Relieved

I’ve always loved stories. Grandfather read them at bedtime. Then he told his stories of the river, the barber shop, or the little elves that lived in his garden.

Words spun worlds in my head,

Bottle and Glass

“I suppose that’s it.” Angus shoveled the student exams in his worn satchel, then rammed the cap on the red pen.

“Aye.” I took another sip of the overly hoppy beer. The place still smelled of fresh paint.

“You’ve made plans then?”

I shrugged. Students entered

Vivid

In the space of a handful of heartbeats, a moment forever vivid and often reconsidered. You asked the unexpected of the unworldly. Your smile sparkled and your laugh ever echoes. The feeling of confusion, so overwhelming, has faded through time, replaced with questions. What answer

Aware

He set the revolver on the table next to the empty bottle and the last of his cash. He rubbed his eyes. Grit ground painfully.

He stood and grabbed the money off the table. One last trip to the liquor store. No hurry.

Outside the skies poured rain. He darted to the dry bus stop.

Automatic

“It’s automatic,” he said. His scar blazed violently.

Another’s eyebrow lifted. “The orders aren’t clear. We should call the may—”

“It’s done!” His eyes narrowed and lips stretched tighter.

The others all nodded their heads. Contempt crossed their faces.

Capable

“I have nothing to hide.” I have everything to hide. Scumbag reporters’ questions blur into a peaceful white noise. I take a deep breath and smile.

The perky blonde in the front row waves her arm again. She is exactly my type. I point at her big boobs. “Yes? You in the pink?”

“Are you capable of providing

Mope

Don’t get me wrong. Those frenetic people than burn incandescent, seesaw through life, never crossing at a crosswalk aren’t me. Eddie, Becca, Jordan. They are all like that. Talking fast about topics they

Burnt

“We’re here.”

The Jamison burned my throat as the car jerked to a stop.

Everyone piled out. I smashed the bottle on the pavement.

Voices were excited. We’d made vows.

Tart

“Hiya, Mike. Feeling better?” my boss asked.

“Yes, I am.” And I did feel better.

The boss led the way into the back of the bakery.

“Try one of these new pastries,” said the boss, handing me one.

Trees

They stood side by side on the shore and argued.

“You are blocking out my sun.”

“Tough for you.” The tree laughed in the breeze. “You loser! You’re drinking all my water.”

“Your water?” The tree shook a limb.