Even the dead tell stories

They tell them the loudest

They tell them with their bones

They tell with their absence

The live ones should listen

But they don’t learn until far too late....

I make quick work of the antiquated lock, the thick metal rattling open and dropping with a clunk. I leave it there and will make sure to put it back later.

That’s the trick—making it like you were never here. I smile at the ease.

And Doc said tonight would be eventful.

I shake my head and tuck my steel pick into the leather kit and slip them into my inner jacket pocket, the one closest to my...

A collective gasp echoes through the room as I walk through the door, dripping red on the white stone tile. The room so bright after the darkness from outside and the dim red interior of my truck.

“Shit man, are you alright?” Mac leaps up, dribbling beer on his Alabama shirt and turns off Jason Aldean in the middle of “You Make It Easy.”

This definitely ain’t easy—my entire family staring at me...

I did it.

I hit a goal I set out to do.

It felt glorious.

100 days in a row on this app.

Proof of my dedication, proof of my consistency, my driving force.

I exalt— joyful, proud

I did it.

The only question is what do I do now?

Do I keep going, forever without pause?

Is it can I write for a year?

A whole 365?

Or do I take up a new challenge?

A new feat to climb?

I’m not sure, but ...

2020 was a good year for me.

It finally sucked for everyone else as much as it generally sucks for me.

I think even my brother Jamie finally understood what’s it’s like to be me, stuck inside, afraid of getting sick, resentful of medical advice, even if it is good for you.

As bad as it was, the freedom that came with it was better. Everyone wearing masks meant I could finally be anonymous.

No...

I don’t know what made today different than the thousands that came before it.

We’re in his family room, same as always, watching Youtube videos on their projector, sound blasting from the speakers. The window’s open and the aroma of fresh cut grass wafts in from outside. My sister’s sitting on the tan carpet in front of us painting her nails an eye-popping lime green on the low coffee table. Mi...

One: Baby smiles. Baby smells.

Baby snuggles. Late nights. Worth it.

First steps. First words. Love.

Two: Up and running.

Bouncing off the walls. So fast.

Watch for tantrum time.

Three: A world of words.

Now the questions come. So smart.

You’re a person now.

Four: No more baby.

Now you’re a big kid. So strong.

Off for preschool fun.

Five: loose teeth, big grins

kindergarten learning time.

Grow...

“Get down from there right this second, you human headache!”

“You can’t talk to me like that. I’m your patient.” He grins, thick black glasses sliding down his nose.

“You’re also in a tree. Please, Mr. Peterson, I insist. You must come down!” I would stamp my foot, if it wouldn’t make me as childish as him.

“But Doc, it’s so nice up here.” He closes his eyes and breathes. “It’s breathtaking....

The blade paused just by her neck, the vein jumping with each breath.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you.”

Karissa stilled, arms still bound, the metal blade just grazing her dark brown skin. If he stabbed her, she would only have less than a minute to stop him. ‘Better make it count’ she thinks.

In one motion, she tilts her head to the right and back, the knife swiping where her throat used to be...

The birds crow a weeping melody,

Trees clean of leaves.

The grave lies deep and velvety,

Ready to receive....