Justin sniffed the icy air, noting a trace of seaweed amongst the familiar salt. A stiff breeze from the north was clearing out the clouds. With it, the temperatures dropped. Huddling deeper into his duffle coat, he wished he’d worn a hat. But Clara loved to run her fingers though his dark curls, and laughing, call him “Pony Boy.” Better to face a little chill as they hiked the pebbled shore, away from the hotel and toward her childhood cottage; he knew so little about her, but was almost sure she was The One. Continue reading
Mermaid
How to Grow a Unicorn
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (04/26/2024). No more than 250 words in length.
It’s a tricky business, one that grows trickier as the millennia pass. Continue reading
Morning Song
From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt: The Unicorn Challenge (04/21/23). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!
Moon sets as sun rises, soon disappearing behind a tiny fist of palm. Palm no longer whips, panicked in the worst thunderstorm since forever. The marina is still, taking no damage from wave and wind; the marina is well-protected. That’s why she brought him here.
She looks down at him lying half-out of the water, still handsome despite the battering and near-drowning. He breathes, begins to rouse. There’s a decision to make.
These humans are so fragile! Continue reading
Well, Why Not? (Part 4)
Sister Indelicata left the cacophony of squeals and laughter behind her; the tall, hardwood door sneezed delicately shut, blessing the happy, healed family. Indelicata’s bare feet whispered swift and sure, softer than the guttering of the beeswax candles that provided more scent than light. Continue reading
Growing Pains
Janina sat on the stone wall of the spring-fed pool. Behind her, her father’s castle clashed with loud music, shattering glass, and women’s high-pitched giggles. Her fourteenth birthday; she was sick of it all. Continue reading

