I simply wanted to go home from work. Same bus, route, stiff back bench seat. My Adidas bag was in my lap, podcast on low, headphones on. I was thinking about dinner when this red-capped man staggered aboard the bus. His appearance was harsh. He looked exhausted after a few days. I couldn’t tell if the hands were twitching from cold or stress, eyes half closed, and jacket wrinkling He sat next to me, leaned back, and said nothing. I felt his head sink into my shoulder at the next stop. I froze. A part of me wanted to push…
Author: World Wide
First, I didn’t move when I heard the knock. Scrubbing the same cup I’d scrubbed three times in the kitchen. My hands needed something to do to distract from the thoughts that built up every evening when the home grew too quiet, not because it was unclean. The knock returned. This time firmer. I turned toward the door, my pulse pounding like when I heard footsteps outside my cell. But this was different. I wasn’t allowed guests. Not anymore. Not since leaving. Not since parole left me down in this half-forgotten area with more boarded than illuminated windows. Then I…
He was relieved to be home, yet uneasy. He felt his daughter and Jessica were having a problem. He resisted their ideas. He removed his jacket and entered the living room, where Emily was reading on the couch. She ran to him after looking up. The girl hugged him and said, “Daddy, I missed you so much!” Michael hugged her, feeling her warmth and excitement. “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he stroked her hair. “Where’s Jessica?” Emily groaned and rolled her eyes. “She’s probably sleeping.” She sounded irritated. He smiled and added, “Perfect,” leaning nearer his daughter. “Then we can…
She was thrilled and accepted instantly. She was being married today, a special day for every lady. Bridal couple exited wedding hall. As she boarded a white limousine with Michael to take their guests to the restaurant, her golden ring sparkled. An unexpected knock on the automobile window. Surprised, Emma rolled down the window. A skinny, badly clad seven-year-old girl stood there, shedding tears. She timidly offered a little but stunning daisy arrangement and said, “Miss, would you like to buy it for good luck? A few bucks is all it costs.” Emma gave the girl money from her wallet…
He had no option and no aid. Since Eleanor Thompson was alone in her apartment, the pastor suggested renting a room to the youngster. She would make money and he would sleep safely. Sharing makes life less lonely. While Eleanor spoke, Matthew slumped, lowered his head, and glanced at the floor. He could remain as a guest and leave if he didn’t like it. He could remain if he wished. Matthew was startled by her. She required no money? Was she merely giving him shelter? Even briefly? He hadn’t been helped in ages. He couldn’t believe a stranger would be…
I was delighted about my first-class seat on my long-haul travel to Europe until I spotted our local TV personality sitting next to me. They burned me with their harsh glare as I put my suitcase in the overhead bin. “CAN YOU MOVE HER?” they shouted at the flight attendant before I could seat down. I NEED ROOM.” I relaxed in my seat, clicked the clasp, and said, “I paid for this seat too. I’m staying.” “DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO I AM?” came the cocky, all-too-familiar phrase. The flight attendant appeared terrified, caught between pleasing a celebrity and doing…
My husband John and I were about to go to his parents with our lovely, boisterous two-year-old. John has complained about wanting a “break” for years. I didn’t realize he meant split from US! John disappeared at the airport as I juggled our tiny whirlwind and our pile of baggage. Guess where he appears? At the boarding gate, calm as ever, he revealed he had upgraded to business class! Economically squeezed! His justification? “I can’t handle you and the kid now. I NEED SOME QUIET.” Blood was boiling. I wrestled with our son and baggage as Mr. Peace-and-Quiet drank champagne…
Just returned from a work trip, I had a day off. I caught up on housework, pleased to be home. My 10-year-old kid came home from school, only glanced at me, said “hi,” and went to his room. Small sting. Does he not care I returned? But then… My heart stopped when I heard that. While cleaning near his room, I heard him on the phone. He talked in a pleasant, eager tone, unlike before. “Hi, Mom! Sure, school was good today. My grades will be revealed tomorrow! I’m visiting you instead of school, okay? See you tomorrow! My lungs…
Jake had completed his daily routine. He took some unsold candy home in a box. He wanted to be home before dark since it was late. A small girl running beside the road caught his attention as he crossed a major crossing. Her curiosity was evident as she watched automobiles and people. Her name was Emily. Still thinking, she didn’t know how far she’d strayed from the garden where she was playing. Her surroundings felt like a tremendous adventure. But a puppy dashing across the street drew her eye. “So cute!” she thought and hurried after the puppy, not realizing…
