“You owe me!” he bellowed with demonic spite. “You owe me! You owe me! You owe me!” — His convictions were solid; his anger surreal. How had I spent 11 years living on this mountain, somewhat peacefully, calling it home, only to find out it was a volcano? He was a volcano. More of my essence escaped with each verbal assault as…

It’s been over two years. — When I got sober from drinking about two and a half years ago, I had to learn how to actually fall asleep without blacking out and passing out. Melatonin helps. Exercise helps. A hot bath, a light yogurt snack, or a glass of milk before bed helps, but even with…

Ballad of the scapegoat — TW: Death threats, talk of suicide, talk of homicide. Teeth “Why did you draw this?” my mother asked. “What? It’s a picture of me, you, Dad, and — ” I explained. “Why did you color my teeth brown? Why would you do that?” “Because they are,” I said with my head…

Spring Essay Writing Contest Response — “What are you going to do with your Mom’s car?” My aunt asked, glaring sideways at me. She seemed upset. Why would she be upset? “We’re taking it with us.” “But, you already have a car.” “Yeah, the Honda has over 300,000 miles on it, though. Plus…

He had to say it — When I was little, my family life was great. My parents got along beautifully, and I considered myself a “Daddy’s girl.” My dad worked nights as a diesel mechanic, which made interacting with him a challenge, but I would leave notes on the…

The Final Ritual: Runaway Part 7 — Priss began tossing the massive gemstones into the murky water in the rough shape of a circle, each stone landing somewhat evenly spaced among the girl’s feet. First ruby, then emerald, then sapphire, then amethyst. Rose initiated the chant. “We’ve gathered here for this final task, Our naked feet rest…

Watch your back! — Recently, Patriots fan, Dale Mooney, was arguing with a Dolphins fan at a game when things got physical. The Dolphins fan hit 53-year-old Mooney in the head twice. Mooney didn’t get up. He was taken to a hospital where he died shortly after the incident. Violence at sporting events is…

Good slave, bad slave — “What are you doing?” my husband asked with a hint of suspicion. I closed Messenger, logged out of Facebook, and shut the laptop quickly. “About to go for a run. See ya,” I said while walking out of the room. We were on rocky terms to put it lightly. This…

Demonic Red Squid from Hell: Runaway Part 6 — “Go. Hurry,” Priss whispered to Rose. Rose climbed out of the thick bushes with a gas can in each hand and crept toward the row of houses. Priss and Kira remained hidden, watching Rose as she doused the first house in liquid death. “I’m proud of you, Kira,” Priss whispered. …