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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Monday. She is at her grief support group. She stopped coming to these group sessions three months ago. Today though, she needs to be here. It is preparatory. She sits with her back straight, both feet flat on the floor, hands on…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Sunday morning. She is still in bed. It is past dawn, but she has been awake since Jesse rose, dressed in the dark, and went for a run. He’s in the shower now. She listens to the sound of the water running. She…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Saturday. She stands in the living room, staring out the window at the trellis sitting in the yard. Jesse and Mark—another minister, one of Jesse’s friends from seminary—are standing next to it talking. They both have their arms crossed. They are both wearing…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Tuesday again. She is waiting by the door. He is late. She pulls her phone from her purse. It is 12:07. I’m ready. She sends the message. Just as she puts the phone back into her purse, he pulls into the driveway. She…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 5:12. She has been home for exactly 13 minutes. She stares at the message she has typed. It is waiting, ready to send. I’m home. Come over whenever. She has stared at the words for what seems like an hour. Logically, she knows…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 4:02. Anna is nowhere in sight as she walks into the coffee shop. She has expected this though. Anna is not usually on time. She should have known to come at 4:15, but she had to get out of the house. She left…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 11:17. She glances at the clock as she puts the car into park. Jesse has driven separately, and parks his Taurus next to her. The boys tumble from the backseat. She will need a new car in a few months, maybe even…
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(Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is Sunday. Her boys sit with her in their normal spot, fourth pew, left side. She takes the middle so no one has to ask her to scoot in. She passes Brett and Finn peppermints. They are too old now to be bribed this…
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(Find chapter 1 and a description of the project here.) It is 1:07 am and she cannot sleep. Her body is begging for rest, but her thoughts will not turn down the volume. When she closes her eyes, all she can see is the dark blue cross in the test result window. So, she keeps…
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(Before reading this chapter, you may want to read a description of the project here.) It is Tuesday. Tuesday is when he comes to see her. She has opened the front door, leaving only the glass storm door between her anticipation and his arrival. When he comes, she knows he will not knock. He will…
The Quick and the Dead
Short stories. Creative experiments. Ideas that might not pan out.
The Quick and the Dead 