It was a disgustingly beautiful day to be plodding across Lake Michigan. There wasn’t a wisp of the somber, angry clouds Lydia had pictured when imagining the first time visiting her son in prison. She squinted at the sun and… Continue Reading
Late to work, scrambling school runs, an urgent dentist appointment — every red light seems to burn longer than the last. But now, approaching a destination I don’t want to reach, the streets glow green. I miss the turning twice,… Continue Reading
At ten in the morning, the day was gathering steam, the sun blazing with indifference, exposing wounds with its heat. The whisper of a salty breeze fluttered across the dark pavement and tickled our cheeks, meager relief as we marched… Continue Reading
I’ve been afraid of elevators my entire life. It’s not as uncommon as you’d think. People avoid elevators for different reasons. Claustrophobia. The possibility of stalling. Of plummeting. For me it’s the interaction with strangers. Being stuck inside a cage,… Continue Reading
He was the first customer of the day. I pulled out my earbud and stuck my phone in my back pocket. Then I checked my tablet to confirm his name. “Hello… Robert?” The man looked up from his seat. He… Continue Reading
I’m running through the airport with a floppy Christmas cactus in one arm and yanking a rolling suitcase with the other. Neither of which are mine. The owner of both, a fortyish woman with a scarf, chases me. Shouting, “Hey!… Continue Reading
So kind, that Cadillac, slowed to give our girl her last ride. Cemeteries are green and peaceful, belying the tears that are left in their grasses. The gathering was small, Cathy and I were newcomers to town. Our girl was… Continue Reading
“I can do a cartwheel, want to see?” The little girl turned hand over feet across the playground. She cartwheeled three times and landed on her knees, smiling over her shoulder. I wondered who this little girl was and why… Continue Reading
Autumn is a terminal season. It signals the end of many things — vacation, summer, longer days. In my case, autumn also brings about the termination of my employment. Today is my last day at what the locals call “the… Continue Reading
Her husband knew about the closet stacked with art supplies. The paints, pencils, pastels, dozens of brushes of varying quality. Chalk, charcoal, and graphite. After Emma turned three, she dedicated a corner to craft supplies, glitter, stickers, markers and crayons.… Continue Reading