over the horizon. An orange hue colored the meadow, bringing new life to the wild flowers riotously growing there. Beth loved watching the sunrise over Lower Meadow. It was the literal bright spot of her day. Her way of making the drudgery easier to deal with.
Sighing, she continued on her way to Hearst House. She would have to hurry. Mrs. Atchison would skin her hide if she were late again. “Punctuality is a virtue, young lady.” Mrs. Atchison pronounced the last time she was late. Right before handing her a toothbrush, instructing her to clean the bathroom from top to bottom.
I will be out of this life soon, Beth thought. Cornelius promised it would be any day now.
Upon entering the side door, she heard Mrs. Atchison talking with someone. Recognizing Cornelius’s voice, she rushed forward. His next words stopped her in her tracks, however.
“The wedding will be on Saturday, June first. You are to send the invitations no later than next Monday. We want everything to be perfect. Alicia is finally home from London, ready to go ahead. I have assured her all is well. She is secure in my devotion,” he emphasized. “There will be no reason for her to postpone this time. No reasons! Do I make myself clear, Mrs. Atchison?”
“Yes, Sir, I understand perfectly.”
“Very good then, I leave it in your capable hands.”
Beth could not believe what she had just heard. Cornelius was getting married. To Alicia, no less. The woman he swore he wanted nothing more to do with. “You are the only one for me, Bethy, you know that. Alicia is in the past. She was too complicated, always wanting more. I need a girl like you, one who knows her worth without all the trappings,” he had told her on one of their early encounters.
Right before I tumbled on the bed with him, she groaned to herself.
“Oh, there you are,” Mrs. Atchison said, nearly running into Beth when she rounded the corner.
“You need to return home to pack,” she said, looking away uncomfortably.
“Pack? Why do I need to pack?”
“You are going to Cromwell House in Wales.”
“But why? Why am I being sent away? I do not understand,” Beth implored.
Shaking her head sadly, Mrs. Atchison replied, “I know, child, I know.”
***
I guess he kept his promise, Beth thought, watching Hearst House slowly recede as the carriage carried her to her new destination.
Sighing, she continued on her way to Hearst House. She would have to hurry. Mrs. Atchison would skin her hide if she were late again. “Punctuality is a virtue, young lady.” Mrs. Atchison pronounced the last time she was late. Right before handing her a toothbrush, instructing her to clean the bathroom from top to bottom.
I will be out of this life soon, Beth thought. Cornelius promised it would be any day now.
Upon entering the side door, she heard Mrs. Atchison talking with someone. Recognizing Cornelius’s voice, she rushed forward. His next words stopped her in her tracks, however.
“The wedding will be on Saturday, June first. You are to send the invitations no later than next Monday. We want everything to be perfect. Alicia is finally home from London, ready to go ahead. I have assured her all is well. She is secure in my devotion,” he emphasized. “There will be no reason for her to postpone this time. No reasons! Do I make myself clear, Mrs. Atchison?”
“Yes, Sir, I understand perfectly.”
“Very good then, I leave it in your capable hands.”
Beth could not believe what she had just heard. Cornelius was getting married. To Alicia, no less. The woman he swore he wanted nothing more to do with. “You are the only one for me, Bethy, you know that. Alicia is in the past. She was too complicated, always wanting more. I need a girl like you, one who knows her worth without all the trappings,” he had told her on one of their early encounters.
Right before I tumbled on the bed with him, she groaned to herself.
“Oh, there you are,” Mrs. Atchison said, nearly running into Beth when she rounded the corner.
“You need to return home to pack,” she said, looking away uncomfortably.
“Pack? Why do I need to pack?”
“You are going to Cromwell House in Wales.”
“But why? Why am I being sent away? I do not understand,” Beth implored.
Shaking her head sadly, Mrs. Atchison replied, “I know, child, I know.”
***
I guess he kept his promise, Beth thought, watching Hearst House slowly recede as the carriage carried her to her new destination.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cafepress Store
I have listed a few items on my cafepress store that have to do with writing and being published. Don’t know if any of you have a cafepress store, but they are pretty cool. It is free to open the basic shop, and it’s another way to showcase your creativity. I do wish I had a better image program, but even with limited capabilities, I have made a few sales on my products.
If you’d like to check my items out, click here. Everything on that page is mine. Let me know if you like the designs and little writing blurbs!
If you’d like to check my items out, click here. Everything on that page is mine. Let me know if you like the designs and little writing blurbs!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Poetry Contest Winner!
