I wake up in the morning, and you’re there.
I come home from work. You’re there.
I sit down for supper. You’re there.
Clean up the kitchen. Still there.
Lay my head down at night. Right there.
I love you with all my heart.
Why won't you leave me alone?
[50]
Permanent Record
Her stepfather's fingerprints purpled her throat. Cigarette burns branded her arms.
All that before she ever told him about the baby.
"Stupid whore."
A single shot put a stop to that.
Twenty years later, I sit with my friend, watching him sketch portraits for the daughter who visits him monthly.
[50]
Feed
The code learns me faster than I can discover myself.
It suggests friends I should have, clothes to wear, food to eat, partners to love, places to visit, things to see and do.
I feed it my attention. It eats up every byte.
It loves me more than I do.
[50]
Symbiosis
The parasite doesn't consider itself evil. It simply exists, taking what it needs.
I watch it through the microscope, elegant in its efficiency, beautiful in its devastation.
Later, I stare at my reflection while swallowing pills that might kill me to kill it.
My first marriage ended the same way.
[50]
Reunion
Twenty years later, I recognize him instantly. Same laugh. Loud. Carefree and confident.
He squints at my nametag. I touch the scar he left.
His daughter looks exactly like me at sixteen. Eyes down. Arms folded in front of her. Timid. Shy. Scared
My hands tremble.
I order another drink.
[50]
Homecoming
The old diner's gone. School's abandoned. Main Street's a row of empty storefronts.
I park outside our first apartment. Different siding. New carports. Larger dumpster. Your name still carved in that old oak tree.
A girl watches from the window – my window. She's wearing your expression.
I drive away.
Again.
[50]
Testament
I never understood you. So serious, hard-nosed, distant. No wonder we didn't get along.
But I appreciate now what I didn't understand then.
I see your hands when I fix things, hear your laugh when I'm with my children, and feel your patience when I wait for them to learn what can't be taught.
I am steady because you never wavered, curious because you let me explore, loyal because you always welcomed me home.
I am a better husband because of your example, a better father because I was your son, and a better man because I was your boy.
[100]
Look, Dad - I’m doing it! You were right. You were right all along.
Hey, you beautiful human. I love you for you 🤗
Please do the same for yourself.
Thank you so much for showing up. 🙏
You are more powerful than you know.
—Paul
p.s. If you appreciate my work, please consider buying me a Diet Coke.
I’ll love you forever ♥️ ☺️
Geez Louise! You have really nailed the 50 word story form. These are so powerful and potent in their own right, but also as a mini collection.
Has this experience affected your longer story writing? Is there no going back? Haha.