This blog is a little different in that I wanted to share some short stories that I have had the pleasure to read over the past several weeks. I believe you will find them interesting too. I have given you a short snippet of the story and then the website where you can find that story and more of the author’s writing. I think you will be entertained, challenged, led to ponder as I did.

The Whopper by David Rae

“Do you remember that time we caught that fish,” JJ asked Grampa.

“Remind me again,” Grampa replied.

“I think it was a dogfish.”

“Oh yes, I remember that. It was a spur-dog,” said Grampa. “That’s a kind of shark. It was pretty big; it kept thrashing about and trying to bite me. Didn’t we have to use live bait? You don’t catch fish like that using worms. You need something that will attract the shark. You need something that moves in the water. Did we use mackerel; the fish blood brings the sharks? ” Click here to continue reading

When the Music Died by Lina Wrangert

“Greg chewed down his bottom lip as he struggled with the entangled tie around his white shirt-collar. The thing around his neck was an impossible mess to get in order. He didn’t understand ties in the first place, but of course, he had to wear one during this type of occasion. You would think the immaculate shoes and black suit-coat would do without the irritable thing, swaying around his throat. After a few faltering attempts he let go of the tie with a huff and loosened its knot to let it dangle there instead. He sniffled and shoved his hands down his dark trouser pockets with a taunt directed to the pebbled pavement. He had never felt comfortable with dressing up. Formality in ones clothing always strengthened the funeral-feeling, unless you wore more colorful apparel or a sunny smile which his older brother always managed to pull, even in the dark and gloomy suit he was wearing when he sprinted up to tap Greg´s shoulder.” Click here to continue reading.

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead by Jodi Elderton

“Sometimes I wish I was dead. No, I’m not suicidal. I just want to sleep. Figure that’s the only way I’m ever going to get some rest. I work night shift and every cell in my body is screaming for sleep. There’s not enough caffeine in the entire world to wake me. As I drag out of bed, it’s as if someone tied 2-ton weights to my limbs.

“Oh crap! I should have set two alarms!” I said to no one. I quickly dress and bolt to my car, hoping the traffic wouldn’t be too bad. I wipe the sleep from my eyes and chug some more coffee.

“Today, buddy!” The joker in front of me is oblivious to the green light. I bet he’s texting, the menace.” Click here to continue reading.

Blue by Erin Halden

“Pema tiptoed through the amber morning light as fast as she dared, her feet silent on the titanium ground panels. She clutched her shoes to her chest to contain her clanging heart and kept her head down, as if this would make the passageway stay empty. Her mother’s voice filled her head.

We’re starting on Field 4-1 today.

Something about a generator down. Routine Maintenance. Pema didn’t hear the rest. Didn’t ask questions. She couldn’t. Panic had gripped her throat too tight.” Click here to continue reading.

Tangled Lines by Judy Blackburn

“Abby watched her husband Mike drive off on his way fishing again. The sun’s rays warmed her through the living room window. Abby turned to go out the back door and caught a glimpse of the wicker picnic basket in the hall closet. She slammed the closet door shut. “Why doesn’t Mike want us to do anything together?” Abby muttered to herself as she went outside.” Click here to continue reading.