Bottleneck - 55 Word Story #17

I ask a question as to how they do their job and the answer is a blank stare. For them, it is not a process – it is a series of tasks, one unrelated to the other. Tasks that cannot be applied to other situations. As long as they think this way, we all remain stuck.

Bottleneck

Spoiler Alert - 55 Word Story #16

The teacher was telling the best part. I promised myself I would not interject anything in today’s class. I already have drawn too much attention. But, oh, oh, oh! She just screwed up the best part! “It was not the surgery that went wrong, it was the facial!” Silence met my outcry.

Spoiler Alert

Quick Lunch - 55 Word Story #15

She casually glanced at the time on the watch of the arm across the table. How much longer could this meeting possibly go? There is no way she could casually leave. Oh! There it was again! A sharp pain slashed through her lower abdomen. It is never smart to eat sandwiches from the convenience store.

Quick Lunch

Self-Evaluation 55 Word Story #14

“You’re a disruptor by nature.” The consultant tossed off the observation following our listening session. If they meant that I consistently ask uncomfortable questions, prioritize truth over power, and call out passive aggressive behavior, then yes, I suppose I am. And I am left to ponder why not everyone is the same.

Self-Evaluation

Procrastination - 55 Word Story #13

I settle in my chair; ready to do that next thing. I reach for the mouse and then stop. I jump up. I need to do one other thing first. I should quickly talk to that one person. Later, I am back and I settle in my chair; ready to do that next thing.

Procrastination

I am. Ready. 55 Word Story #12

As I reviewed the list of things I needed for tonight's festivities, I could easily see I had everything on it. I was ready! Of course, when it came down to explaining that to Mom, she disagreed. I stomped around while being forced to combine the list into my overnight bag. What a drag!

I am. Ready.

Climate Change - 55 Word Story #11

The smell of fresh cut grass reaches out and I breathe in deeply as I recall distant memories. Until my eyes begin to water and soon, I can't even see. The ever present observation, "Maybe its allergies..." And the plea in return, "I've never had allergies!" Never is no more and now is only suffering.

Climate Change

The Rant - 55 Word Story #10

The words, initially calm and reasoned, picked up force and soon sprayed everywhere just like an out of control fire hose. The attention of the audience began to fade. The less they listened, the more impassioned it got and soon, the words rained down. Eventually, everyone shut down. Any possible benefit was lost forever.

The Rant

Overslept - 55 Word Story #9

Lying there, wide awake and thinking I should get up. I stretched my right leg, flexed the foot and then stretched the left leg. I snuggled in, closed my eyes and took a long, slow breath. Just a little bit longer. But it was no good, I was awake.

That is, until the alarm sounded.

Overslept

Passing Lane - 55 Word Story #8

I grasped the handle in sheer terror as the car hurtled forward. As the passenger, I could not stop this ride. My husband’s competitive juices were flowing. Five hundred yards and one more car before the road narrowed. I braced myself. And then, it was over. The cars slowed to 60 and drove on.

Passing Lane

Daily Commute - 55 Word Story #7

In the first row, her back was to the rest of the train, a privacy she preferred.  There were less people today, which seemed to invite chaos.  There was a sudden movement and she jumped.  Then she breathed and wondered how to balance showing no fear with the anxiety of our recent shared reality.

Daily Commute

musings - 55 Word Story #6

I continually get to the truth of the matter and then I forget and start over again.  Even though I try to sell a theme that is empathetic or maybe philanthropic, I know that it is really about me.  Me, my family and God.  Me as Woman seeking Balance. Me, the enduring Mystery.

musings

Finding Home - 55 Word Story #5 - Originally posted February 2011

I stood there.  I thought:  there are choices.  Push to the next level, even before mastering the last. Stay in one place.  I generally choose to push as far as people let me and I find they let me go as far as I am willing to push.  Today, I choose to stand still.

FINDING HOME

Untitled - 55 Word Story #4 - Originally posted January 2011

There was truth in what the man was saying.  In fact, he confirmed what she already knew and because of that, she now felt compelled to act.  But her actions, this time, with a bit of strategy, would be to benefit HER future, not others.  Still, she intended to ensure that no one was hurt.

I have no title for this one

The Life of a Businessman - A Requiem - 55 Word Story #3 - Originally posted January 2011

Angels are lucky – they have wings to lift them up.  Mere mortals must find a reason to keep going each and every day.  No, not only to keep going, but also to find satisfaction and joy in whatever path presents itself.  Even if it is your soul that you end up selling.

THE LIFE OF A BUSINESSMAN - A REQUIEM

Submission - 55 Word Story #2 - Originally posted December 2010

I am finding that the title of the story changes the whole context.  And I title my stories last so I never know what they really are until they have a title.  This one was fun.

It had the biggest bow and was in the biggest box.  After years of having anticipation culminate in disappointment, she was careful to reserve her excitement.  As she removed the bow and opened the box, her eyes locked into his and she knew that for once, this time, the present was just the beginning.

SUBMISSION

The Wedding - 55 Word Story #1 - Originally posted December 2010

As she arose from bed in the midst of the waning night, her mouth was dry and her head was tight.  In a few minutes, the house would be bustling with family and before long, many guests, but for now, she could just sit with the memories of last night and its lingering effects.

THE WEDDING

My first try at a 55 Word Story. A story that has to fit into 55 words or less. This one is called the Wedding.