Identity
“So tell us, Molly, who are you and what do you bring to our practice?” Molly sat quietly for several minutes. She had acquired so many titles and skills over the years: obedient daughter, loving granddaughter, straight-A student, oldest sibling, responsible babysitter, loyal friend, college graduate, wife of Sam, successful lawyer, former lawyer, mother of…
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Frozen Echoes
Echoes of laughter-laced music from last night’s party crept out from behind the tree line and moved across the field. The piney air carried the suggestion of alcohol-doused firewood and nearly frozen vomit, followed by something not quite appropriate to the occasion – the unmistakable scent of fresh blood. “What do you think it is,…
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Undercover
To say that a bald man in a white suit and purple sunglasses at a funeral sticks out like a sore thumb might be the singularly greatest understatement of the year, but when I got the 5:00 AM call to show up for an urgent security job, I was in a mildly hungover state and…
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The Fishing Trip
“Been forever since I fished these waters. Or any. Won’t be much good.” Joe watched as his grandfather stood in the shallows, silent and motionless. He hadn’t been himself since Gran died. “Ya know, Gramps,” said Joe quietly, “you always said it didn’t matter if we caught anything, just that we get our toes wet…
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Uplifted
Winter came again last night. The wind takes icy bites of my neck. I turn my collar against the chill, seeking help from glittering sunshine that offers no warmth. The landscape has dressed in delicate white furs for the occasion of what is – hopefully – winter’s final farewell. Across the snow-laced field sits a…
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First Day on the Job
“Here’s where you punch in and out,” said Bob, “and you’ll be up in the rig until your shift ends, so take your lunch up with you.” Ned punched his card and followed the foreman to the building site, hesitating at the sight of the crane towering above the high-rise. Freak accident, they said, could…
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Weekend Business (A Reboot)
Gail signed the document with a steady hand, then locked her briefcase. “Business awaits,” he said. “You’ll be OK this weekend?” Recalling the suspicious “business” charges on their Visa statement, she imagines Rich’s face later when the card is declined. With a dismissive wave, Gail smiles. “I’m sure I will.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joining the crew over at Ivy…
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A Cold Encounter
Such strange warmth for this time of year. Ice is still thick on the lake, a dull mirror for the fog that hovers inches above the surface. Dense and disconcerting, it blurs the distinction between earth and sky and the shroud makes dusk of midday. What am I not supposed to see? The…
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The Fireweed
Burned trees and scorched earth tell the story of what happened here. I can barely recall details of people, names, and places once so intimately familiar, nor the life that was, for a time, lush and green as the woods. A flash – a single moment – and everything changed. This once-thriving forest is now unrecognizable.…
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Star Light
Lila always dreamed of being a star. She loved moving her body to the rhythm of any song she heard, allowing the emotions within her to pour out into her movement, compelling her to tap, spin, leap, and float across the floor. She could belt out a pop or Broadway tune at the top of…
