The Sun Shines on the Half-Moon Café

12/29/201710/12/2019 / Liz H-H / 3 Comments

(Synopsis in a 9-word flash): Waitress Helen saves the day, vanquishing slimy memory monster.

The usual crowd was gathered at the Half Moon Café. Faded awnings snap in the cool October night as condensation slides down the tiny restaurant’s wide front windows.

Shelly, in her booth, flips her hair back to catch a glimpse of kitchen staff, Josh. His honestly-earned farmer’s tan flashes below his white t-shirt as he lugs a tub of dishes to the kitchen. She parts her lips. He blushes and smiles. Continue reading →

Happy Santa Lucia Day! (Dec 13th)

12/12/201704/21/2018 / Liz H-H / 5 Comments

We waited, stamped our feet in the deep snow. Night was at its longest; Bitter Winter ruled. Today Santa Lucia would arrive, her crown of candles pushing back the darkness, her basket of hot cranberry-cardamom buns and those sweet, tiny oranges swinging heavy on her lissome arm.

But the dawn didn’t come. Continue reading →

My Mouth-Watering Performance

12/11/201706/03/2018 / Liz H-H / 6 Comments

“All I remember,” I pause, heaving a shuddering sigh, “Was walking into the downstairs parlor. It was dark, but I smelled swampland. Continue reading →

Tag, You’re It!

10/27/201706/03/2018 / Liz H-H / 3 Comments

There he was, round saucer eyes, nose waggling like a sausage hot in the pan, spiky black hair reaching every which way. True, I couldn’t really see him, but I knew he was just around the corner in the upper hallway of the Hold, laughing his slow, goofy laugh. Continue reading →