Posts Tagged ‘Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher’
Feb
Nothing
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The engine gives out and we’re about to crash. I guide the plane as best I can and brace for impact. Then there’s blackness.
When I wake, Ted has a blank stare, and his head is twisted in an awkward position. He’s dead.
The bone in my left ankle is protruding from the skin and I’m having trouble breathing. I’m sure I’ve ruptured my ribs.
The door is jammed and I can’t walk. The airplane will soon explode and there’s nowhere to go. I say a silent prayer and close my eyes.
There’s a crackling noise, flames and then nothing.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Feb
Old Man
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I’ve been coming to this park for months. Today an elderly man I’ve never seen before wearing tan khaki pants that are too long, sits next to me.
“Beautiful morning, I’ve been coming here since I was a boy. I still remember the fruit stand that used to be across the street on the corner. Best oranges I ever tasted.”
Just having lost my job, I’m not in the mood for conversation and leave. Then I realized I forgot my cell phone on the bench.
When I return, the man is gone, and an orange sits next to my phone.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
Fresh Start
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I’m spending New Year’s Eve with my Shih-Tzu Millie, sitting on the couch with a novel, sipping wine and eating crackers. I’ll turn on the television when it gets close to midnight. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the last few nights of the Christmas tree and its decorations. Millie tugs at my sweater since I’ve been ignoring her, so I rub her stomach. I check my watch and turn on the television. The ball begins its descent.
As I sit and wait, I reflect on the many mistakes I made and hope the new year will be a fresh start.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
Happy Birthday
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
It was pouring rain, but I just couldn’t leave on his birthday, Christmas Day. I placed the pine cone wreath against the headstone, the red bells I added for the holiday chiming.
Drenched, I kneeled and said a silent prayer. I teared at the memory of his last birthday, ecstatic after he tore open the wrapping and saw it was golf clubs; his blue eyes lit the room.
I stood for a few more minutes reflecting.
As I touched the tombstone, I felt a shiver up my arm and one of the bells landed by my foot.
“Happy Birthday, Georgie.”
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
Affair
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I parked across the street and put the car in park. I had the radio low and gulped a beer, hoping a cop wouldn’t catch me in the act. Fortunately, no cars were in sight.
Deep down I knew something was amiss, so when I found the texts on her phone, I wasn’t surprised. But my best buddy, that’s unforgivable on both sides.
Her car just pulled in. When she reached the porch, he came outside and smiled. They embraced, lips locked together, hands in each other’s hair, before shutting the door.
I knew then what I had to do.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
Manuscript
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The rain pelted the window as I typed the last few pages of my manuscript. It was past midnight, and I had been working for hours with a cold cup of coffee on my desk. My agent advised that it would be in my best interest to have it ready by tomorrow morning, my first novel.
Thunder filled the sky, and my dog Bree ran under bed, my concentration never faltering.
As I typed “The End,” a flash of lightning lit the sky, and the electricity went out.
I didn’t have a chance to hit save before the power outage.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Dec
Christmas Wish
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
All six-year-old Charlie wanted for Christmas was a baby brother or sister. When he sat on Santa’s plump lap, he asked him for that wish. His response to the young boy was: “That’s out of my control little one.” Charlie sighed, slumped off his lap and walked in silence back to the car with his mom.
On Christmas morning, Charlie went to the Christmas tree and saw one large red gift box that moved and made whining noises. He lifted the cover and inside was a Shih-Tzu puppy that jumped into his arms.
The wish for a sibling faded away.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Dec
Visitor
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
When I visited his grave, the grass had not been cut, and the mixed bouquet of flowers someone placed in the ground were wilted. I walked to the office, and the receptionist told me their groundskeeper quit, and they just hired someone new to take his place. She assured me the cemetery would be taken care of in a few days. I’m not a frequent visitor so I wouldn’t know if that’s true.
I removed the dead flowers and replaced them. Then I said a prayer and asked again for forgiveness for my recklessness that put him in the ground.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Nov
First Thanksgiving
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The turkey is in the oven, and I breathe in the flavor. The table is set, and the apple pie is cooling on the counter; the sweet smell makes me want to eat a piece before the family arrives.
This is the first Thanksgiving I’ve hosted since Brad’s passing, and this had been his favorite holiday. He’d always sneak a taste of the raisin stuffing I’d make special for him before anyone would arrive.
I’m sitting with my feet up sipping white wine, savoring the flavor when the doorbell rings.
I take a deep breath and head to the door.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Nov
Rain
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The rain pelted my windshield, and the wipers provided minimal vision. My heart pounded and my hands gripped the steering wheel. I drove at a slow pace and prayed the weather would calm down and hoped the next exit would be soon.
“Lilly, remember how terrible the weather was on our first date. We watched the raindrops from the restaurant window, and you commented on how nature can get angry at any time. That’s when I kissed you for the first time. Your raspberry lip balm tasted so sweet.”
I glanced at the empty seat wishing she were still alive.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher