Early Morning Run, a 100 word story

The morning was dark and cold, perfect for running. Well, jogging was not what Mary called it. Still, she enjoyed the early morning hours for the quiet and solitude. As she rounded the edge of the park the heavily wooded trail entrance came into view. It was shadowy and dark but it was still clearly there.

After a few minutes and turns into the wood she felt a sudden steely cold snap tight around her neck. This was instantly accompanied by a wild jerking that lifted Mary off of her feet. In seconds death was closing in around her eyes.

After the Binge, part 2, a 100 word story

John was coming to terms with the fact that he was chained in a stone chamber. For some reason he could deal with that. What he could not deal with was not knowing where he was or that he was alone. “Where am I?!” he demanded until he was sobbing.

There was a metallic sound then a voice, “Hydrogen cyanide, my friend.” Immediately, gasped. The force of his coughing doubled him over. He wasn't dying, but the pain was driving him into insanity. He started slamming his head against the stone floor. He continued until his forehead collapsed, caving in.

All Choked Up, a 100 word story

The life of a detective was harsh and the best thing that Amy could do for herself was a day at the spa getting the works. After chasing this murderous psycho she really needed the pampering. In her futon with the TV on and a few bottles of wine out it was time to forget everything.

The large zip-tie was around her neck and pulled tight before she could react. Now, she was digging into her own flesh with her lacquered nails in an effort to steal another gasp of oxygen. He was just standing there, smiling as she died.

Memoirs of a Madman 4, a 100 word story

Rummaging through condemned buildings in my provided me with a large stock pile of old linoleum tiles. The tiles were not attractive or useful for anything. Well, with the exception of my throwing it into bums fires. By standing away from them I got to enjoy the show.

Burning the tiles released phosgene gas, mustard gas. They would trample over each other trying to escape the immediate fumes. I'd come back at 12 hour intervals to see how many had begun to bleed from the eyes or who was coughing blood. By the time the blisters appeared, they'd be dying.

After the Binge, a 100 word story

Man, what a night! The food was awesome, the beer was …. was lots. Damn, that pub had a great little fireplace, too. It was so warm and comfortable. The waitress, oh, the waitress, she was hot, wow!

Yeah, it was all fun last night, but, damn, this headache was splitting his head. He was convinced that someone had slipped him something in his drink. “Damn, get yourself together,” John grumbled to himself. He shivered, and rolled over. Chains clanked and stopped him. Chains? “What the hell?” He sat up. There was something on the floor, dark and sticky. Blood.

Fired, a 100 word story

The glow from the furnace sent lights and shadows dancing around the corner of the basement that was set up as a living area. Every night, after dumping the trash Into the furnace he just sat there, thinking about it all He never spoke of it, no way.

Not that being a live in janitor and handyman to this corporation was all that glamorous. It was a living and a place to live. Once a week or so someone gets fired. The smell of burning bodies from the furnace never leaves you, you just get used to it over time.

Winter's Dream, a 100 word story

The dream that they sought had been attained, they were together in their house, safe and warm against the cold, harsh winter outside. For them this was the dream attained. A frigid wind burst through the room, someone was there. Everything changed.

From the other room, was screaming and the crunching of bones. When Justin was finally dragged in, Tania's legs and arms had been broken several times and were woven through the spokes of those old wooden wheels she collected. He was next. They were both hung in those wheels from the ceiling in the dark and growing cold.

Another day

Christmas is done,it's come and gone
The wrapping paper is thrown away
New toys are replacing old ones
Exhaustion has settled over ourselves, our daughters, our sons.

The year is ending, coming to its inevitable close
Its predictably plain day dressed up in shiny plastic
Millions of people acting spastic
For just another day.

The day after that? Well, that, too, is just another day
As are the days that follow.
People will be born, people will die
It will be just another day, by and by

Dinner's Coming, a 100 word story

The old woman was having a hard time walking and carrying her bags of groceries. She stopped often to catch her breath, but was making steady progress. One young lady, Louise, a college local student, took note of the old lady.

After several flights of stairs they came to her apartment. Once inside the old woman led the way to her tiny kitchen. The place was dirty and smelled odd. On the counters were large bloody knives. The voice behind her said, “Look what we have for dinner.” Louise started to turn around. The knife pierced her heart from behind.

Geotrek part 1, a 100 word story

Geotrekking sounded like fun. The idea was to join a network that had some people already hike and climb out to remote locations. Once there they either took photos of themselves and challenged others to do the same or they hid something. When found the object would be photographed and hidden again for others to find.

