Short Stories

I wrote this for a Friday Rapid Writing exercise at Julie Loden’s writing blog / forum. The rules were to keep it under 500 words (mine is 499) and the theme is “zoo”. I liked it so much I thought I’d preserve it on my blog and share it with my readers.

The Zoo

“Welcome to the night predators special exhibit, ladies and gentlemen. We’re so lucky to have this exhibit on loan to us from the Smithsonian. We do have a few rules we need to go over first if I could have everyone’s attention.” Marian paused and beckoned the visitors in with a well-practiced and elegant gesture.

The crowd huddled closer to listen; expressions of fear, excitement, curiosity and wonder adorned their faces. Continue reading →

Today was the day. Marvin had everything ready, had rehearsed his speech, felt the strength of his commitment urging him forward. So many times he thought he’d achieved this foothold only to lose his nerve and bow out. Not this time. No sir. He could feel every nerve ending, every red blood cell, every muscle and tendon, all synced up for a common offensive. He would do it this time.

“Marvin! Oh thank goodness. Finally someone not teetering on the brink of insanity like everyone else I’ve dealt with today. Come in, come in,” Marilyn said as she ushered him into her living room.

He gave her a brief kiss on her lips and followed her into her kitchen where she usually had something warm and delicious waiting for him with a beverage to chase it down. But not today. Continue reading →