Posts Tagged ‘Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher’
Aug
Fade Away
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
As I pass through the automatic doors into the library, the smell of musty books fills the air. I browse the shelves for what seems like hours until I come across a fantasy novel with magic and fire breathing dragons. My favorite.
I plop into the usual large, cushioned chair, and my mind wanders to all the chores I need to do when I get home. The bills need to be paid; I have stacks of laundry waiting to be washed, dinner needs to be cooked. It makes my stomach churn.
I start chapter one.
All my worries fade away.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jul
Compassion
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
George staggered into the hallway searching for Cecilia. He didn’t have much time and he needed her to make haste.
“There you are. I signed it.”
She sipped her tepid coffee. “Oh, George, can’t I even take a short break?”
“Just take it. You don’t need to read it.”
“I know, I’m your attorney. I read it already. Are you sure about this?”
George sighed and put the paper in front of her, pushing aside the glazed donut.
It was done.
His estate would go to Myra Ariello, the compassionate nurse who cared for him when no one else would.
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.
She currently resides on Long Island, New York with her husband Richard and dogs Lucy and Breanna.
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