Tag Archives: short story

He was overcome by the scent of her perfume, the same his wife had worn all through their short marriage. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this,” he said, when their lips were less than a centimeter apart. She pulled back, her eyes wide with surprise, “Did I do something wrong, Stephen?” “No… No, it’s nothingContinue reading “Perfume, Nostalgia and Tea”

The blank page on her desk felt like an accusation. It was mocking her, really, with its edging of vines and flowers. Even the playful bunny in the corner appeared to be laughing at her. “Shut it, Bunny!” She closed her eyes and massaged her temples for a moment, then sighed and opened them again.Continue reading “Angry Letter”

They had the perfect tree this year, she thought, primping the branches to make the tree the exact triangular shape she wanted… Except… “William!” “Yes, Dear,” he appeared in the doorway, well into his third glass of scotch. “William, Darling, did you not notice how misshapen this brunch was when you picked out the tree?Continue reading “Trimming the Tree”

He placed the flower on his lapel and attempted a smile in the mirror. His reflection sent him back a feeble sort of smile, overshadowed by the sadness in his eyes, ” Stop it!” he yelled, slamming his palm on the dresser, “You choose this. You have to be happy!” But two forlorn eyes staredContinue reading “Getting Ready”

Snow whirled in the yellow light from the streetlight as she posed beneath it. At 4:30 in the afternoon, it was already dark enough for them to have lit. She knew it meant she had to go home soon for dinner but for now, she had the rink to herself and she could practice herContinue reading “Spotlights and Snowflakes”

For as long as anyone could remember, the boy had had a song in his heart. He sang when he got up in the morning, he sang while he was tying his shoes, he sang as he walked to school where the teacher could barely keep him quiet, he even sang in his sleep butContinue reading “Heart Song”

He stood awkwardly near the monument, like the tourist he was, but he was taking the picture regardless of how foolish he felt. His mother needed to see it and he needed to do something for her. He was determined to give her something of this place, her ancestral home which she was now tooContinue reading “The Trip of a Lifetime”

She stepped out of the car and filled her lungs with fresh, country air. They expanded gratefully as her eyes took in the little white house framed by an endless sky. She was home, at long last, and she felt her body relax under the Iowa sky. Her Mama would be inside doing the requisiteContinue reading “Coming Home”

“No one comes in here,” he shook his head sadly, “People can’t afford quality goods anymore and I can’t afford to lower my prices. I’ll be forced to close soon.” He took a dirty rag from his pocket and swiped it quickly across his face but he was a little too late. Amy had alreadyContinue reading “The Shop”

I saw you clearly for the first time on the day of your mother’s funeral. I mean, maybe it’s unfair to judge a person on their worst, most horrible day but how could I ever forget the horror of finding you in the kitchen with the funeral directors apprentice bent over a chair. We wereContinue reading “For the First Time”