microfiction
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Out of town guests
Thriller
Having out of town visitors can be such an inconvenience.
They are often unexpected and always unwanted. I was given such short notice before my “friends” informed me they were coming for a visit. I launched into a frantic state of hyper-clearing. And not just superficial sanitizing like taking out the trash and vacuuming the floor. I scrubbed the toilet and bathtub, washed the baseboards, and dusted every surface.
It took me forever, and I barely finished before my guests arrived. Do you know how long it takes to get blood stains out of bed sheets or the carpet? You have to order a special cleaner for that. Don’t let anyone tell you that white vinegar will do the job. I use only the strongest, harshest chemicals you get from the supply store. Luckily, I got it just in time before my rude visitors showed up.
But now I need more. I’ll make sure to order extra this time.
choke
Science Fiction
“You need fresh air,” my grandmother says. Her dementia is so aggressive, she reverts back to childhood sayings. A time when things were simpler.
I don’t correct her. I don’t tell her there is no more fresh air–it’s stained with pollutants that cause suffocation in minutes.
We stay inside. Massive air conditioning units pump an ultra-filtered but stale atmosphere into the industrial housing facility.
“Thanks, Gran.” That's all I can say. She also doesn’t know that I’ve been holding my breath for years.
Ever since they took control.
You can’t breathe freely when you’re forced to live like someone else.
like the witches before her
Fairy tale
The girl ran through the woods, moonlight guiding her path, her brother growing heavy in her arms. He collapsed to the ground when the bee stung, no breath touching his throat.
The forest witch was her only hope. Ancient magic from the earth could cure all ails.
The witch had been young once, like the girl. But she was old now, like the witches before her.
“What will you give?” she asked.
“Anything,” she answered.
The girl watched the witch walk away, holding her healthy brother’s hand.
But she couldn’t follow. She was old now, like the witches before her.