I Was Not Good Enough

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Nerves jumped in my stomach, springing off the walls into intricate flips. I squashed the doubt threatening to take over as cyber silence stretched, holding its breath for the awaited email. I threw myself into final revisions for another piece, a fictional one, the contest deadline looming at midnight. I rode the butterflies, siphoning their… more

The Five and the Graduation

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They scattered, ants afraid of the large drops leaking from the swollen sky. They fled to their cars, not even taking the time to say good-bye as they peeled away. The hungry wind caught a half empty bag of chips and lifted it away for snack. Empty beer cans clinked together as the beach toasted… more

F**king Perfect

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This continues Anna’s story, first seen in Worst Topping Ever and then in False Alarm. Her mother’s three inch heels echoed off the lockers, the halls emptied for the day. Anna fought to keep up with the angry pace and stumbled, tripping on her skirt. “Don’t dawdle. I’m already going to be ten minutes late to… more

Because You Called

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“Kelly, I need you.” Her voice was soft and desperate. “Bobs, are you home?” The phone greeted my question with silence. “Bobbi? Are you at home?” Not even a whisper. “I’ll be right there.” I went into motion, grabbing my keys, purse, and laptop within seconds. “Hon, I’m going to Bobbi’s. She needs me,” I… more

The Queen’s Tears

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“Mama. Tell me ‘boud da pwincess again.” My daughter paused. “Pweas?” “Sure, honey.” I forced my limbs to move, leaving the unforgiving chair and crossing the room. I scooted onto the bed, her tiny frame a puzzle piece fitting into my side.  “Once upon a time there was a very brave princess named Priscilla.” “Dats… more

CSI: Motherhood

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CSI: Motherhood – Crime solver. Clean-up crew. Judge. Jailer. Parole Officer. Therapist. Teacher. Giver of hugs. Unpaid. No sick leave. * * * * * You creative people were to come up with a title and tagline that captures your life, or a moment from your life. That’s it. Be the first to like. Like… more

Please Pass the Flask

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The doorbell rang. I ran over the floor. “Merry Christmas!” I heard as I opened the door. My sister, her husband, their twins plus one other. Were laden with gifts and my elderly mother. “Bah humbug!” she yelled, shaking her cane. “I raised you with manners. Get me out of this rain!” The wind whipped… more

False Alarm

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Anna curled into a ball as the door opened, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her frayed skirt over her feet. “Mrs. Andrew, thank you for coming. I’m Principal Kirk.” He stood, their hands meeting as friends. “Please, have a seat.” He sunk into the worn leather chair. She turned, meeting Anna’s eyes… more

The Night Visitor

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Silence embraces her, its first sign of affection all day. She breathes the sweet scent of baby shampoo, kissing the tops of the soft, damp hair before tip-toeing away and shutting the door. She stumbles on something sharp as she walks down the stairs. She catches herself and looks down. A Lego minefield greets her… more

Fear Kept My Friend From Committing Suicide

Depression. It was silent. It slowly crept from the darkness where it hid, waiting. It stalked her, waiting for the right moment to approach. Softly, it wrapped her in its cold, unfeeling arms where the worries no longer seemed to matter. Less than a month passed from its greeting to full power. It gripped her… more

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