The world expects more from women now than it ever has. Mom must be a miracle worker. We expect her to sew a costume for the school pageant, bake twelve dozen cookies, and take her child’s class to the zoo on short notice. She does this while writing an annual report, preparing a proposal for…
Mary always knew this day would come, but she was still unprepared for it. How could anyone prepare for this? This is insanity. The vacillating crowd followed him with cheers of acclamation one day, and the next they cursed him with the riotous shouts of the damned. She remembered standing at the edge of the…
You couldn’t tell just by looking at the floating cotton candy clouds that Amy McPherson’s world had just ended. She wiped the back of her hand across her face and looked down at the sweat, blood, and tears mingled with dirt from the roadside where she stood. Whose blood was it? How did it get…
The Art Center is having a contest,” Sue Rhine nervously bit her lip, handing Larry the crumpled flyer. “They’re looking for a painting of the ‘Essence of Peace’. First place is $10,000.” As he tightened his jaw, Larry slowly hissed through clenched teeth, “That’s stupid; how can you paint peace?” He had been in a…
“Good Morning, U.S.A., we’re the place for news, weather, and traffic updates, and here’s your host, Diane Mason. Good morning, Diane.” “Good morning, Dave. Let me introduce our audience to this lovely lady beside me. Mattie Olsen is a member of an exclusive organization called Super-centenarians. At age 119, she is one of only seventy-seven…
Rachel froze as she faced the door. Her delicate features hardened with the strain of the past two years. Her tiny, soft hands were calloused from harsh living conditions and her struggle to survive. “They just arrested the Weinsteins.” Fear had contorted her face almost beyond recognition. “Oh God, why? Why are they doing this…
Jim’s white knuckles gripped the steering wheel. “Grrrr, that was stupid. Why did I take this exit? Now I’m going to be late.” He had promised Liz that he would be home early to relieve her. She wanted to go to Ladies’ Night Out at the church. She had been cooped up with three sick…
All I’ve been able to think about for months is how much I want that promotion and the raise that goes with it. I’ve worked for this company for three years, and it’s about time. I’ve done everything that they have asked of me and more. I brought in more money and clients in the…
“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah.” Steve Archer smiled as he squeezed her hand. “I’ve looked forward to meeting you, too. Mark has told me so much about you.” Mark has worked for Archer Investments for over a year, and this is the first time she met his boss. “What do you do, dear?” Always…
“Welcome to Life Quest,” the emcee’s voice rang out from somewhere off-stage. “We have an exciting show planned for today. Both contestants committed treason, and it’s up to you, our studio audience, to determine who will live and who will die in the final round of Life Quest. And now, the host of our show—Steeeeve Becker.”…
