The Inside Voice

"Kalmia, Kalmia, Kalmia!" Jamie shouted at her husband. "OK..." he said, frowning. "It's a mountain laurel," she explained. "How am I supposed to know that?" Bob said. "I told you at least three times." "No you didn't." Maybe it was two, she thought. It was definitely more than one. You're a Dodo Head, Bob, she … Continue reading The Inside Voice

A Few Drinks with Friends

"Gin and tonic, that says your classy," Steve said as he set Maddie's drink in front of her. "Does it?" She took a long sip. "You're thirsty." Steve said the obvious, and Maddie thought it was because he was nervous. Why would a man that good looking be nervous? "What have you got?" Maddie asked. … Continue reading A Few Drinks with Friends

The Ivy has Eyes

"I bet it was an experiment gone wrong. It was probably a biology grad student who lost his mind." "You've lost your mind." "It's only the ivy on the biology building. I'm telling you it has eyes." Eva looked at the wall of green and the tripartite leaves. No eyes there. "Hey," she said, "I … Continue reading The Ivy has Eyes

Nobody’s Beesness

I was gray and frail, but I did my best to straddle the brink. The honeyguide flew the longitudinal path. I must cross one precarious step after another. Once across, I collapsed. I needed to rest just a moment. The little bird flew back to me. I thought I might be like Snow White, and … Continue reading Nobody’s Beesness

Generations

You rub the leaf between your finger and thumb, and the scent of garlic wafts to your nose, and you remember. Twelve months ago your mother forgot the name Garlic Mustard, the plant you now bend over. No worries, you thought. She still remembers all the lore behind the name. Eight months ago your mother … Continue reading Generations