Into the Ether

Flash fiction by Keith Hoerner

In a vacuumed slice of silence, under the stillness of night’s gossamer veil, I rouse her.

She takes my hand, as I guide her to the base of our garden’s Weeping Willow. To cry, perhaps… Early morning darkness gives way to the ether of a reddening sky. I embrace her; there are — no more words. We cannot communicate the desire to root our union any further. We struggle to breathe; the air is caustic, thin. The moon careens across a cracking sky. We kneel to the universe, faces in each other’s palms, eyes on each other’s desperate gazes… unspoken goodbyes.

Published in 100+ lit mags / anthologies, Keith Hoerner is founding editor of the Webby Award / Communicator Award recognized Dribble Drabble Review, as well as a Best Book and American Writing Award Finalist.