Shortly after Christmas last year I heard a news story that has been on my mind since. My house was still decorated with all things Santa and Wise Men. We had plates full of Christmas treats that would last us a month. Like every other morning before, I woke up to the news on the TV. ...

“How…How did they get to me so fast? Doctor Ross and his crew that looked like EMS?” Don’s lips tightened under his bearded face and his brow wrinkled in worry. “I don’t know Violet. I’m sorry. But with enough resources, I’m sure Ross and DIB can pull off more than we know.”

Esk returned to Sam’s cabin home, still upset. Sam, concerned, sat down in his recliner to join him. Esk stared at the ashes in the fireplace. “Esk, I know ya’ been havin’ a hard time lately,” Sam said. “That is what you call an understatement,” Esk mumbled. “Bein’ an angel must be hard, huh?” “Yes. ...

“So, you’re dating the paramedic?” Dylan’s lips stay flat, his eyebrow raised, and he stares straight ahead.

The concrete jungle wakes to rays of the sun. Panes of glass play with eastern light. Towers of brick, cement, and stucco rise above urban citrus trees to glimpse the stirring towns. Traffic pours in, traffic pours out, and cars line up like glistening ants. Vehicular networks like brain neurons branch outward and inward, a ...

Have you ever felt yourself emotionally go backwards? Lately, it seems like everything I have been trying to achieve has been put on pause. This being said I am actively working not to slip into my old version of survival mode. The new strategy is to not let myself say, “I’ll do it later.”  Later ...

Jerome population: strange. That’s how the tiny ghost town sees itself and sports that statement proudly on a bumper sticker. I have to admit the statement caught my attention. We’ve been to Jerome numerous times, and I agree it is eccentric. Once a thriving copper mining town, now it’s a town for the quirky and ...

I am lying on the damp path A stranger stops and leans over me  “Are you ok mate?” he asks “I’m fine thank you” “I’m down here having a chat with Mr. Caterpillar”“Oh!” gives me a quizzical look and moves on  Then Mr. Caterpillar said “Thanks for joining me here at dirt level” I reply.  “The moist grass feels silky against my ...

It sat on a lot. On a concrete foundation poured years and years ago, mazes of cement like outlines for a future. Stakes of iron held it together, and puzzles of timber erected a roof. Windowpanes witnessed Christmas mornings, marine-layered springs, fairy summers, and crisp falls. This grand model wore stains from nail polish and ...

Soon after the initial meeting of Don and reuniting with Ella, we all decided to keep moving, lest I be caught by the Dudes in Black, whom shall hence be named! Don and Ella glided effortlessly just above the ground. They were no longer attempting to put on false pretenses of still being living humans ...