by Eolas Pellor

Likes: 3
Words: 200

"Well, look who's here," Sergeant Khostas said. "I thought I'd never see you again."

"A change of plan," Captain Merza replied. He pushed into the dugout, half dragging the soldier who leaned heavily on him. The man was dragging one leg, and shards of bone were sticking out. It didn't take medical degree to realize he'd likely lose the leg.

The medic hurried up to help, and between them they helped the wounded man lie down. Merza watched as he assessed the wound. Lieutenant Arzen must have heard the commotion; he emerged from the dark recesses at the back of the shelter.

“Couldn’t stay away?” he asked Merza. "Where did you find him?"

"About a 500 metres down the road," Merza said. "A shell had hit a truck, there were bodies all over the road." The lieutenant gave a curt nod.

"The conscripts who were coming to relieve us," he said. "We've been waiting two days. I suppose we'll have to stick it out a couple of more."

There was the sound of mortar rounds coming in. The ground shook and dirt and debris cascades down around them. Merza and the medic leaned across the wounded man.

by Jesse R Traynham - Author

Likes: 3
Words: 200

"Where are the boys?" I asked.

"At home with Mom."

"Is that a new shampoo, Danny? It smells different."

"Same as always."

"Maybe you just smell clean."

"Could be."

"Turn on the lights. It's dark."

"The doctor said to leave them off."

"Right."

"You've been through a lot."

Dr. Jones entered. His shoes were heavy. He dragged one.

"How are we today, Mrs. Thompson?"

"You tell me."

"You're making progress!"

"Wonderful. When can I go home?"

"We're still a few days off. You have some healing to do. The airbag may have saved your life, but it banged you up pretty good."

The next few days were hell. There's nothing worse than waiting around, doing nothing.

Clomp. Skrrt. Clomp. Skrrt. Clomp. Dr. Jones was back.

"Is it time?" I asked.

"It's time," he said. "Your husband and boys are here."

I already knew Danny was here. I could smell his shampoo.

"I'm going to unwind the bandages. Let me know if you start to see anything."

He pulled.

"I'm seeing some light... Y'all look like trees..."

He pulled more.

First, things were fuzzy. The light was brilliant. But I could see.

"Danny! Boys! I thought I'd never see you again."

by Mary Zuelke Author

Likes: 3
Words: 200

Sela stiffened, snatching the blade at her side. Her grip firm but shaking.

Hale stood before her — tall, dark, and stormy as always.

“But you… you died.”

His smile twitched the same as it always had. “Do I look dead?” He splayed his arms out in his confident manner she knew too well.

Her eyes darted around. Everyone had gone. She’d thought safe, but now that very question thundered in her chest.

He stepped towards her.

“Just stop there Hale… I don’t want to hurt you.” The blade looked clumsy in her hands, not like normal.

She shook her head. “No! I know what I saw.” Sela’s voice wavered. Her eyes squeezed shut and a tear seeped out. They flashed open again, hurt framing her. That old magical feel tingling her senses. “Stop! Just stop it.” Her voice dropped. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

Her will broke and he was by her side it a split second, holding her up.

“I told you tink, I’m with you.”

His magic wrapped her in that safe cocoon that she’d missed since that day she killed him. His soothing touch made her believe that this time… it might all work out.

by Kathy Goddard writer

Likes: 2
Words: 200

‘I thought I’d never see you again.’

The doll, swaddled in tissue paper in her shoebox cradle, was tucked into the bottom of mum’s wardrobe.

‘At least, I hoped I’d never see you again.’

The black painted eyes remained impassive. The doll had arrived one Christmas. Carved by dad from pale wood, she had articulated arms and legs, and came with a boxful of clothes sewn by mum.

‘What are you going to call her?’

I had two brothers, so it the choice was easy.

‘Sister!’

Sister became Sissy, hugged so tightly everyone joked that the painted face would wear away. It didn’t, but over time the paint had smeared. I didn’t like sleeping with her after that, with her sharp eyes and cruel smile. Then the whispers started. I’d hoped that they were a result of my midnight imagination after nightmares woke me, but they persisted.

‘You’re no fun.’

‘You’re boring.’

‘You’re useless.’

In the end I’d begged mum to get rid of Sissy; instead she’d just hidden her. Never mind, she can’t hurt me now I’m an adult. Then I hear the familiar whisper. ‘Hello Maddie, I’ve been waiting for you. Now Mummy’s dead, I’ll never leave you.’