Two of my poems were picked. They will be published in an anthology in February of 2009. The anthology is going to be available from real bookstores like Amazon!
I still can’t believe it’s real! I entered three poems, and they picked two. That’s pretty good! I also won $20.00!
The poems will be between the sections of short stories in the anthology. I get my own copy of the book for winning which is even cooler!
When the link for the book is up, I will put it here on the blog so you can all check it out!
I am so excited!
I still can’t believe it’s real! I entered three poems, and they picked two. That’s pretty good! I also won $20.00!
The poems will be between the sections of short stories in the anthology. I get my own copy of the book for winning which is even cooler!
When the link for the book is up, I will put it here on the blog so you can all check it out!
I am so excited!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Leaves
This is my contribution to the Weekend Wordsmith prompt. Hope you like it!
“Damn things keep multiplying!” Roger swore.
Picking up the rake, he started back to work. His back was killing him and he had calluses on his hands. The torture had started early that morning when he opened the door and saw that the front yard was covered. I need to do something about this, he thought, before stepping back inside to read the paper.
Putting it off as long as possible, he sighed before putting the paper aside and getting into his work clothes. The next obstacle was finding the rake because he couldn’t remember exactly where he’d put it. He hit his head on a shelf, stubbed his toe on the grill, and banged his elbow on the work table, before finding the rake sitting pretty as you please in the corner.
That was three hours ago. What he thought would be a quick job was turning into an all day affair. His wife and kids would be home soon. They were all going to watch a movie after dinner. If he weren’t done, he’d never hear the end of it.
Pushing the last stack onto the pile, he heard the car roll into the driveway. Just in time, he thought, heading to the garage to put the rake up. I’ll burn them in the morning.
He heard the squeals before he saw them. “No!” he screamed, but it was too late. He watched as the jubilant children jumped in, threw, and wrecked total carnage on his lovely pile of leaves.
“Damn things keep multiplying!” Roger swore.
Picking up the rake, he started back to work. His back was killing him and he had calluses on his hands. The torture had started early that morning when he opened the door and saw that the front yard was covered. I need to do something about this, he thought, before stepping back inside to read the paper.
Putting it off as long as possible, he sighed before putting the paper aside and getting into his work clothes. The next obstacle was finding the rake because he couldn’t remember exactly where he’d put it. He hit his head on a shelf, stubbed his toe on the grill, and banged his elbow on the work table, before finding the rake sitting pretty as you please in the corner.
That was three hours ago. What he thought would be a quick job was turning into an all day affair. His wife and kids would be home soon. They were all going to watch a movie after dinner. If he weren’t done, he’d never hear the end of it.
Pushing the last stack onto the pile, he heard the car roll into the driveway. Just in time, he thought, heading to the garage to put the rake up. I’ll burn them in the morning.
He heard the squeals before he saw them. “No!” he screamed, but it was too late. He watched as the jubilant children jumped in, threw, and wrecked total carnage on his lovely pile of leaves.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Time
This is my contribution to the 100 wood meme, on Velvet Verbosity.
I never really thought about it. I always had more than enough. It was my friend. I’d heard people talk about it slipping away, and them never having fully enjoyed it. I thought they were overemotional, that surely they hadn’t missed all they implied. I know differently now.
There are so many things I wish I’d done, things that are lost to me now. So many people I’d love to have one more conversation with. Things I’d love to pass along to help others understand so that they wouldn’t find themselves in my place. If I only had the time…
I never really thought about it. I always had more than enough. It was my friend. I’d heard people talk about it slipping away, and them never having fully enjoyed it. I thought they were overemotional, that surely they hadn’t missed all they implied. I know differently now.
There are so many things I wish I’d done, things that are lost to me now. So many people I’d love to have one more conversation with. Things I’d love to pass along to help others understand so that they wouldn’t find themselves in my place. If I only had the time…
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Paying for Mistakes
This is my contribution to the Weekend Wordsmith prompt. The word was float.
How did I get here? How did things get this out of hand? I thought I had it all worked out. Thought I could handle anything, fix all the mistakes. I didn’t fix anything. I only made it worse.
Mom always said I was cocky. She warned that it would get me in trouble one day. I guess that day’s came. Mom will know soon enough that she was right. Wonder if it’ll give her satisfaction?
They were thorough, I’ll give ‘em that much. No way in hell I can get out of these ropes. Not that it would matter.
I hope it’s over with quick. I’ve heard drowning is an awful way to go. Nothing more than I deserve though.
The water is freezing. Maybe I’ll freeze to death before I drown. No, I don’t guess that’s going to happen. After all, anchors don’t float.
