A Little Practice Makes Perfect
Other women did it, how hard could it be? Very hard . . .
"Gently . . .Gently." Lee adjusted her grip, his fingertips warm and
gentle. "Don't squeeze it that way. Feel the rhythm."
Her eyes narrowed. "Okay, now what?"
"Wrap your fingers around it and take a deep breath. Don't worry, it
won't break."
It was firm and warm in her hand, and she was in complete control.
Calm flowed across her jangled nerves, and her grip tightened.
"Let's do it together, on the count of three." His hands steadied
hers.
"One."
"Two."
"Three . . ."
"FIRE!"
*****
Memories
Where were those Christmas angels?
She eased one sagging box from the pile, and blew across the top,
scattering dust into the weak sunlight streaming through the attic
window. Ancient tape crumbled as she pulled back the tattered
flaps.
Wrong box.
The battered doll. A metal teacup with cheerful, faded colors. She
ran her fingers over the little diary, still locked. What childish
secrets were inside?
She'd never open it.
Each little treasure had been rescued as their owner outgrew or
forgot them, all carefully saved. She smiled and slid the box back
under the pile, to rediscover another year.
-----------------------------
Merry Christmas!!
*****
Sweet Dreams
Amanda buried her head under the pillow, but could still feel the
vibration. Groaning, she rolled over.
"Sweetheart, you're snoring."
Another rumbling blast rocked the bed.
She traced his jaw with her fingertips. "Lee . . . please, wake up."
"Mmmmph." He rolled over.
Amanda dropped back, and closed her eyes.
Silence.
"Snore."
She prodded his ribs. "Wake up!"
"SNORE!"
Desperate, she tucked two fingers under the elastic waistband of his
blue boxers, and pulled.
SNAP!
~ ~ ~ ~
"Ouch!" Something bit him! Awake now, he watched her sleep. With
that sweet, little smile, she looked like an angel.
*****
Everyone Loves a Circus
It chased him through the whirling, twisting corridors of his own
foolish mind. Closer, it came, its fingers grasping, its claws
descending. The maniacal giggles sent ribbons of terror cascading
down his spine as he ran.
And ran.
It was gaining on him. So close now. Its fetid breath, hot on his
neck.
In an instant, his world became a tangled swirl of red, white, and
yellow stripes.
Lee woke, his sweaty hands clutching the comforter, and his heart
pounding a frantic, two-beat rhythm. Shaking off the last trembling
vestige of his nightmare, he remembered how much he hated clowns.
*****
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.