Few people were bothered with work. With only days left before the festival, Red Maple was enjoying the cool weather. The final preparations would begin soon, but the chance to relax after the harvest was too enticing. Impromptu tables and booths were cobbled together in haste, leaving proper construction for later. Food and treats that... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague (Entire Series up to 3-5-22)
Voices Within He chose the blue paint. The color reminded him of their trip to the ocean. It wasn’t the vivid blue he expected, certainly not like that in the books he grew up with. But, on one day of clear weather, the sky was brilliant with shades of blue mixed with whites and grays,... Continue Reading →
Atomic City: Bastard Bend (Part One)
“Look, son, we need to know what happened that night. Help us understand why people died out there. You walked away with those scars, but they were taken from their families. We don’t suspect you of anything, but you are holding back.” The young man was obviously listening, but remained quiet and deep in thought. ... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: The Children of Men
The sky had barely darkened when the first crash of thunder rolled across the landscape. Moments later the rain began and quickly became a downpour. The small figure at the treeline remained motionless with head bowed, the sigh of resignation lost in the roar of the storm. Why is it always me that gets caught... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: An Old Aquaintenance
Upstate New York was already chilly enough to require a substantial coat, but the man walking through the door was wearing a light, fleece coat. People stared in confusion, which quickly turned to shock. None present heard a vehicle pull up, much less drive away. He slipped a backpack strap off one shoulder, walked to... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: A Mother’s Rest
The woman had been exhausted for days, ever since the birth of her child. The old women had been robbing the mother and child of sleep with their constant chattering. They kept the lights on throughout the night and day, hovering over the pair in the bed. They declared that, for the safety of mother... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: A Caged Mind, Complete
The workshop, as always, existed in a state of disarray, with the exception of an area around the center. It appeared as though someone just cannot be bothered to tidy up past a certain point and dwelt in a microcosm in the center of chaos. Fantastic creations stood in the corners, caked with dust, while... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: A Caged Mind
The workshop, as always, existed in a state of disarray, with the exception of an area around the center. It appeared as though someone just cannot be bothered to tidy up past a certain point and dwelt in a microcosm in the center of chaos. Fantastic creations stood in the corners, caked with dust, while... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: Bilal, Chapter One
Note: This began as the opening for an intended novel. Whether that stays or not is not yet decided. The young woman had been walking faster since she realized a man was following her. The street was nearly empty and the shops were closed, but there was confidence in her ability to escape once she... Continue Reading →
Short Fiction: A New Life, A New Journey
She was young and thin, almost to the point of emaciation. The welts had mostly subsided, but there was no position she could find that didn’t cause them to ache. The principal had called again. With six missed days in two weeks, she must have suspected something. They never let her leave the house until... Continue Reading →
Quiet Dreams 