While Tom was still enjoying it. The group had gotten smaller. He had a hike set up today, though he would be going by himself. The trek would take the weekend. Maybe, if he knew what he would find he wouldn't have gone alone.

Morning Commute 2, a 100 word story

At the speed the train was going it was too late to save the life of the man strung across the tunnel's exit. She locked eyes with the man saw his mouth open wide, screaming in fear as the train rolled through him, instantly tearing all limbs from the torso as his head, face first, shattered against the windscreen.

Tasha pulled the emergency brakes. The train screeched as it tried to stop. Cars slammed into other cars pushing them from the tracks. Inside, passengers were thrown into each other or against the metal bars they held.

Standing, watching, he smiled.

Morning Commute, a 100 word story

“Hey, Tasha, how's your morning?” Kenneth was shift supervisor for the morning commuter lines. Tasha was one of the conductors. They each looked forward to their morning banter even though they never met in person.

Coming up out towards the end of the tunnel, Natasha was accelerating when she saw something across the tunnel. There was shock and disbelief, then an instant of horror. It was too late to do anything. Tasha locked eyes momentarily with the man. The train tore through him, splattering him across the windscreen.

He watched smiling as the train came to a screeching halt.

Memoirs of a Madman 3, a 100 word story

In high school I had become bored with the way my situation was, lonely. I wanted company, a person to talk with for a while. It took some time, but I did find someone whom, it appeared, would be a good conversationalist. The gent chosen was witty and intelligent.

Predictably, he was not pleased with the situation. It is true that I had full intentions of killing him. I had hoped to talk for a while. Eventually I was forced to cut off his lips. While this did not stop his incessant noise, it did, however, improve his conversation skills.

A Moment's Peace, a 100 word story

Augustine sighed happily. A fire was burning nicely on the hearth that both warmed and lit the living room. She smiled as the flames shadows danced with light cast from the fire. The light and shadows danced merrily along the walls and across the floor. Her large, loving, gentle dog who had busied herself with a chewy stick now lay quietly on the floor.

Lately everything was crazy and hectic, but right now it was fuzzy warm slippers, comfy sweats, a hot tea, and no noise. Just the natural breathing of her dog, herself, and the crackling of the fire.

After the Party, a 100 word story

Emilio walked through the ashes. It was still hot even though the fire had gone out days ago. He missed his college days when his frat brothers would build and burn theirs\ fires. Those parties generally went three days. After that, the stench of puke, spilled beer, unwashed bodies, and cold would drive people away.

The air had that stench, that peculiar charcoal, burnt meat and waste stench that, once you have it never leaves you. The bones were damaged pretty good, but with a sieve, some luck, and dental records his team could have some of the corpses identified quickly.

The Package

Enthusiastically she quickly and carefully opened the box from her husband. Jennifer giggled as she pulled aside the inner packaging paper. She was giddy with anticipation. "What did you send, you big sweetie?"

All at once the warm, welcoming, cozy cottage became a cold, empty, forbidding sepulcher. Her mouth moved like a fish lying on a rock, gasping, making no sound. Her right hand stretched out, reaching for something, her left had fallen from her mouth to her bosom. Once she could breathe Jennifer's pained screams echoed from every wall as her husband's head rolled onto the cold stone floor.

Emergency Preparation Plan

I had recently been asked to put together a pamphlet, if you will, on what an emergency plan should include. The following document is what was delivered, including resources and references for further reading. I hope that the point, to practice the plan, is not lost. As the fall has gotten harsh and the winter looms, i wanted to share this with as many people as possible.

The following is a summary of information gathered from both www.ready.gov and the Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist.

Personally and professionally I have to stress that simply having a plan in place, while a good start, is not enough. You are responsible for reviewing and practicing your list with your family on a regular basis. This is how to ensure that, in the case of an emergency, you are ready to put your plan into action.

What should my plan include?

Your plan should, as a minimum, cover

• Identify reliable information sources for coming catastrophes
  • NOAA, not available in all areas, so check
  • Shortwave radio (hand cranked or battery-powered0
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts
  • The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
• Have a supply kit/survival kit on hand
  • Prepare in advance
  • Must cover 3 days of basics
  • You should consider a kit to keep in your vehicle, too
• Safe Place: How to get there
• Contact plan
• Getting back together if separated
• Plans for different situations

KIT
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
  

Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
  

Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack or duffel bag.



Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

Vehicle

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should include:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
• Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
• Water for each person and pet in your car
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
  

Also consider:

• A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
  

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.



FOOD
Consider the following things when putting together your emergency food supplies:

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Remember any special dietary needs.
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
• Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
  

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.



