Where Ya From, Kid?

Image by Joe Reilly

Skyler pointed straight up, and all the other kids laughed at him.

“It’s true!” he told them, turning red. “My country is above this one!”

“What, like Mars?” asked big Tyler, not bothering to hide his grin.

“No, Canada!” The kids just laughed harder. Skyler looked helplessly to his sister, who just shook her head.

Morning Commute

“Un-fucking-believable,” a man shouts, interrupting the silent light rail. Everyone exchanges glances as he keeps spouting obscenities every few seconds, pretty loudly.

He gets off at the next stop and a collective breath is released. We shake our heads, joined together for a moment in this oddity during our normally solitary, quiet commute.

First Day

Image by Joe Reilly

I enter to meet everyone, with my mind racing so quickly I barely hear their names. Then there’s orientation, explaining everything I need to know and do.

Am I really prepared for this?

The day ends. I return to my car to find my keys locked inside, miles from home in this cold parking garage. 

I Always Knew

The first time he held her hand, he knew. He knew they were stronger together and could do anything.

He still knew it when they married, as they created and raised three beautiful children, and when cancer reached her throat.

The last time he held her hand, she smiled and said, “I always knew too.”