Cherished…

 

Soft fur. Pristine caramel-colored puppy. Shiny black eyes, fluffy paws, perfectly embroidered mouth. Lifted from a box. New. Untouched. Unloved.

Matted fur. Dingy dark brown dog. Thread, like cotton scars, keeps arms and legs and ears attached. Small bits of stuffing ooze out seams not sewn tightly enough. Tucked into the crook of a tiny arm. Old. Snuggled. Loved.

Patchy fur. Filthy coal-colored animal. Loose thread dangles, ears and one arm gone. Bald spots show linen on legs and nose—tufts of grimy fuzz cling to the tail. Left in a dark corner of the closet. Old. Untouched. Unloved.

 

 

January 14th Prompt: A life span (In 99 words, write a life span)
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch

Good Day, Love

 

“Did you have a good day?” my husband asks.

A loaded question.

The answer? A load of crap. “Yes.”

Sometimes it is good. On the outside.

I talk about things my son and I did that day. The things that went well, the things that did not.

What I remember of it. I wasn’t really there. I was worrying and letting my mind wander into what-ifs.

 

I am here. Now.

I sit on the floor next to my son’s bed weeping uncontrollably. I try not to wake him. My body aches from stifling sobs.

I am in the moment.

 

 

January 7th Prompt: Being (Write a story that describes a moment of being)
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch

Quick Descent

She was late for her presentation.

Dammit.

The elevator was slow. She tapped her foot, shifted her weight, glanced at her watch.

Forget it.

She bolted for the stairs. Taking them two at a time was impossible in her pencil skirt and high heels so she raced up with tiny, clicking steps.

I’ll make it. Click-click-click. I’ll make it.

Her ankle twisted, pitching her body back.

Her colleagues raced toward her, faces pale.

“I’m okay,” she cringed, stockings ripped, blood leaking from somewhere.

One of them pointed down the hall with a shaky hand, “No. The elevator…” Sirens wailed.

 

 

December 31 Prompt: Stairs (Write a story that includes steps, stairs, or a staircase)
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch