Lynn gathered her thoughts as the sticking wheel of her carryon mocked her. For years she turned scraps of partial truths into murals of a normal life – one where people didn’t care to ask questions so long as you flattered them, and here she was again.
Returning home after her haughty diatribes about small town life and mundane pleasantries was almost humbling. This wasn’t her first time back, but despite managing to stay away for years, it had summoned her, nonetheless. “Hi, what have you been up to? I’m fine, I was just in the neighborhood, and figured I’d stop by if you’re free. Is that okay?” Forcing down the tightness in her throat accompanied by what would otherwise be a quivering voice audible through the phone receiver, she arranged to meet with Perry by the end of her call. Perry, not unlike her hometown, was someone Lynn had sworn she’d left behind, but somehow, the two had a stronghold. Lynn never worried whether Perry would say yes. In fact, Lynn couldn’t recall any instance where Perry had denied her. For once, Lynn sort of hoped he’d say no. Perry never complained to Lynn about her sometimes outlandish requests, but Lynn knew what he was thinking. He had a bad habit of showcasing his emotions on his face.
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We washed up well, scrubbing every bended knee and pointed elbow until raw. Grandma gathered us together, three at a time, and we hopped our protruding bellies into the large pink bathtub, the oversized green bar of soap rough against our slight hands.
“Can we put some toys in? Mom lets us bring our toys.” Every time, I attempted to persuade her to let me bring my dolls in for a lap or two, and every time she grew a little more tired of me asking. Please Hold There was something so strange to him about the habits they’d all accepted – allowing others into their spaces so freely. Without question and with little reservation, they disadvantaged themselves for others. There was nothing he’d missed since being in the “outside world,” and the reasons continually became clearer with each passing day.
Since returning home, it was as if life had continued on without him. He often wondered if anyone bothered noticing that he’d been planted back into his original position, with no regard for his weathered, scraggly roots. “Can you hold that please?” Mirrors Between Us After the funeral, the crowd shuffled to the reception hall for the repast as they did during these impromptu family reunions. As Nikki waited in line for meager portions of sustenance earned in sweat and tears during grief-ridden tantrums, she looked for a familiar face amongst a crowd of kin and acquaintances.
“String Beans?” “Oh, yeah. Sorry.” A Bird in the Hand “Come on, I promise you won’t drown,” he said.
Over the past three weeks, I had come to trust Jodie, I mean I had no reason not to. He always had this believably honest countenance, and I couldn’t imagine that type of face doing anything wrong. In such a short time, he had already dragged me out of my shell, kicking and screaming no less, but he did. I had gone from a socially awkward nobody to somewhat of a rising star throughout the camp. Behind the Yellow Line The smell of public transportation is enough to humble even the haughtiest passenger. As we gathered together in anticipation of a familiar routine, we inched closer to the curb, staking claims to an unspoken order. Exhausted sighs from the rundown vehicle reminded us of how long of a week it had been, and how far there was to go before starting anew. Days grew longer and the weather warmer, yet the distance between home and Saturday proved too much for some. I was almost counted in that number, but not today. Today closed the gap. Even for a short time, this ride home would be a vacation from the mundane – a precursor to potential.
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This site is for me, but I'm happy that you're here. I’m Gabrielle, a short story and creative writer. Browse my quick short stories and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to subscribe! Archives
March 2024
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