Posts Tagged ‘Return’
Dec
Soldier’s Return
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
It’s been years since I could feel my wife’s hands on my body, and I can’t wait to lay next to her in bed caressing her soft skin.
I didn’t know what to give my kids for Christmas, so I made a collage of all the letters and pictures my son and daughter sent me. I made the same gift for my wife, but with a personal touch, for her eyes only. Their pictures and letters helped keep me strong through the long war.
The bus has come to a stop.
The three of them are here, smiling, anxiously waiting.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Dec
Crossing The Threshold
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The greatroom was full to bursting, ghosts everywhere: playing charades, talking, resting, dancing, darting between clusters of spirits engaged in various means of whiling away time.
A newly-born ghost appeared at the doorway and paused at the chaos. The chaos paused in return, all eyes upon the newcomer.
“Come in, Dearie, and welcome,” Eve, the oldest of them all, beckoned.
The new arrival apprehensively crossed the threshold. The others returned to their various activities.
Eve helped the new ghost settle in. Did she have any questions?
Just one, the young ghost said, voice wavering: “When do they notice you’re gone?”
From Guest Contributor Melissa Ridley Elmes
Melissa is a Virginia native currently living in Missouri in an apartment that delightfully approximates a hobbit-hole. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in Reunion; The Dallas Review Online, Eye to the Telescope, Star*Line, Gyroscope, In Parentheses, and other print and web venues, and her first book of poetry, Arthurian Things: A Collection of Poems, was published by Dark Myth Publications in 2020. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @MRidleyElmes
Mar
Old Pete
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Pete was a common sight on the pier. Not surprisingly, as he had spent most of his life on the docks. He was adored by everyone. After the accident, Pete no longer had a fishing vessel. He would see the boats off in the morning and wait on the pier for their return. The unloading fishermen were met by Pete. In turn, they would greet Pete and pause so he could check out their haul. Pete’s reaction to the catch would let them know if he approved.
Everyone was sure Pete knew his owner died at sea three years ago.
From Guest Contributor N.T. Franklin
NT Franklin has been published in Page and Spine, Fiction on the Web, 101 Words, Friday Flash Fiction, CafeLit, Madswirl, Postcard Shorts, 404 Words, Scarlet Leaf Review, Freedom Fiction, Burrst, Entropy, Alsina Publishing, Fifty-word stories, Dime Show Review, among others.
Apr
Dream Beach
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
He walked along the beach he’d frequented as a child in holidays long ago.
“All those years,” he thought, “and my life has had as much significance as a grain of sand on this shore!”
“Even my memories are fading,” he reflected, as the past receded ever further year on year.
“My senses too are dulled. The sights and sounds of the sea are not as vivid as before.”
Hearing the mesmerizing cadence of the waves he felt he was walking in a dream.
Yes, it would soon be time for his return to the dust from whence he came.
From Guest Contributor Ian Fletcher
Nov
Hope And The Sword
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Face down in pine-needles, Tom could hear rustling undergrowth.
It wasn’t such disturbance of leaf and stalk that might herald the man’s return, but more woodlandy – some creature curious about the blood…his blood.
Gauging the effort required, he summoned what energy remained and thrust.
His right arm collapsed, the incline rolling him onto his back.
The unobstructed air was invigorating. He’d never appreciated that before. He coughed half way through a breath, spluttering blood.
He managed to avoid choking. He might just survive–
Now he could see the man hadn’t left at all.
The shooter raised the gun again.
From Guest Contributor Perry McDaid