She always thought his family was a little different — Smug, Lionel Winters watched his wife’s face carefully for signs of guilt. Long on suspicions, but short on proof, he wondered about her involvement in his death. Yet. Clarice’s eyes narrowed before filling with crocodile tears. Lip quivering, she nodded. “Yes, I would love to know how you made your…

75: Sad to think the love in the story would never be the same — Feet burning, sun beaming down, body on fire, I walked across sandpaper for miles. Fine grit. Got into everything. Picked her up a day into my journey. Wandered over, slipped her hand into mine, our steps fell into sync. Ruby red lips and matching fingernails. Long, curly ebony hair. Alabaster…

74: Every mama needs help once in awhile — Wings fluttering lazily, the faery hovered over the clearing. Three fox kits tumbled in the grass below. A nod to Mama and she trotted off into the trees. Next came twin bear cubs, a baby squirrel, four bunnies, two cougar kittens, and three beaver kits. …

73: I happily dropped to my knees for that hot, black, lip-licking goodness every morning — Bleary-eyed, nose dripping, feet shuffling, ass scratching morning from hell started, as always, with my stumble to the kitchen. Fingers massaging my temples, I blessed the coffeemaker and poured a very generous cup of black coffee. “Ah, psychopaths unite!” A giggle as I gulped too much scalding java. And a…

72: When you tell someone old news — “Hello, Mrs. Graham.” Two coffees in hand, I sat across from her. Uninvited. “I’d like a word, if I may?” Arms crossed, curious look sizing me up, she leaned back. “Yes?” “Mrs. Graham, your husband is an adulterer.” Eyebrows raised, smug smile, I awaited her reaction. She broke into raucous…

71: Redemption not needed, mind your own business — “Hello there, Hester Prynne.” Pearl and her gaggle of giggling girlfriends circled my park bench. Stepford Wives twittering, she flashed her self-satisfied smirk at me. My worn copy of The Scarlet Letter in hand, I smirked at her. “Hey, Chastity.” She hated my high school nickname. “What’s that on your…

70: True or false, she slayed more than enemies with her prose — Demonic grin curling her lips. Not-so-hidden anger flashing in her eyes flashing. Keyboard straining under fingers poised for vengeance. Time stood still as she planned it all out in her head. The perfect revenge. Write a story painting him as the bad guy. Everyone will see the truth. …

69: She bared her soul, he stole her heart — She breathed deep. This was difficult for her. Bullied for her weight. Ridiculed for her beliefs. Berated for her likes and dislikes. It took a lot for her to trust anyone. She’d been betrayed too many times. In front of the mirror, barely there red lace and satin made her…

68: No amount of glitter could force one more second on me — “What the hell?” I stomped across the room and stabbed the large green button, grinning as the picture blinked out of existence. News numbing my senses, I sipped my caramel macchiatto, staring down another week of doom and gloom. Pitter patter of little feet stopped, wailing started. “Where did Glitter…

67: Her eyes knew the truth, even if her mind refused to see it — Liver-spotted hands grasped the handmade oak glider. With no friends or family to keep her company in the waning days of her life, she watched the world pass her by. “Can’t believe they left me here, Cathy.” Rheumatic, watery eyes shine bright with the truth she denies. …

66: No one tells me how to live my life — Brrrring! Brrrrring! “Hello?” “STACE! Did you see Connor’s insta?!?” “No. Did he post another blurry dick pic?” “Nope. Pic of y’all from Senior Prom.” “Really?!? Why?” “Didn’t see your insta, either, did you?” “Nope. Haven’t logged on since last night.” “Right. When you posted the pic of you snuggling up…

65: Saving horses was my favourite pastime — Twangy country music blasted me when I walked into the honky tonk. At the junction of four counties, middle of nowhere, it served all of them. Nervous, I scanned the crowd. Heart sinking, shoulders drooping, I turned to go. Then I saw him. My Cowboy. Only one I wanted. Six-foot-five…

64: Daddy never asked again — “Well, Susie, anything exciting at school today?” Daddy always asked us that. “I hear Sister Mary Margaret was absent.” “I saw Sister Mary Margaret today, Daddy.” Little Emily piped up between bites of mashed potatoes. “She was with Bishop Sanderson.” My other two sisters and I shared a look. We’d…

63: Who knew renting movies would help me buy beer? — Excited, I slid three 12-packs of my favourite craft beer across the counter. “Is that everything?” Gum popping, the apathetic young girl picked at her nails. “Yes, just the beer.” My lozenge got caught in my throat, making my voice squeak. Still without looking up, bored, she asked, “Can I…

62: They kept their marriage strong — Bass notes hit her spine as she steps through the door. Feet moving to the beat, her body undulates and gyrates its way to the dance floor. Hands over her head, hips swaying, she was sex in four-inch heels. Eyes gleaming, he sidles up behind her, nestling into her. One…

61: He should’ve thought twice before answering — Mahogany-coloured tea peeked through steam rising from twin teacups nestled into matching saucers. Decadent brownies, cookies, and butter tarts taunted from trays on the table. “One lump or two, dear?” Saccharin sweet smile for her amused husband. “Where’s Bugs Bunny? Am I gonna get hit over the head with a…

59: She knew what I needed before I said a word Bell above the door dings. Everyone turns to see the newcomer. I smile and nod, joining the queue. Friendly, but curious, the patrons chatted me up, wondering what the newest shop owner was all about. I was at the…