When his mother opened the door, Conrad didn’t know whether he should close his laptop or cover his lap with the blanket, so he did half of each. “Can’t you knock?” “I’m your mother, I don’t have to knock.” She… Continue Reading
Step 1 of 2: Please enter your 6-digit code. She nodded. Six loud clacks—3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9. Accepted. Now loading… Easy, Nancy thought. The only numbers Chad learned by heart were those found in intricate formulas and equations.… Continue Reading
Him, in a gray coat and red scarf. Him, one hand on the gas pump, the other in his pocket. Him, winking at me while whistling a tune. Me, in the same blue hoodie and jeans I’ve been wearing for… Continue Reading
“Dad! Dad, wake up!” Robert had never regretted anything quite so much as he regretted this cabin excursion. His kids were at that age where everything was a production. Eleven-year-old Blythe was convinced she knew everything, and when eight-year-old Brayden… Continue Reading
I’m Nobody — not the one in Emily Dickinson’s poem, although we share the same views. Tonight, you will find me in the grim green room. When in this room — and I’m dragged back here all too often —… Continue Reading
When a shrill scream shocks me from sleep, I work on auto-pilot. Possibilities run through my head and with them the implications. If Kara’s fallen out of bed, her mum will analyse every bruise and bump when I take her… Continue Reading
Good mornings are whispered. She scrunches up in the crook of his arm and mmms. He gathers the blankets around her. “Sweet dreams?” “A crazy one.” “Oh?” A door opens down the hall. “Completely nuts. About a couple having a… Continue Reading
“Daddy!” Cassiopeia and Casper squealed in unison from the dining table. “Why are you late?” Martha snapped. “These children are driving me crazy!” “Jeez, I’m sorry,” Bruce said, removing his coat and kicking the door closed at the same time.… Continue Reading
No, you can’t have that water gun. Put it back. I told you, Mommy only brought money for food. Not for toys. Tommy, you put that box down or we’re going right back to the car. I mean it. Sit… Continue Reading
The door banged against the wall as I bounded in. Valerie stood frozen with her aluminum bat clenched tightly. My arms wrapped around her as I looked to the shadowy lump on the floor. Some neighbor’s kid? I flicked on… Continue Reading