January 20-24 Microfiction

Inspired by prompts from @miguels4

1-20-25

Summer

90 words

In the US southeast, summer means hot temperatures, high humidity, mosquitos, hats, and sweat.

But summer in the South also means thunderstorms and hiking trails and waterfalls to cool off in. Summer is birds of red and yellow and blue. Summer is fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden in your backyard. Summer is sprinklers and swimming pools and floating down the Chattahoochee without a care in the world.

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language" -Henry James.

Amen.

***

1-21-25

Coming Home

100 words

The car strained climbing the mountain. In the rear view mirror was the place she had lived for years. She pondered memories. Good things: first job, first love, favorite places, and favorite people.

But also, frustrations. Every mile the car chugged brought a new image to leave behind. The break-up. The absent parents. The never fitting-in.

With a gasp, the car crossed the summit. She gasped at the vista before her. Twinkling lights of a city, like diamonds against velvet stretched as far as she could see. A breeze warmed her face and her heart swelled. She was coming home.

***

1-22-25

Exhale

80 words

The little deer felt her feet splay as she slid across the ice. She pushed up with her hind legs, but before she could get her front legs under her, she went spinning helplessly again. Finally, fatigue overtook her and she put her head down, giving herself over to the elements--or the coyotes.

Dark shadows towered over her wrapping her in rope and sliding her toward land. Scrambling, she found her feet in the snow. Safe at last, she exhaled.

***

1-23-25

Battery

90 words

Shiny paper littered the carpet. Ribbons and bows adorned curly heads as squeals of laughter rang through the house. The dog barked excitedly at the chaos as two adult heads clasped coffee mugs, satisfied with the morning.

One gift remained tucked behind the lower branches, largely unnoticed while the littles examined each other's new treasures. The adults smiled and tipped their coffee cups together.

Fresh shrieks erupted. The children looked up, holding the last gift brimming with anticipation. "Can we put batteries in it now, please?" Adult faces blanched. Oops.

***

1-24-25

Soul mates

50 words

The wedding represented a beginning. Two lives, committed to each other: “Til death do us part.” Five cities, three children, a cross country move, multiple losses and multiple joys later they stole away for a weekend. Soul mates? Maybe. Committed? Absolutely. 38 years and counting. Proud to be his wife.

---

January 24 was our 38th wedding anniversary. Miguel had no idea when he posted that prompt at the perfect timing.

And January 24, 2025