Today is August 12, 2016. I have a feeliing that this day's submissions will carry a unifying theme.
Asleep then annoyed at the thunderstorm waking me Pissed off but pleased that I have a day off and can go back to sleep Idle and irked that the reason for my day off is the Queen's birthday/Mother's Day Happy then homesick thinking about my own mother and grandmother far away Confused then concerned at the number of "are you okay?" messages Curious then incredulous as I see the news: Two bombs exploded yards from my street One person dead At least seven injured. I realise what the thunderstorm was and I am relieved and embarrassed Shaken and upset I message frantically to my friends and family back home Don't worry, I am fine! xx I send messages to my friends here They are fine too - marked "safe" by Facebook A moment of shock, then silent reflection. The acknowledgement of grief I'm pessimistic about politics I'm hopeful for humanity and thankful for the mother in us all How are you feeling today?
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“How do you feel?” Her question was innocent enough, but the sound of her voice drove me mad.
“I’m fine,” I answered, adding, “thanks,” in an effort to mask my irritation. I knew it was uncalled for, but that didn’t diminish it any. I wanted to be alone. “Can I get you anything? Maybe…” “No,” I nearly barked it. “Well, actually…” “Yes?” She hung there, desperate to feel needed. “Ah, I couldn’t ask you to do that. It’s too far. Never mind, I’m alright,” I said, letting it linger. “No, what is it? Anything to help you feel better,” she said, and I knew that she meant it. “Really?” “Of course,” she said, showing her worth. “Even Rainbow Cone?” I lobbed the question right over the plate. She looked at me, puzzled. “Rainbow Cone? Like…the ice cream place? The one on the south side?” “Yes, that’s the one! Big cone, all those flavors. My mom used to take me there when I was kid. I can’t think of anything that would make me feel better than one of those big cones. Like a taste of childhood, you know?” It spun in an easy arc heading straight for her bat. “Well yea, I guess. I mean, it’s a bit far, don’t you think? It’ll melt before I get back here.” She was right. A hush fell over the crowd. “Oh,” I said, trying my best to look dejected. I wondered if that old place was even open anymore. “Yes, I guess you’re right.” “Aw, jeez, Dan. Don’t look so sad! I’ll do it. What the hell, melted or not, it’ll still taste good, right?” Crack, boom! She shot it out of the park. “Babe, you’re the best. Thank you.” I kissed her on the forehead and rolled back over in bed. I could hear her there for a few minutes more, packing up her purse and putting on her sneakers, the jingling of keys. I couldn’t wait to hear that door open and shut. I smiled when it did, leaving me lying in sweet silence. Never did i dream that the silence would last for so long, that she wouldn’t come back to me. That wrapped up in this silence I would suffocate in guilt, for sending her away that day. Sending her to tragedy, to her death. That beautiful girl who wanted nothing but to love me, an undeserving man. No, a monster. |
August 2016Check out some of the submissions for our first-ever monthly challenge. Have you been writing and want to post to the blog? Shoot us a message! ArchivesCategories
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