How did I get here? How did things get this out of hand? I thought I had it all worked out. Thought I could handle anything, fix all the mistakes. I didn’t fix anything. I only made it worse.
Mom always said I was cocky. She warned that it would get me in trouble one day. I guess that day’s came. Mom will know soon enough that she was right. Wonder if it’ll give her satisfaction?
They were thorough, I’ll give ‘em that much. No way in hell I can get out of these ropes. Not that it would matter.
I hope it’s over with quick. I’ve heard drowning is an awful way to go. Nothing more than I deserve though.
The water is freezing. Maybe I’ll freeze to death before I drown. No, I don’t guess that’s going to happen. After all, anchors don’t float.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Combination
This is my contribution to the Simply Snickers poetry prompt for the week.
A balance struck
A tightrope walked
Being bold a stroke of luck
Being bright self-taught
A balance struck
A tightrope walked
Being bold a stroke of luck
Being bright self-taught
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Love Again
This is my entry for Velvet Verbosity this week. Hope you like it.
Love resurrected and feelings are true again
Time healed wounds, and hearts on the mend
A second chance in true loves embrace
Emotions dance in delight
Of the past there is no trace
Hope overflows and abounds
Tenderness and joy grow
Soft touches leave faces aglow
The tried and true remembered
The new eagerly sought
Replacing the old with freshness
Hard fought
A chance to fix old mistakes
And make new treasures
To make life happier
And better together
Patience and grace
Help rekindle the flame
Of a love that faded too quickly
And the death that came
Love resurrected and feelings are true again
Time healed wounds, and hearts on the mend
A second chance in true loves embrace
Emotions dance in delight
Of the past there is no trace
Hope overflows and abounds
Tenderness and joy grow
Soft touches leave faces aglow
The tried and true remembered
The new eagerly sought
Replacing the old with freshness
Hard fought
A chance to fix old mistakes
And make new treasures
To make life happier
And better together
Patience and grace
Help rekindle the flame
Of a love that faded too quickly
And the death that came
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Second Chances
This is my second contribution to the Three Word Wednesday prompt. I hope they don’t mind that I did two!
Hope’s shoulders slumped as the gravity of the doctor’s statement sunk in. This morning the only thing she was worried about was getting to work on time. Now she had to worry about living to work another month.
What would she tell her parents? Her boyfriend? She couldn’t face any of them right now.
Once she arrived home, Hope made some tea and sit starring out the window. Snow was lightly drifting down, leaving a dusting on the sidewalk. Normally she’d be worried about shoveling snow off the next morning, but now all she saw was the beauty.
She marvels at the way your perspective changes when the end is near. Things you should have done haunt you. Mistakes you’ve made seem larger. Life seems more beautiful. And you miss it even before it’s gone.
Sighing, she gets up to call her parents. She’ll deal with her boyfriend when he comes over later.
***
She’s still with Tom, although things aren’t the same. The relationship is strained. He still holds her, but she feels the difference in his embrace, a subtle nuance of something missing. Who could blame him though? It must be hard to love someone who’s leaving you.
They’re in the mountains. It’s been three weeks since the diagnosis, and she needed to get away. Tom agreed to bring her to her parent’s cabin even though he didn’t like the idea. There was no phone, no electricity, and the only water was from a well. Cell phones worked, but only in certain places.
Hope wanted to go because it was so isolated. She couldn’t stand all the pitying looks and tears. She just wanted to die in peace. Tom didn’t know it yet, but she was sending him away tomorrow.
***
He put up more of a fight than she thought he would. She figured he would be glad to leave, but he surprised her. In the end she won though. After all, it was her life that was ending. She should be allowed to face that end in whatever way she saw fit.
She kissed him goodbye one last time and walked back into the house. After a last call to her parent’s she was going into the mountains.
She still felt fine. The doctor said that wasn’t unusual with her condition. That death came softly and without warning. She decided to spend the last days looking out over the canyon. Tom had helped set everything up before he left. All she had to do was close the cabin and head out.
The call to her parents was harder than she thought. She was really going to miss them. There were many things she’d do different if she had the chance.
After locking the cabin door, she headed to her destination.
***
The roar of an engine startled Hope out of a sound sleep. She’d forgotten to stoke the fire and it was down to embers. Not that it mattered. Dying was dying, whether from hypothermia or disease.
Tom came blasting up to the campsite on a snowmobile. Hope couldn’t believe her eyes. She’d told him to stay away. That she didn’t want him seeing her at the end. How could have go against her wishes this way?