WATER
Allow people to drink according to their needs
People may need even more than one gallon per day. The individual amount needed depends on age, activity, physical condition and time of year.

Never ration drinking water unless ordered to do so by authorities.

Drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow. Under no circumstances should a person drink less than one quart (four cups) per day.

Drink water that you know is not contaminated first.

If necessary, suspicious water, such as cloudy water from regular faucets or water from streams or ponds, can be used after it has been treated. If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking suspicious water as long as possible, but do not become dehydrated.

Do not drink carbonated beverages instead of drinking water.

Carbonated beverages do not meet drinking-water requirements. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water.

Turn off the main water valves.

You will need to protect the water sources already in your home from contamination if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines or if local officials advise you of a problem. To close the incoming water source, locate the incoming valve and turn it to the closed position. Be sure you and your family members know how to perform this important procedure.



Sources of Water
Safe Sources

• Melted ice cubes.
• Liquids from canned goods such as fruit or vegetables.
• Water drained from pipes. To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the home.
• Water drained from the water heater. To use water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve at the tank and turning on the hot-water faucet. After you are notified that clean water has been restored, you will need to refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on.
  

Unsafe Sources

• Radiators Hot water boilers (home heating systems).
• Water from the toilet bowl or flush tank.
• Water beds. Fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use.
• Swimming pools and spas. Chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning and related uses.
  

If you have used all of your stored water and there are no other reliable clean water sources, it may become necessary in an emergency situation to treat suspicious water. Treat all water of uncertain quality before using it for drinking, food washing or preparation, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms (germs) that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.
There are many ways to treat water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom or strain them through coffee filters or layers of clean cloth. Make sure you have the necessary materials in your disaster supplies kit for the chosen water treatment method.
Boiling
Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. This will kill microbes, but it will not remove chemicals, heavy metals, and salts.

Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This also will improve the taste of stored water.

Chlorination

You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Because the potency of bleach diminishes with time, use bleach from a newly opened or unopened bottle.
Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn’t, then repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.
Use only water treatment products that contain 5.25 or 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient. This will kill microbes, but it will not remove chemicals, heavy metals, and salts.
Distillation

Distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, as well as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Distillation involves boiling water and then collection of only the vapor that condenses.

To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled. This will kill microbes and it will remove chemicals, heavy metals, and salts.

Family Communications

Complete a contact card for each family member.
Check with your children’s day care or school and become familiar with their emergency plans.
Identify an out-of-state contact when members are safe. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town. Also, send a text to both parents and the out of state contact to ensure the message is clear. Prepare each person before with a prepaid phone card and the contact's phone number.

For Reference and Further Reading:

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m9440096_EmergencyPreparednessChecklist.pdf

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR)

www.ready.gov

http://med.stanford.edu/somsafety/forms/EP_Home.pdf

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Prepared-for-Natural-Disasters

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/disaster/prep.cfm

Their Last Meal, a 100 word story

He prepared and served the meal for the expedition. His portion had already been inconspicuously put aside. Smiling as everyone came back for seconds. Once the pots and pans were cleaned up there would be nothing left, no trace evidence left of the Brugmansia.

He had used it before on parties like this one. The incident at Dyatlov Pass in Russia was one. Soon, everyone would have horrific hallucinations. They would tear out of their sleeping bags , through their tents, run madly into the freezing night. When it's cleared their systems they will be dying and alonein the night.

In The Rain, a 100 word story

He couldn't imagine how far he had gone since his college days. All the way to the top of the corporate ladder. My god, he had everything a man could have ever wanted. The house, the car, the hottest trophy wife, everything. Now, in some cold, rainy, half frozen alley in Minneapolis none of it was worth a damn.

His life's blood running out through holes in his guts. Some of it was running out the hole in his stomach, a single gun shot. What was it all for to come this far just to die alone, in the rain.

High Mountain Hike, a 100 word story

He had been walking for nearly half an hour when the snow started. He stopped, turned his face into the falling snow and smiled. His entire life he enjoyed the falling snow. It had a sound that was all its own. Will always called it silence. The sound of falling snow was silence.

The fresh snow was also filling in his tracks that were left in the old snow. Will continued walking, he was fully enjoying his hike. This was something special for him. With all the early snow winter still to come, these bodies wouldn't be found until spring.

Memoirs of a Madman 2, a 100 word story

Now that I had tasted what it was to kill, I knew that I had to do more. It seemed as natural to me as breathing is to you. I also needed to know how to dispose of the body. That led me to the reservoir and alleys.

