Fiction Friday — When her phone rang at 3:33 a.m., she jerked upright and answered. “You picked up on the first ring.” The young woman’s voice drawled soft, unabashed marveling. It wasn’t as if she were sleeping. Sleep was too dangerous. When she slept, her dreams punctured the necessary fiction of her life…

What they got was even better — On Sundays in Lambert Township, Congers Street restaurants take it easy. Naturally, they want to uphold their reputation as the ultimate in destination dining. However, they also need to take a break from the night before. Their town’s Saturday nights challenge even the most accomplished to thrive and survive. Crowds…

What do you want done? — Joe hurtled down the steps, pushed through the front door. He jerked to a stop in front of the wedding gowns in the empty store. “Hello?” He spun on his heel, headed for the door. “Hi, we’re open.” Maura emerged from the back. “You’re here to buy your special person…

They wait to see what I believe — Liminal is the space between wing and stage, Potential shivering to its wild child genius Surpassing choreographed, rehearsed moments As rapt audience offers its breath, attention, Interpretation to actors, theater, evening To heart-soaring triumph rousing to standing. Marooned in quiet, lush satisfaction of rainfall, Performance is forgotten until later on When…

Follow where it leads — Exactly when it is not to be done, Makes no sense, would never be approved, That’s the time to dare, explore, Wander way past where you’re allowed — Assuming it’s where you want to go And not merely a forbidden place Alluring only because you’re not allowed. You don’t know…

We cannot resist his wiles — Tentative steps out door, gazes up at sodden clouds Lashing the world with uneven, yet unrelenting showers Prompting us to ask him if he’s sure he has to go out. He answers resignation, standing still for click of leash, Swing open glass door, stride through seductive puddles Shivering temptation for deep drink as person croons Pleas…

It wasn’t part of her life plan — Mina inserted dresses through the dressing room curtain. “I’ll get more,” she told Becki. At the register, Maura examined a blue dress with shiny black inserts. “This one hasn’t sold?” she asked Sarah. “Its person just arrived.” Sarah nodded at Mina. Mina gathered the remaining red and coral bright dresses…

You’re the one and only you — Gael bit her lip, turned to examine the back of the green dress. “Pretty, but needs serious work.” Her friend Cora assessed. “Like me?” Gael grinned at her best friend. “We’ll zhuzh it up. More cleavage, streamline the sides, shorten skirt.” Alice cleared her throat.“Why do you want this dress?” …

It needs you to move and notice what you see — Kid about twelve or thirteen played violin With impassioned poise, entire focus on sheet music Resting on the stand near his best friend Waiting for his turn to busk at street fair To earn money for musical education — Performing background music for commerce Supporting their grown-ups, town, life. Not…