We’re loaded down with tampons and pads, and Mom’s heading straight for the cute checker’s lane. Seriously? I’d die if I had to stand there while he rung us out. It’s obvious, right? I totally get it, she’s distracted, sad… Continue Reading
Brandon stood in the middle of the sidewalk staring at me and all I could think of were the way his blue eyes had kissed my soul five years ago. The way they’d promised me forever and ever, amen. I… Continue Reading
Mom scrambles across the room half-tripping over her own feet. She lifts his head and begins to attempt to pry the un-chewed hot dog from his throat. Beating on his chest and blowing her own breath into his mouth, she… Continue Reading
She tells him she’s going to learn Arabic today. She reclines on the couch like an odalisque in sweats, the slim red book clasped artfully in her white hands, her black, silky curls tumbling around her bare shoulders where she’s… Continue Reading
My mother said maybe it would help if I got blond streaks in my hair. I said I didn’t think it would make any goddamned difference but I went out and got my hair highlighted anyway. You’ve got a lot… Continue Reading
Everyone knows the four rules of Punch Buggy: • If you start the game, you can’t be the first to quit. • Convertible bugs are worth two punches. • No blocking hits. • When playing with a girl, you don’t… Continue Reading
The sunset filtered through the tree branches just above where the darkening sky touched the horizon. Pale pink and gauzy blue, the colors were so delicate Maisie could only see them if she cut her eyes to the side. Out… Continue Reading
An old man named Lester lived at the same nursing home as my grandfather back in the late 1970s. I still cringe when I think of that place. The smell of stale urine dominated the bleak institution like a horrid,… Continue Reading
Miriam examined the canvas from different angles. Perfect? Almost perfect? What would her old teacher think? Half an hour later, she nodded to acquaintances as she crossed the banquet hall. Then, seeing Tostermann at a distant table, she changed direction.… Continue Reading
It had been a while since he’d heard from her—so when she told him she’d be up at the bar, that she wanted him to come, he figured he might as well. They had agreed to be friends, after all,… Continue Reading