Posts Tagged ‘Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher’
Jul
Escape
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The gunshots up ahead are deafening. The screams, more so. I close my eyes and keep my mouth tightly shut to avoid crying out in terror.
My body begins to tremble when I hear rustling behind me. I am so frightened I can barely move.
A hand touches my shoulder. I know that gentleness.
“Come, my son, the way out is not far.”
Without speaking I follow my mother and she leads us to the river. A small boat is waiting for us.
She reaches for my hand, and we escape to a foreign country only to be trapped again.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jul
ARP
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I joined the Air Raid Precautions as a warden, ready to serve. I never imagined the danger.
The blackout began, and my eyes adjusted to the darkness. My partner George and I walked the streets and spoke frivolous chit chat when a bomb struck nearby.
We followed the screams into the chaos. Homes and businesses laid in a heap and bystanders wept as they picked up whatever was left of their belongings.
We searched the rubble and found no survivors.
I returned home, fell into bed, and dreamt of my childhood, a happy, peaceful time when there was no war.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Lisa has been writing since 2010 and has had many micro-flash fiction stories published. In 2018 her book Shorts for the Short Story Enthusiasts, was published and The Importance of Being Short, in 2019. Her most recent book In A Flash, was published in the spring of 2022.
Jun
Mr. Robot
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Robots Contest Entry:
I wanted a new laptop for my seventeenth birthday, but my parents bought me a robot instead.
It’s not that bad, I call it Mr. Robot. I know, it’s not that creative, but the name is fitting for a machine, and it’s become a friend. I programmed Mr. Robot to speak and follow commands. Its square eyes and grey metal body are scary to look at, but hey, it does what I need it to do.
In fact, my parents didn’t consider that it is a computer and can give me the answers to my homework.
A win all around.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
May
The Dig
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
A woman’s voice beneath the ash and rubble signals me. I tell her to keep talking and follow the sound, digging, my hands and arms aching.
“We’re almost there,” I say, gasping, dripping sweat and thirsty.
One of my workmen approaches. “Ben, she won’t survive long if we don’t get her out soon.”
“Keep digging,” I say.
An image appears and to my stunned eyes, I see a protruding stomach. She has lost consciousness and is covered in earth. I get her onto a stretcher and into the ambulance.
I take the shovel and begin digging for the next victim.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Apr
What Lies Ahead
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The explosions are closer, and my children are silent, staring wide-eyed out the window, watching people scrambling and screaming at the bombs up ahead. I would stay inside the comfort of my own home, but it is just as dangerous as the outside world. We have no choice; we must leave now.
“Children, come quickly.”
I take hold of Hannah and Erik’s hand and hurry down the steps, tripping and nearly falling taking my kids with me, but I steady myself and continue going.
The streets are crowded, and I don’t look back.
I stay focused on what lies ahead.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Apr
Escape Route
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Nadia rushes through the streets. Gunfire and bombs go off in the near distance and people are scrambling, and screaming, knocking into her while sweat drips down the nape of her neck. Her breath is shallow from the heat and clouds of black smoke fill the air. She uses her sleeve to cover her face from breathing in the toxic fumes, but she coughs heavily. She prays her husband is safe, but she hasn’t heard a word since he left to fight for their country.
She reaches the bridge.
A bomb explodes creating darkness and the bridge collapses beneath her.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Feb
Not Today
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Sam’s touched up face, slicked brown hair and embalmed body, reminded me that he really was gone.
I sat in the front row as family and friends approached, the same words spoken repeatedly.
“We’re so sorry for your loss, Janny.”
The room filled with flowers, from bleeding hearts to white lilies gave an aroma of a florist rather than a wake.
The priest began to speak, and the room quieted, except for my weeping.
Cancer took my husband too early. He’ll never see his daughter graduate college.
Now I must break the news of my Parkinson’s disease. But not today.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
Any Other Year
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
It’s “New Year’s Eve”, and Nick sits in front of the television gulping beer waiting for the ball to drop. His dog Gatsby rests his head on Nick’s lap seeking attention.
“Okay,” Nick says and rubs Gatsby’s head. “How’s that feel?” Gatsby contentedly wags his tail.
His neighbors are causing a raucous across the hall, laughing and playing loud music which fills the hallway, but the property owner doesn’t care since he’s there too. Nick, a loner, considers his science teaching job and Gatsby his friends.
The ball drops and Nick’s year will be the same as any other year.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
One Last Time
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The ringing in Timothy’s ears from nearby bombs gives way to headaches and fear. Doctors are scrambling while patients are moaning and yelling for their mothers.
He closes his eyes and remembers the last time kissing Amanda, laying under the large oak tree after a summer picnic. Her lips tasting of fresh strawberries, the sweetness giving him a quiver. He wants to go back to that happier, peaceful place.
A nurse is moving his stretcher with great speed. “We need to evacuate.”
As the blinding brightness approaches the vehicle, and soldiers scream, he tastes Amanda’s strawberry kiss one last time.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jan
True Meaning
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
As a boy, I remember my dad telling me Christmas is about family and spending time together. Secondary, exchanging gifts.
My own children are opening their presents and their beaming faces light up the room. The Christmas tree is sparkling with silver tinsel and an angel at the top of the tree, its wings white and glowing. Decorations and food consume the house this time of year, the baked ziti’s sauce filling the air with a delicious aroma. But these delightful things are not what my children celebrate.
The birth of Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate the holiday.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher