Written as a response to the Muse on Monday prompt for May 4, 2026: Write a story that has to do with household chores My Sister’s Keeper I dip my hands into the scalding dishwater. As hot as you can stand it, my mother always said. “I’ve been taking care of her for my whole life. I…
Tag: family
Probably a Phase
Probably a Phase “It’s a dreamcatcher,” his son said. “Ah,” Tim said, staring at the artistic horror. “Why are there chicken guts in it?” “Because it’s an evil dreamcatcher. To curse people.” It’s a phase, Tim thought. He’s going through a phase. “Cool . . .” he said aloud. “How?” “It uses a person’s possession…
Grandpa’s Head
Grandpa’s Head “There’s a head inside that.” Grandma pointed to the box on the highest bookshelf. I mentioned this at dinner, expecting laughter. Everyone just nodded. “Your great-grandfather found it a century ago, completely mummified.” “That slash across its mouth, ugh!” “And the naked lady tattoo.” The adults snickered. The kids looked fascinated. “Can we…
Candy From a Baby
This story is written as a response to the Muse on Monday writing prompt for August 4, 2025: Write a story from the antagonist’s point of view. Candy From a Baby “I don’t feel good.” I glanced over at my daughter Amber in the passenger seat. Her eyes were closed, and she was sweating. “Your blood…
T(ea)
T(ea) I’ll admit, I was only half listening to my daughter. She’d just gotten back from school and was chattering about her day. I was going through the mail. “Tea,” I heard her say. I looked at my watch. “Sure, I guess. You going to make it?” “You are.” “Fine. Don’t take that tone, though.”…
The Sweet Life
The Sweet Life The air was filled with delicious smells and the sounds of nightmares. The Hive was in port, that wandering ship of bees the size of Shetland ponies. “Where’s your brother?” Mom asked. We watched through the slats of the blinds as two drones buzzed by, tattooed and addled on mead. I shrugged….
Bedtime Story
Bedtime Story The little princess lifted the book into her lap and turned over the heavy cover, moving the pages until she came to her bookmark. She was freshly bathed, with teeth brushed and flannel pajamas on. Her family gathered behind her, holding up the light so she could see and resting heads on arms…
Muse on Monday – December 5, 2022
It’s December. In a lot of the world, it’s a month dominated by Christmas, with all the traditions and shopping that go along with that. It’s also a time when many people get together with family to celebrate the holiday. Families are interesting since we don’t get to choose ours and they can either be…
Dangerous Texts
Dangerous Texts I’m on the roof. I’m going to jump. Some days I wish I didn’t have a brother. No, I don’t mean that. Truly. Stop joking around, I text back. Get back in the apartment. I can’t deal with this right now. The bakery is quiet, but I’m at work. I don’t have time…
My Father is Dying in the Desert
My Father is Dying in the Desert The Stone Emperor is dying. It was just the two of us now, wandering across the burning expanse of desert, towards the far-off dream of the ocean. I stagger along in his shadow as he towers over me. The sand trembles as he walked—one step for every fifty…
The Green-Walled Treehouse 