And he looked happy to be doing it. A big smile graced his face.
Hope stood as Tom raced over to her. Grabbing her face in his hands, he kissed her. Startled, Hope sprung away.
“What are you doing here, Tom? I asked you to leave,” she whispered.
“You’re going with me, baby,” Tom replied.
“What are you talking about? You know I’m dying here. I don’t want to be hooked to machines in some hospital.”
“You’re not dying anywhere. Not right now at least. The doctor’s office has been trying to get you for days. The test results were messed up somehow. You’re fine, Hope! Healthy as a horse.” Tom cried jubilantly.
Hope smiled the most brilliant smile. Her eyes shone with light.
“It’s not every day you get a second chance on life and I plan to do things right this time,” she told Tom.
“Starting right this instant,” she added as she pulled him into her arms.
Hope’s shoulders slumped as the gravity of the doctor’s statement sunk in. This morning the only thing she was worried about was getting to work on time. Now she had to worry about living to work another month.
What would she tell her parents? Her boyfriend? She couldn’t face any of them right now.
Once she arrived home, Hope made some tea and sit starring out the window. Snow was lightly drifting down, leaving a dusting on the sidewalk. Normally she’d be worried about shoveling snow off the next morning, but now all she saw was the beauty.
She marvels at the way your perspective changes when the end is near. Things you should have done haunt you. Mistakes you’ve made seem larger. Life seems more beautiful. And you miss it even before it’s gone.
Sighing, she gets up to call her parents. She’ll deal with her boyfriend when he comes over later.
***
She’s still with Tom, although things aren’t the same. The relationship is strained. He still holds her, but she feels the difference in his embrace, a subtle nuance of something missing. Who could blame him though? It must be hard to love someone who’s leaving you.
They’re in the mountains. It’s been three weeks since the diagnosis, and she needed to get away. Tom agreed to bring her to her parent’s cabin even though he didn’t like the idea. There was no phone, no electricity, and the only water was from a well. Cell phones worked, but only in certain places.
Hope wanted to go because it was so isolated. She couldn’t stand all the pitying looks and tears. She just wanted to die in peace. Tom didn’t know it yet, but she was sending him away tomorrow.
***
He put up more of a fight than she thought he would. She figured he would be glad to leave, but he surprised her. In the end she won though. After all, it was her life that was ending. She should be allowed to face that end in whatever way she saw fit.
She kissed him goodbye one last time and walked back into the house. After a last call to her parent’s she was going into the mountains.
She still felt fine. The doctor said that wasn’t unusual with her condition. That death came softly and without warning. She decided to spend the last days looking out over the canyon. Tom had helped set everything up before he left. All she had to do was close the cabin and head out.
The call to her parents was harder than she thought. She was really going to miss them. There were many things she’d do different if she had the chance.
After locking the cabin door, she headed to her destination.
***
The roar of an engine startled Hope out of a sound sleep. She’d forgotten to stoke the fire and it was down to embers. Not that it mattered. Dying was dying, whether from hypothermia or disease.
Tom came blasting up to the campsite on a snowmobile. Hope couldn’t believe her eyes. She’d told him to stay away. That she didn’t want him seeing her at the end. How could have go against her wishes this way?
And he looked happy to be doing it. A big smile graced his face.
Hope stood as Tom raced over to her. Grabbing her face in his hands, he kissed her. Startled, Hope sprung away.
“What are you doing here, Tom? I asked you to leave,” she whispered.
“You’re going with me, baby,” Tom replied.
“What are you talking about? You know I’m dying here. I don’t want to be hooked to machines in some hospital.”
“You’re not dying anywhere. Not right now at least. The doctor’s office has been trying to get you for days. The test results were messed up somehow. You’re fine, Hope! Healthy as a horse.” Tom cried jubilantly.
Hope smiled the most brilliant smile. Her eyes shone with light.
“It’s not every day you get a second chance on life and I plan to do things right this time,” she told Tom.
“Starting right this instant,” she added as she pulled him into her arms.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Cruel Love
This is my contribution to the Simply Snickers prompt for the week.
People prey on the emotions of others
Cruelty, hatred, and pain are often wrought
Lust can pose as love
And the unsuspecting get caught
Finding a port for a bruised heart
Is the solace often sought
See with eyes wide open
To avoid becoming ensnared
Because the pain is not soon forgot
People prey on the emotions of others
Cruelty, hatred, and pain are often wrought
Lust can pose as love
And the unsuspecting get caught
Finding a port for a bruised heart
Is the solace often sought
See with eyes wide open
To avoid becoming ensnared
Because the pain is not soon forgot
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Halloween Horror
This is my contribution to the 1000 Word Meme this week. I thought it was fitting.
