Bear Lodge (Book Part 16)

Previous With Sturgis an hour away, a brown metal sign for Devil’s Tower tempts me. A detour up Highway 14 would work well for me with bikers likely still asleep. Searching its Wikipedia page, I find the Lakota Tribe’s mythology of the landmark interesting. “A group of girls were playing and got chased by hugeContinue reading “Bear Lodge (Book Part 16)”

The Longest Night (Book Part 15)

Previous Chapter 3 Therapist: Do you ever think of suicide?Me: That’s a weird question, considering I’ve never mentioned it. No, I’m too scared to do something like that.Therapist: In a way, how you’re using drugs and drinking to anesthetize yourself – not to mention the risky sex – could be looked at as a slowContinue reading “The Longest Night (Book Part 15)”

The ‘Do Run Run (Book Part 13)

Previous At the three-month mark of the road trip, while in Slab City, an off-grid alternative lifestyle community, I met a nomadic woman. Her eyes, tanned skin, and lack of hair enchanted me. If she can do it, why can’t I, I thought. This young person’s ownership of her near-bald scalp inspired me and created theContinue reading “The ‘Do Run Run (Book Part 13)”

Living After Loss (Book Part 12)

Previous I wake up groggy and disoriented. The family has gone, and the sun is lower in the sky. With thoughts on my mind, I grab my journal and pen and start to write. “The sound of a crackling fire mimics the breeze brushing gently against the leaves. The breeze picks up to the wind,Continue reading “Living After Loss (Book Part 12)”

Under the Surface (Book Part 11)

Previous I walk up the sidewalk, the same one I’d mindlessly been up thousands of times. Like a dream, the familiarity and comfort splinters; I’m Alice inside the looking glass. Up is down, but with a directive: Say goodbye. Through the ajar front door, I walk. Down the eight-foot brick entry. Into a much too-litContinue reading “Under the Surface (Book Part 11)”

The Spot (Book Part 10)

Previous My mom had the most shiny, reddish-auburn hair you’d ever seen. In her senior high school photo, it flowed elegantly down her mid-back, parted precisely in the middle, and draped over her shoulder. Beauty was a family trait extending to her younger sisters, known as “The four Alexander girls,” whose house on Carriage LaneContinue reading “The Spot (Book Part 10)”

A Dynamic Duo Strikes

As you know, I’m quite the expert at selling second-hand goods. Tonight’s sale featured our nearly perfect condition chair-and-a-half, marked down from $1,000 to $340. The interested buyer’s profile image showcased her in a black lace bra and thong underwear, accessorized with fuzzy gray boots that reached mid-calf. Tattoos crept up both her arms, extendingContinue reading “A Dynamic Duo Strikes”