Peaceful Passing

The vigil continues. For several months now, a woman, breathing heavily, lays in bed awaiting death. Next to her, sitting bedside and holding her hand, is her husband. “It’s ok to go, to let the pain go, to finally rest,” he said to her. She looks at him unable to move, then acknowledges with just…

The Monument

One month after his wife’s burial, Lionel was once again at her grave. As before, he spent his time grieving, hurting. Being there seemed to be the only solace he could find these days. Kneeling with his face pressed against the ground, tears welled from his eyes and wet the grass. Wanting to be ever…

Red Rock

“Woo hoo – finally,” yelled Ren upon winning a small jackpot at a slot machine. He was dressed casually, wearing old and comfortable jeans and tee-shirt. His only new article of clothing was a bright blue LA Dodgers ball cap purchased that morning at the casino. A small audience accumulated and cheered him on. Ren…

Periphery

I see my eye looking back at me! Heavily drugged and nerves numbed, I’m in a darkened surgery office ready to get started. My head is encased in a thick, mechanical device designed specifically to hold me steady. Armed with sensors, lenses and lasers, the device is about to begin its de facto precision work….

Below Ground

In a small cave lit by a warm fire, several people were laughing, eating, and generally enjoying the moment. Around the fire sat a man wearing a dingy green, wool uniform. Another in dark, tattered cotton shirt and pants, and a woman and her young daughter in traveling clothes. Ulrich, the man in the uniform,…

Cat Lady

“She eats cats!” exclaimed one of the kids. Santi and his friends, all sixth graders, were out riding their bikes after school and had just passed the Cat Lady’s house. “Who eats cats?” asked Santi as he drove over a dead bird on the sidewalk. “The lady that lives in that yellow house back there,”…