There were homeless men there, targets abounded. I could hunt them. I'd smile while men twitched and kicked like donkeys on the ground after smashing the back of their heads in with wine bottles. Nobody thought twice when another drunkard turned up dead.

We are all evil in some way or another.

Still At It, a 100 word story

With coffee in one hand he surveyed the piles of printed out news articles. The articles were stacked, somewhat, all over the desk. It somewhat resembled a mountain range. Most of the papers had been read once or twice and bore the coffee stains and red ink scars to prove it.

Mike sighed deeply, sat down, and dug out his keyboard. “I quit being a Beltway Bandit for specific reasons.” There wasn't anyone there to hear him, they were all asleep. At least by using open source information Mike could avoid the gore and get the information that people needed.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

   “Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Strike Back, a 100 word story

Don stood there, toe to toe with the man who cost him everything. Justin had killed off Don's friends, his family, burnt down his old family house where they held family reunions. It was all gone. Justin wanted to leave Don alone, lonely, desolate, broken, begging to have the misery end.

Funny thing about a knife. You don't generally hear it. There's no cocking sound, no shing. It's just there, poking holes in your guts. Then you're spilling out in the dust. He didn't flinch, he didn't blink, nothing. He just moved like a viper. Justin never knew what happened.

Vilest of Evil

The crime scene was unbelievable. Two victims were in the living room. By the looks of them, the detective estimated between 50 to 100 stabs between both. Based on the blood trails, they were trying to crawl away while being stabbed. The garage was worse.

There was blood and intestinal tract sprayed everywhere, the ceiling, walls, all over the floors. One victim, he was opened up from crotch to neck. Lying next to him was the murder weapon, a chainsaw. It's likely this poor sap was alive at least until the saw got through the pelvis and into the intestine.

The Cold Boss, a 100 word story

Kristin walked out onto the patio on the 113th floor of the building her office owned and occupied. After a day of making interns cry and employees want to quit, she liked to come out here and gloat.

Sipping her coffee, she glimpsed her watch, 5:05. Cursing, she threw her coffee and ran for the door. It locked at 5pm. Through the tinted glass she saw her phone and card on her desk. Nobody was going to stop in and say bye on their way to the bar. The night coming, temperatures dropping, she was shivering and starting to cry.

The Brass Rail, a 100 word sea story

My early days in the Navy had me in Millington, Tennessee. There was not much there for a young sailor to do but get drunk, get in trouble, or try not to get caught, and get drunk. I did mention that there was not much to do, right?

There were several “strip” clubs along the main strip there. The two most popular, rather, frequented were The Anchor and Brass Rail. I preferred the Rail, it was walking distance. One of the dancers there, Kris, was, well, her own kind of dancer. She moved like a whale with an eating disorder

The Season Is Upon Us

The holiday season is upon us

A time of joy and good will

Well wishing and good tidings

A time to celebrate dreams

I have no more dreams to dream

Nothing else to celebrate

I am worn out and tired long before the season arrives

I can't find the joy that other show, it seems.

Another empty year of unfulfilled wishes

Another season of dreams turned nightmares

Wishes not just unanswered, but trampled and kicked into the gutters

Like a dying bird, in an icy puddle its one wing flutters

Yes, the holidays have come about again

In full swing

Regular, steady, unstoppable

Just as relentless as a pendulum

The Chessboard, a 100 word story

Joel sat strapped onto a wooden chair. The device strapped under his chin and against the notch at the of the breastbone was sharp, locked in tight, and limited head movement.

“Never was good at chess,”he said to no one.

The voice came from behind, “Doesn't matter”

“Any chance I get out alive?”

Placing his hand on the back of Joel's head, the stranger said, “For me, living without murder is like you living without food.” He then violently pushed Joel's head forward forcing the hardened metal fork into the wind pipe causing a slow painful, gagging death.

Thank You For Your Kind Words

For days and days I have been locked in my own dark and dank dungeon doing dastardly deeds

The usual things of framing walls, running electrical cables, and putting up drywall and all

Even upon the day which I should heave been blissfully celebrating the anniversary of my birth

Singing Voltaire's “Happy Birthday, My Old Friend” and sharing similar merriment and mirth

But, no, there were greater things afoot

Deeds that needed be done

For that night's celebration had to be postponed as on the morrow

A gent would visit to assess the house and tell the bank what our abode was worth and what against it

we could borrow

Along the way, on that day, the anniversary of mine own birth, I found that many friends did take time to recall and send word

By message, text, and even bird (yes, the New Jersey State Bird)

Loved ones, friends, both new and old, said to me those gentle loving words

“You damn sure are old!”

