escape

Citronella (Parts 1-3)

/ Liz H-H / 11 Comments
Apartment building with a gated terrace, and no obvious entry.

© Ayr/Gray

Citronella (Part 1)  

Citronella leaned over the balcony and sighed, staring down at the village parti-gras. Before, she’d been content to lean on the iron parapet, separate from the mad goings-on below. Before, she’d been satisfied with her mother’s witchy warnings of the dangers of joining the sweaty rabble. Before, she’d felt empowered by her choice of who she’d let climb her long, golden braid to the top floor. She’d lived there for as long as she could remember. 
***              Continue reading →

Beyond the Volcano

/ Liz H-H / 23 Comments
Outside train station in summer, no train arrived yet

© Ayr/Gray

Tickets for the early train to Claris City spewed from the printer with a high-pitched whine, one after the other in twos for couples, four for young families, and the occasional single for the middle-aged women, purse draped cross-body, sporty sandals or high-tops broken in and ready for an active day away from the smoking volcano.    Continue reading →

F U Kevin

/ Liz H-H / 12 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (02/02/2024). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!

I’d had every intention of hopping on the old New Year’s Resolution Fitness Challenge. I’d even signed up for a morning biker’s meetup, unaware that Harleys were the usual ride. Still, they were nice about it, once they stopped laughing.  Continue reading →

First and Lost

/ Liz H-H / 3 Comments

Just Jot It January 2024 logo

ForJusJoJan24, on Jan 28, 2024, prompt = CONGREGATE (My observation: WTF did this come from?!)

A thin wind blew through the break in the old growth of Whittler’s Forest, a steady sussurus to accompany the rustling of dark wool cloaks and hoods, and the occasional clip of leather boot against loose stone. None dare speak aloud as they wait. Even a muffled cough – for this had been a wet winter and many suffered the wicked catarrh that had carried off so many of their loved ones – was glared at.      Continue reading →

Old Habits Die Hard

/ Liz H-H / 18 Comments

Glass of red wine, bottle tipped over

The challenge? Write a story in exactly 6 sentences based on Denise’s one word prompt: TURN. Visit, comment, and write & post your own on Six Sentence Stories 

She raised her eyes and her chin just a bit, and sighed at the stack of “To-Do’s” sitting in her in-basket, and yes, it was her in-basket, because she’d assigned herself every one of those projects and it was always her turn.  Continue reading →