“This is why I hate Halloween,” Stan remarked, gazing at the mutilated bodies in the bedroom.”All the crazies come out of the woodwork.”
His partner was examining the body of the lady of the house. She used to be quite beautiful according to the picture by the bed. Now it was all he could do to look at her. Her face had been carved up. It looked like someone had tried to make her look like the Joker off the Batman movie.
The man wasn’t any better. His nose had been cut off and his eyes poked out.
“I don’t understand why there aren’t signs of a struggle,” Stan said. “It looks like someone just walked in, did the deed, and waltz out pretty as you please.”
“Chief, you need to see this,” a deputy called from the kitchen.
“What ya got,” he asked upon entering the kitchen.
“We found this sitting on the counter beside the booze,” he said, pointing at a box of rat poison.
“You got to be shitin me. Nobody uses rat poison to kill these days.”
“Seems somebody did. Looks like it still works too,” the deputy replied.
Stan made his way back to the bedroom shaking his head. Rat poison. Haven’t had a case of that in years, he thought.
“They were poisoned, John. Rat poison, if you can believe it,” Stan told his partner.
“Guess that explains why they didn’t put up a fight. That stuff’s lethal.”
***
“Holy Shit!” someone in another part of the house muttered.
Stan and John made their way to a bedroom down the hall. As they entered they saw a deputy staring into the closet. He was stock still with a shocked expression on his face.
“What is it, deputy?” Stan asked.
“A kid,” the deputy replied.
“A kid? Well, what are you doing? Get him out of the closet.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Chief.”
“Why the hell not?” Stan asked as he made his way to the closet.
What he saw inside chilled even his hardened heart. A child of about ten was sitting crossed legged in the closet floor holding a small dog. In the child’s hand was a knife. He was busy carving the dogs face.
The chief heard him say, “I’m sorry, Toby, but Mom wouldn’t get me a pumpkin. I asked her and Dad both but they wanted to get drunk as usual. I just wanted one normal Halloween like all the kids at school talk about. I wanted to carve a pumpkin! I think yours is going to look the best. I practiced on Mom and Dad first. I wonder if I can cut the heads off and sit them on the porch?”
“This is why I hate Halloween,” Stan remarked, gazing at the mutilated bodies in the bedroom.”All the crazies come out of the woodwork.”
His partner was examining the body of the lady of the house. She used to be quite beautiful according to the picture by the bed. Now it was all he could do to look at her. Her face had been carved up. It looked like someone had tried to make her look like the Joker off the Batman movie.
The man wasn’t any better. His nose had been cut off and his eyes poked out.
“I don’t understand why there aren’t signs of a struggle,” Stan said. “It looks like someone just walked in, did the deed, and waltz out pretty as you please.”
“Chief, you need to see this,” a deputy called from the kitchen.
“What ya got,” he asked upon entering the kitchen.
“We found this sitting on the counter beside the booze,” he said, pointing at a box of rat poison.
“You got to be shitin me. Nobody uses rat poison to kill these days.”
“Seems somebody did. Looks like it still works too,” the deputy replied.
Stan made his way back to the bedroom shaking his head. Rat poison. Haven’t had a case of that in years, he thought.
“They were poisoned, John. Rat poison, if you can believe it,” Stan told his partner.
“Guess that explains why they didn’t put up a fight. That stuff’s lethal.”
***
“Holy Shit!” someone in another part of the house muttered.
Stan and John made their way to a bedroom down the hall. As they entered they saw a deputy staring into the closet. He was stock still with a shocked expression on his face.
“What is it, deputy?” Stan asked.
“A kid,” the deputy replied.
“A kid? Well, what are you doing? Get him out of the closet.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Chief.”
“Why the hell not?” Stan asked as he made his way to the closet.
What he saw inside chilled even his hardened heart. A child of about ten was sitting crossed legged in the closet floor holding a small dog. In the child’s hand was a knife. He was busy carving the dogs face.
The chief heard him say, “I’m sorry, Toby, but Mom wouldn’t get me a pumpkin. I asked her and Dad both but they wanted to get drunk as usual. I just wanted one normal Halloween like all the kids at school talk about. I wanted to carve a pumpkin! I think yours is going to look the best. I practiced on Mom and Dad first. I wonder if I can cut the heads off and sit them on the porch?”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Abyss
This is my contribution to the Weekend Wordsmith prompt. The word for this week was "down". Hope you like the story.
