To Be or Not To Be

I’d been so careful. I had planned everything. Meticulous lists were made, with every item crossed off. I plotted backstories, kept a misleading diary, did everything right. I thought. But it seems you really can’t plan for everything when you’re staging your own tragic death.

It came as quite a shock when I actually died.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Worry

"I have no doubt, in a few years you’ll look at your amazing life and wonder how you got there."

"Maybe, but what am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

"Read, learn, exercise. The days will fly by. No worries."

But as the door shut and she was alone in her cell, she worried.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Too Soon

“I feel faint,” was all she said. He rushed over to where she sat on the couch to help her, as he had done every time she needed him since she'd lost the use of her legs. He laid her down and then, as she lay in his arms, she took her last breath.


This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Shattered

He always kept his anger hidden – until he couldn't. Then it would explode with undeniable force. Last time his wrath fell upon the furniture, and the only injuries were to the wall, the books and a shattered heart-shaped glass box. If my own heart were made of glass, it would have shattered long ago.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Medicated

That sort of all-encompassing bliss doesn't come along often or last very long so I was determined to enjoy every second of it. I wasn't medicated very much or very long, but it was enough to notice a difference when I stopped. Emotions are much more tangible again. I hope the doctors don't find out...

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Star Light, Star Bright

The stars twinkled around her.  To pass the time, she tried to identify the constellations out the window: Cassiopeia, Perseus, Andromeda.  If they would turn just a little bit to starboard, she could see Jupiter.  Instead, they turned to port and the space station loomed up, blocking her view of the stars.  Home at last!

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Bright Lights

He didn’t hear the whirring until he woke up.  Apparently, he hadn’t heard much because when he opened his eyes, all he could see were bright overhead lights and the shadows of figures moving around his bed.  He noticed the restraints just as the whirring got louder and he was overcome by pain and darkness.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Ready, Set, Go!

She threw the suitcase on the bed, her mind racing furiously.  What should she pack?  She didn’t have much time so she tossed in a few essentials, then checked that she had everything else: keys, wallet, passport.  She cast a quick glance at the clock, swore, then grabbed her bag and ran out the door.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Blue Skies

As she lay on the cool, green grass looking up at the clear, blue sky, she marveled at its purity.  How wonderful it would be to be like that again – pure and untainted, calm and clear.  She had become grey and cloudy and tarnished.  She wondered what it would take to make her shine again.


This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Too Good To Be True

You snuggled up tight behind me as we lay together.  You wrapped your arms around me and pulled me closer, surrounding me with your body.  You kissed me and whispered, “It’s ok.  I’m here.  I’ve got you.”  I felt safe and protected like never before.  That’s when I knew it was all just a dream.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Cold

She sat there, alone, huddled against the cold.  Beneath the thickening clouds, wind howled and snow spiraled.  She looked up and saw only a shroud of white between herself and the distance.  She shivered, paused for a moment, then swiftly moved the blanket from her lap and crossed the room to turn up the heat.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Dreams

Once upon a time, there was a girl, who lived in a small town in an even smaller house.  She played and learned and dreamed.  She dreamed about the future and what her life would be like when she grew up.  But even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined it would be like this.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Addiction

She could feel the urge building.  She needed a fix, but had to find some time alone.  Eventually she retreated to the bedroom and pulled out what she required from under the bed.  She was shaking, unable to contain her excitement.  She fumbled with the power cord.  Finally, she got what she desired most: Facebook.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Just a Moment

I’d been watching him for a few minutes before he noticed me.  He looked up as he passed and our eyes met.  We both smiled, cautiously but genuinely, before he was swept away by the crowd.  The subway doors closed, the train lurched forward and I revelled in the lingering happiness of a shared moment.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Winds of Change

Finally, the change she’d been hoping for arrived.  After months of waiting, she felt the temperature drop and the moisture in the air.  She saw the rain falling in the distance and hoped that the winds would bring it here; that this hope she now saw in front of her would not pass her by.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Drought

Looking this way and that, over the pale horizon, she searched the distance for anything that would bring her hope.  Each day, she stood upon the porch, looking for signs.  She studied the trees and smelled the wind.  Nothing today.  She knew eventually, the rains would come and her crops would flourish again.  But when?

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Trapped

From where she stood, looking out upon the world, everything looked perfectly normal.  She got up each day, ate, went about her daily duties and slept soundly every night, not giving it much thought.  But when she did stop to think, she was able to remember that not everyone lived in an ornate, gilded cage.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Crash

Growing up, we lived at the bottom of a big hill.  We would race down the hill on anything that had wheels – bikes, skateboards, rollerskates – then climb back up to do it again.  One time someone tried the same thing with his car, except it ended up parked against the tree in our front yard.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Despair

She lay in bed, knees tucked to her chin, silently screaming in anguish.  She couldn’t stop the tears -- but the children must not hear her sobs.  She choked them back and buried her face in the pillow.  Later, after she recovered, she could only hope that the mascara stains on the pillowcase would wash out.  

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.

Life 101

The last rays of summer sunshine beat down mercilessly -- it doesn’t feel like September.  I love spending the long lazy holidays hanging out with the children and part of me always dreads them going back to school.  This year is bittersweet: while they are learning life skills, I will be building a new life.

This is a story told in 55 words for G-man.