Thank you, one and all!!

Decompress, a 100 word story

“Damn! Decompression is SO boring!” Charlie hated this part of deep exploration, but, he had his three closest friends with him this time. The dive went well.

“What happened to new guy?”

“I don't think Kevin was certified for to dive this deep.”

Mary was at the hatch looking out the small window at the horizon. The hatch suddenly opened several inches. Mary was immediately sucked into the opening. Her flesh came off rapidly in chunks. Her abdomen tore open and emptied rapidly. The others twisted and writhed on the floor, their blood boiling with nitrogen bubbles.

Bad Rubbish, a 100 word story

Roy Lowe, the lowest of the low. One of the most connected individuals in the country. No matter what he'd done, no court will ever convict him and no witnesses would ever live.

“You're done disappearing people.”

“Frances, what the hell are you doing?“

Roy was strapped down in a crude boat. He was nude and in filth. The flies were already gathering.

Frances put a tube into Roy's mouth. “Relax, this is water and amino acids. You shouldn't die too soon.” She looked into his eyes and set him afloat, “The maggots will help you rot alive.”

Quote for today

   “You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.”

― Unknown

Swing and a Hit, a 100 word story

Her voice echoed in the alley, “Ordinary morality is only for ordinary people.”

“Charlene!” Frank called out as he rounded a turn in the alley and continued walking. He was tired of this game and getting angrier. “So going to hurt you,” he growled.

Something moved behind him. He spun, his back against the wall. It was Charlene. She was swinging something large, like a wooden mallet the circus used when putting up its tents.

Frank watched in disbelief as the mallet sped towards his eyes. Between the wall and the mallet Frank's head popped like a ripe tomato.

Steamwork Engine, a 100 word story

The gears grinding

Pushing thoughts forward

Clanking chains pulling weights that, once released,

will fall and wind tight springs.

Engines that have been running

at full heads of steam since sunrise

now seem to beg for either more coal

or to be permitted to cool down.

Gears, much in need of grease, grinding

Rivets have rattled loose and require repair

Bolts have broken loose

Let us not even speak of the screws

Copper fittings rattling and shaking

Deck plating jumping and quaking

With all this noise in my head it is a wonder

I can think to write at all

The Box, a 100 word story

Such a strange trinket, this tiny carved box. Nina came to Annapolis to clean out her Grandfather's house after he died. This one box was the only thing that had been locked away.

“Why was this locked away?” Looking it over Nina decided it was from India. As she pushed about the edges a crack opened. Miniature monkeys charged out, growing to full size. Monkeys that immediately attacked Nina. Teeth sliced through flesh, blood flowed onto the floor. Her screams were lost in the monkey screams. Silence fell as the monkeys, satiated, returned to their box, locking the lid.

200 Years in a Moment, a 100 word story

Lori entered the chamber to find only several piles of ancient bones. One had a large golden, medallion. There was nothing else.

“Honey, this has been a goose chase not a gold hunt, you earned this, honey.” She put on the medallion.

Her eyes became hollow and vacant immediately. Her flesh sucked in against bones. Her innards fell from the abdominal cavity. Her clothes fell away as dust. Skin, muscle, and sinew disintegrated, bones collapsed in a heap. All this in a matter of moments after putting it on the medallion, which was now perched lightly atop the ribs.

Lost then Found

Jerry had been working for days on the fungi he found while hiking on the grounds of an abandoned hospital.

“You're stumbling now.” John said. “You've been up for days. Get some sleep.”

“I've never seen fungi like these!”

“You don't look healthy and you never trip on anything.”

“I know. I am tired, I've been stumbling and ” Looking into the microscope Jerry keeps talking. “My neck and head are pounding ...”

The back of Jerry's head, just at where the spine connects, explodes. John is sprayed with a cloud of blood, tissue, and spores.

Why do I Walk in the Shadows?

Why do I walk in the shadows?

Why do I walk in the dark?

Why are these preferred to the light of day?

Why you ask, oh why?

As the sun rises and its light shines down

It shines upon the ground covered with the shattered remains

of what was to have been

Hopes lay dashed and bloodied against the curbs and

in the gutters

The streets echo with the laughter of my tormentors

Those who tortured me dehumanize me still

Anything that may have been called youthful ideals

has been picked to the bones by scavengers

Blood of mine has long ago dried, leaving nothing but stains

These are the streets I see in the sunlight

Now, ask me again why I like the dark and the shadows so.