The Rocket-Ship

3...2...1 no one shouts blast off. The rocket slowly gains speed bursting through the atmosphere. A part drops off. I don't know the name of it. None of us normal people do. Soon it'll reach space and head for Earth. The long since forgotten home world. We lost contact with them years ago. The technology for the rocket had to be forged from what we knew. New materials had to be created.

Those who came here with the first ship from Earth are now too old to go. Instead we sent some of our best and brightest. Their main goal is reestablishing contact with Earth. We've been self sufficient for a years now. We don't need more resources or food for them. Many of our elders have family there. They just want to know they are alright.

The rest of us are waiting on the results. If this trip works we can open an entire galaxy for space travel. This trip shouldn't take more than a few days. If they succeed this changes everything.
_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Eye Contact

Oh god, I looked up at the same time as he did. He's going to think I was staring at him. I hate that accidental eye contact moment. He's going to think I'm interested in him. I hope he doesn't think I was checking him out. I hope with all my heart. I'll just put my head down and pretend I wasn't even looking over there. No, why was he looking back at me. He had to be looking behind him. Please sit down. Please. Why is he walking this way? No, sit. Stop moving your feet. Fall to the ground suddenly paralyzed just get away from me. Damn. Damn. Damn.

"Hey Kare, hows it going," he asks with a smile, showing way too many teeth.

"Going great Mike. Just working on these expense reports."

"Probably real tiring."

"Yes it is, I really have to focus on these."

"How about we go out for a drink late. You know, to relax after a long work week," his eyes are so damn sad.

"Sorry, going out of town to see my sister," I don't even have a sister. Not even a sorority sister.

"Maybe, I'll catch you next time," he says raising an eyebrow and licking his lips as he backs away.

I might actually be sick to my stomach. This guy is out of his mind if he thinks I'm going out with him. Not now, not ever. He's the office creep. Doing just enough to avoid sexual harassment calls to HR. I can feel my skin crawling.

_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Food

"More coffee," the waitress asks.

"Sure."

"You ready to order?"

"How about a Texas Omelette with hashbrowns."

"Coming right up."

The waitress heads off to place my order and greet the next table. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I say it's the coffee.

_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Dancing

Tap, tap, tap. Faster and faster their shoes slam against the floor in tune with the music. Slides, twirls, a skip and a jump. All are part of the routine. Elegant yet violent. Style and grace mixed with precision stomping. That's what it looks like in the mind of a person watching. To the men and women on stage it's a skill. A craft they have honed through constant dedication to improvement.
_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Spaceship

The bronze paint glistens in the sunshine. Small silver flakes make it seem to sparkle. The white walls clean as the day they were made. I peer at my reflection in the chrome bumpers. I run my fingers along the side of the car. It's as a long as the day and twice as bright.

Inside the white leather interior is hot to the touch. Soaking in all the sunlight. No aux cord, no CD player, just cassette tapes. There was magic in the ancient technology. Turning the key causes the beast to roar back into the modern world. This is grandpa's spaceship.

1972 Cadillac Deville, sent from outer space. It had to be. Something so beautiful so perfect. This is the ultimate fusion of style and technology. Something like this doesn't belong in a garage. This is something he should be proud to pass down to me.

_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Outside

The sun peaks through gray clouds highlighting raindrops as they fall from the sky. The sound of their landing muffled by the grass as they fall. The scent of fresh rain wafts through the window. It's refreshing. Fall has always been my favorite season. Chilly nights and rainy days. It's the perfect mood for a perfect season.
_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Hero

"Hey kids, don't litter. If you do, you're a quitter," I remark to the kids as they drop their candy wrappers to the ground.

"Whatever gramps," they say as they ride off on their bikes.

Ah, they don't understand. One day they'll realize we only have one Earth. One day they'll learn how important it is to protect our Earth.  Until then I'll carry their burden one piece of trash at a time.
_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter

Dictionary Definition

"Alright Billy, it's your turn to tell the class what word you learned this weekend," the teacher calls out.

Billy stands tall and walks towards the front of the class. One shoe untied, he couldn't be bothered with that. He's an expert walking with one shoe untied. He stands proudly before the class, looking around and taking in the moment. He turns to his teacher and smiles. Finally he's ready to tell the class his word.

"My word is gudgeon. A gudgeon is a person that is easily cheated. My sentence is this; I Billy am a gudgeon because Ms. Stout has been cheating me out my good grades all year!"

"Alright, go sit down Billy," she says exasperated by his antics.
_________________________________
You can purchase my novel Phantasmagorical on Gumroad for $2.99
GET A FREE COPY by signing up for the newsletter