An addict returns home. My most recent overdose triggered mom’s stroke and death. I’ve been gone almost nine years, but now I’m back at the farm with Dad. I will stay here a bit, try to find my legs, figure out what’s next for me. I’ve struggled with the black dogs of depression my… Continue reading Finding Harry
Category: family
My Dead Dad and I Talk Technology
I really ought to be able to explain this better. I used to be an engineer for chrissakes. But that was a long time ago. Since then, I migrated to computer programming. Now I’m no longer in the technology field at all. I’m a massage therapist. I can’t believe he’s here. He died in 92.… Continue reading My Dead Dad and I Talk Technology
Where Are They?
Flash Fiction Challenge 100 – Day 96 “Where are mom and dad?” my little sister asks again. It breaks my heart that I don’t have a good answer to the question. The truth is simple; I don’t know where our parents are. And that is not right. None of this is right –… Continue reading Where Are They?
The Boy in the Ward
Flash Fiction Challenge 100 – Day 84 It’s the thick steel needle the boy finds most amazing about the whole thing. It runs right through his leg, holding it immobilized while the bone mends itself. His fingers continually find the needle and probe it gently despite several nurses telling him he shouldn’t. He… Continue reading The Boy in the Ward
The Man in the Mirror
“No, you’re still looking at the mirror. Look at the wall there – about a yard to the left of the mirror. Just notice in your peripheral vision what’s happening in the mirror.” Peter shifts his gaze according to Dawn’s instruction. “But I still don’t see anything,” Peter says. “Relax your eyes and give it… Continue reading The Man in the Mirror
Bad Doggy
Flash Fiction Challenge 100 – Day 67 “Daisy. You crazy bitch. Don’t eat that!” Zach shouts to the cocker spaniel. “Mom, Zach called Daisy a bitch again! Mooooom!” Zoe whines plaintively towards the camper. The camper is sitting in an undeveloped federal site reserved for such recreation. Truly, there is no real campsite here. No… Continue reading Bad Doggy
Two Bridges
Flash Fiction Challenge 100 – Day 58 The name of the town meant ‘two bridges’ in German. My brother spoke little German as far as I could tell. He was also in the Air Force. He was big! Muscular, fit, toned from years spent in a gym and possibly some period of experimenting with anabolic… Continue reading Two Bridges
Allowance
Flash Fiction Challenge 100 – Day 52 It’s easy to slip into a poverty mindset when you grow up poor. Not only is there never enough, but you also absolutely believe there will never be enough. Permanent, debilitating financial ruin is just one mishap away. One unplanned emergency is all it will take to make… Continue reading Allowance
Finding Time
He remembers. Riding in the back seat of their 1967 Chevrolet Bel Air. The windows slightly cracked, the cold fall and winter wind chilling him to his bones. Shivering, huddled in whatever sweater or jacket he was wearing. Isn’t that the way he thinks? Whenever a hot-blooded person meets a cold-blooded person; one of them… Continue reading Finding Time
The Last Sunset at Depot Bay
I look up from my phone; I want to witness every minute of this, the last sunset at Depot Bay. Well, technically, the sun will still set again tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that. As I like to tell Liza, the sun never really sets at all! The earth spins and… Continue reading The Last Sunset at Depot Bay
Apple Communion
My daughter walks over to me. I’m still lying in our hammock. When she reaches me, I slide over and sit in the hammock sideways, gesture with a head nod, wordlessly asking her if she wants to join me. She doesn’t of course. This is how it starts. It’s always the same. She walks over,… Continue reading Apple Communion
Stories by Shawn 