Don’t believe everything they report in the news — Red, blue and white flashing lights lit up the evening sky. Sirens blaring, vehicles screeched to a halt in front of the burning house. Firefighters hopped out of the trucks, grabbed their equipment and hastily set up to fight the three-alarm, rapidly building to a four-alarm blaze. Large orange and…

Controversy in the time of COVID — Karl walked into the air-conditioned building Karl walked into the air-conditioned building, briefcase and takeout breakfast in one hand. He lifted his coffee in greeting to the security guard on duty. Steve and Karl watched each other’s families change over the past nine years, from birthdays to weddings, then funerals…

Every Medium writer’s ego starts and ends with them — Cool breeze blew across the end of the bed, sending a wave of goosebumps up my body, from my calf to my hip. Shudder rolls through me with the chill of the early spring night. Blankets bunched under and around me, movements stilled, I sighed in frustration. I’d seen nothing…

She scared me celibate — “Come on, Luke. We’ve been together for three years.” Her wheedling tone pierced my hungover like nails down a chalkboard. “Everyone knows we’re going to get married.” She stroked my chest, twisting my nipple the way she knew I liked. Her logic baffled me. We’d been dating casually for six…

Every time I sit on the couch, all hell breaks loose — Shoulders rolling, I sink into the pillowy cushions of our burgundy corduroy couch. Head back, eyes closed, I heave a sigh of relief and mentally tick off my daily ‘To-Do’ list. Okay, did I get everything done before the plans fell through? Gifts wrapped… check. Cake picked up… check. Party favours for each…

When the meal is so bad you can only laugh and drink — Deep forest green linen fluttered into my lap. Dark burgundy wine sipped into my mouth. Then another long drink. Pink tongue licked my blood red lips. Violet fingertips tapped a snow white tablecloth while furious eyes flashed around the dining room. “Excuse me, mademoiselle,” the maître d’ bowed on my…

If you don’t have a problem, I’ll convince you you do — Cast iron frying pan sizzling, I slid it onto the back burner and called the family for breakfast. One hand covering a yawn, I trudged upstairs to the demons’ door. Okay, they aren’t demons. They’re my narcissistic in-laws but demons works. Trust me. Deep breath in. I rap on their…

When anxiety and frustration drive the words away — It didn’t seem like much. Because it wasn’t much. Threadbare couch, springs poking through the upholstery. Ratty old recliner, tufts of stuffing and foam pulled out of the arms when I’m anxious. Coffee table held together with spit, polish and gaff tape. Nope, sure didn’t look like much. …

Enjoy life before all you gather is dust and grey hair — Audra stood in the doorway, the garage door rattling as it slid into position above her. She glared at the metallic green dune buggy sitting in front of her. It had not moved in years, neither had that garage door, and she was not even sure the engine would still…

Heads buried in the sand, people ignored the political unrest engulfing their country — Sixty inches of liquid crystal display absurdity shone from the wall opposite the reclining sectional I relaxed in. Phone in hand, I scrolled through social media while the newscaster droned on in the background. It was appalling what they called news in today’s world. Television was always our escape from…

Stealing the heart of the home — Silence vibrated in the room, echoing between the walls. Dark blue and purple shadows danced around the room. Soft footsteps the only acknowledgment of my progress towards the doorway, unlocked patio doors behind me. People always think it won’t happen to them. I leave a breathy chuckle behind me. …

Anticipation can be a killer — Tonight is the night. I’m ready to burst the bubble of inexperience I’ve lived in for eighteen years. Thrilled and apprehensive, I vibrated with the anticipation. It’s been a long time coming. This girl was tired of the teasing and ridicule. Time to get it over with. This was an…

Help those who can’t help themselves — The park was peaceful, grass blowing in the breeze, day lilies bobbing on their stems and dogs barking at the birds. Idyllic serenity broken by the sudden howl and hollering from the mouth of the trail through the woods. Heads turned at the noise, eyebrows raised, mouths open in astonishment. …

Who do you think you are? — This is a conversation between two women in a coffeehouse. One, an uppity, froo-froo-coffee drinking diva, sitting in an armchair sipping her coffee while nursing her baby. The other a black coffee-drinking, word-loving Momma looking for a moment’s peace in which to sit back and enjoy her book. …