With Susan it was different. Susan and Tom lived one house away from each other, and had been born only a week apart, so they had splashed in wading pools, stroked wooly bear caterpillars, picked up toads and climbed trees… Continue Reading
I hear them grunt as they nudge each other in the dark, their leg chains clanking around in weary indifference. Long after the cicadas cease their shrill mating songs and the hellish bellows of the cats retreat into the darkness,… Continue Reading
“Did you know Dalmatians are born without spots?” Sheri looked up from her book. “What are you talking about?” “Baby Dalmatians. They’re spotless.” “We’re not getting a dog.” “No, I know. They’re messy. I don’t mean they’re spotless spotless. I… Continue Reading
Just months ago after receiving the news, my mother held me in her arms and softly sang, “I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore.” Now, her voice chokes with pain and all the tears in the world are ours. “Remember, sanctuary… Continue Reading
My white knuckles grip the safety bar. Heights, speed, lack of control– things I avoid at all costs. I connect the video call, phone shaking. His gaunt, beautiful face calms my nerves. “I knew you wouldn’t deny a dying man… Continue Reading
Driving is something I learnt when I was 15 to make a living soon after Baba fell from the coconut tree faster than the coconut that landed on his head. My father was trying to fetch it for the guests.… Continue Reading
Down the one hundred twenty-one stone steps, Darcy dashes. She doesn’t care if she falls and busts her head wide open, not after what that boy said, loud enough for the whole class to hear, him the stupidest idiot in… Continue Reading
It’s the middle of the eighth inning, and Jake’s eleven-year-old daughter, Sandy, lies on her stomach two feet from the television screen. Her light brown ponytail sticks out the back of a baseball cap—their team’s cap. Propping up her chin… Continue Reading
I was tired that night anyway, and the Tylenol that Mom gave me got me to sleep quickly. But a couple hours later the pain woke me, and I remember mindlessly rustling in the bed. It was late and I… Continue Reading
“Timmy, what is it now?” Mark snapped at the small figure in the kitchen doorway. “Phone ringing, Dadda.” Timmy waved the mobile phone at his father. “It’s no bloody wonder I can’t hear it, the noise the two of you… Continue Reading