Larry knew he’d heard a scream earlier, but he couldn’t find anyone. He’d been walking around the woods for two hours now. It was twenty degrees out so he knew if someone was hurt out here they’d need help. Left to the elements a person would die tonight.
He decided to give it thirty more minutes. There was one section he hadn’t checked yet. He headed in that direction hoping to come upon whoever was out here before it was too late.
The forest floor was dense with vegetation in this section. Larry tripped more than once during his search. He kept looking because he knew the sound earlier was a scream; he was sure of it!
Larry wasn’t watching his footing. He was looking around so he wouldn’t miss anyone that had fallen. His didn’t know his good intentions were going to be rewarded very soon.
Larry didn’t see the log until it was too late. He tripped over it and started falling. The last thought he had as he fell down the abyss was that he now knew where the scream came from.
Larry knew he’d heard a scream earlier, but he couldn’t find anyone. He’d been walking around the woods for two hours now. It was twenty degrees out so he knew if someone was hurt out here they’d need help. Left to the elements a person would die tonight.
He decided to give it thirty more minutes. There was one section he hadn’t checked yet. He headed in that direction hoping to come upon whoever was out here before it was too late.
The forest floor was dense with vegetation in this section. Larry tripped more than once during his search. He kept looking because he knew the sound earlier was a scream; he was sure of it!
Larry wasn’t watching his footing. He was looking around so he wouldn’t miss anyone that had fallen. His didn’t know his good intentions were going to be rewarded very soon.
Larry didn’t see the log until it was too late. He tripped over it and started falling. The last thought he had as he fell down the abyss was that he now knew where the scream came from.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Only Words
“But I love you!” John beseeched.
“Those are just words, John. You don’t know what love is. If you loved me, you wouldn’t cheat. If you loved me, you wouldn’t belittle everything I do. If you loved me, you wouldn’t call me stupid. Love is more than just saying the words,” Lisa replied.
“I’ve taken care of you all these years. Gave you a roof over your head, food to eat, a car. Doesn’t that count for anything?” John asked.
“All those are material things. Yes, they were nice and I thank you for them, but you never gave me what I really needed. Someone to listen and share my dreams with; someone to talk to about what was going on in my life, a shoulder to cry on. You never offered any of those things,” Lisa said as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I’ve tried so hard to make this work. I asked about your day, spend time with your friends, and tell you how smart I think you are. I SHOWED you my love, John. But I’m all out now. I just can’t do this anymore.”
“So you’re just going to leave? Just walk out on our life and never come back.”
“Yes. I have to. It hurts too much to stay. I deserve better than this, John. I’m worth more than this. It took me a long time to figure that out, but I finally have,” Lisa said with a rueful shake of her head. “I hope you learn what love really means, John. I really do.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Lisa calls on her way out the door. “Don’t say the words if you don’t mean them.”
“Those are just words, John. You don’t know what love is. If you loved me, you wouldn’t cheat. If you loved me, you wouldn’t belittle everything I do. If you loved me, you wouldn’t call me stupid. Love is more than just saying the words,” Lisa replied.
“I’ve taken care of you all these years. Gave you a roof over your head, food to eat, a car. Doesn’t that count for anything?” John asked.
“All those are material things. Yes, they were nice and I thank you for them, but you never gave me what I really needed. Someone to listen and share my dreams with; someone to talk to about what was going on in my life, a shoulder to cry on. You never offered any of those things,” Lisa said as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I’ve tried so hard to make this work. I asked about your day, spend time with your friends, and tell you how smart I think you are. I SHOWED you my love, John. But I’m all out now. I just can’t do this anymore.”
“So you’re just going to leave? Just walk out on our life and never come back.”
“Yes. I have to. It hurts too much to stay. I deserve better than this, John. I’m worth more than this. It took me a long time to figure that out, but I finally have,” Lisa said with a rueful shake of her head. “I hope you learn what love really means, John. I really do.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Lisa calls on her way out the door. “Don’t say the words if you don’t mean them.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Betrayal
My contribution to the Simply Snickers poetry prompt for the week.
The toast sets off the evening
Tempted to touch as glances meet
Across a crowded room
Glasses tinkling
Voices murmuring congratulations
The bride looks back to her groom
The toast sets off the evening
Tempted to touch as glances meet
Across a crowded room
Glasses tinkling
Voices murmuring congratulations
The bride looks back to her groom
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