The cardboard box taunted Maureen as she stared at it. In the gloom of their spartan bedroom, she could read one of Derek’s commands scrawled on the side. Do not open. The remaining sides were fresh and new. It wouldn’t be alarming if it weren’t shoved into the...
“If today was your last day on earth, how would you want to spend it?” My eyes fluttered open, a smile already growing. It was a familiar question, from my favorite voice. “With you, of course.” I rolled over to see Tom sitting on the hotel bed next to me. Despite the...
I miss Mama. The silver blanket loudly crinkles as I shift on my thin cot. It’s supposed to keep us warm, but my bare toes are always cold. Last week one of the other kids stole my sneakers. None of the guards helped. He transferred the next day wearing my...
The color red was disgusting. It surrounded Mary, day in and day out. The hateful color dripped like blood from the walls, the twinkling tinsel driving her insane. Even the stupid plastic Christmas tree mocked her, the dangling ornaments matching the decor. Every day,...
“I bought you an Ernai.” My mother nonchalantly sipped her dry Merlot, picking at her chef’s salad. The martini that had been casually slipping down my throat caught like a thick lump, threatening to choke me to death. As I gasped for air, trying not to drown, she...
