short-story – Going On 40

The Artist of Today

Often, in my zoom-zoom during housework, I fail to take a minute to smell the roses. Why I slowed my roll while on my hands and knees, steam cleaner pressed over a spot the dry vacuum failed to suck up—I don’t know. As an aside, since the little girl kitten and her mama moved in,Continue reading “The Artist of Today”

Somatic Marker Hypothesis

I operate at a high bit rate—but the fact that hummingbirds operate at a thousand speeds faster means that when I watch them, I relax. Their energy—back and forth, face and fight, in and out for sips, and gone again—becomes something I can hitch my wagon to. I ride along with them, then unhitch, slamContinue reading “Somatic Marker Hypothesis”

A Broken Promise (Book Part 23)

Previous A too-warm tent and Harley’s revving wake me. I’m groggy but rested and pull out my phone. 7:00 AM. All at once, the night whooshes in—the texts I didn’t reply to, and Jason. I halfway expect a motionless camp, but as I unzip a small section, I see and wave to two of theContinue reading “A Broken Promise (Book Part 23)”

Liquid Courage (Book Part 22)

Previous I have a leftover baggie of cocaine in the cup holder in my car. The image is a spotlight that illuminates the darkness in my mind. Gone is the pressure of not knowing what to do. To Jason, I simply say, “You ready to go? I am.” He chugs the rest of the drinkContinue reading “Liquid Courage (Book Part 22)”

Making Memories of Us (Book Part 20)

Previous Jason routes us to a food truck when I mention I’m hungry. “There’s a tater tot burrito I get. It’s the only thing worth getting.” I pay more than I’d like for food that’s meh at best, but like my Dad says, “It’ll make a poop.” Jason follows up the food with a two-for-oneContinue reading “Making Memories of Us (Book Part 20)”

Meeting Jim (Book Part 6)

Previous For the thousandth time, my thoughts demand I turn back to the safety of my car, but to turn back now would make my car a prison of social awkwardness. With each step, fuzzy details become more precise: the windblownness of his thick salt and pepper hair, the neatly tucked white T-shirt into blueContinue reading “Meeting Jim (Book Part 6)”