Tag Archives: Family

Timing Out

Originally published in defenestrationism.net Willing the Other Line The thin print paper crackled in my quaking hands. “The usual,” I thought. So I chucked eight inches of directions, disclaimers and diagrams into the bin. Then I peed and prayed. Trying to fool the gods into thinking they would be cursing me, I circled the house. …

Balance of Nature

Originally published in 50-Word Stories, December 14, 2022 When the doctor guided Josue into the world, his grandmother’s face crinkled in glee. “We’re fifteen now!” she squealed. The next month another doctor studied her tissue. When the pulley lowered her out of the world, bent faces crumpled in pain. “We’re fourteen now,” someone whispered while …

Vacancy

Originally published in 101 Words. In the apartment, we only had a living room. Now the burbs have gifted us a family room, too. Another unnecessity, like the fireplace that will stand sterile in 70-degree winters. “Drywall over it. Then you’ll have another wall,” said the husband. “I don’t need another wall.” My words ricocheted …