He is drunk with power. He raises his little fists in victory as Sam set the plate with peanut butter on toast in front of him. Peanut butter on toast is a very special and specifically monitored treat, only allowed when his brother is away. His dad told Sam it was okay tonight before he raced out. His brother has to “sleep in a bubble” tonight. Keshawn tells Sam all the rules she might Read more
Marcus thinks it started when the Scottish exchange student arrived. Marcus does not have an investigative spirit, he’s a simple guy who likes his beer, his bong and his bros. I’m not surprised he doesn’t see the pattern but the Hayes kid didn’t arrive until the phenomenon was already under way. I flip through the stack of yearbooks, stabbing the pictures with my finger. Three class pictures in a row, every student is wearing plaid. Read more
Her toe is bleeding again. Krissy knows the nail is never going to grow in normal. Miranda had told her back when they joined the corps de ballet that you could get acrylic tips for your toenails but she’s not sure about this. Miranda’s information is always suspect. Krissy is always amazed at the random thoughts that hijack her brain while she’s ostensibly focused on executing exacting choreography. But the steps aren’t in her brain Read more
Breakfast, 6:30am. Two slices whole grain toast with honey, Early Grey tea with milk, half glass of OJ. Lunch, 12:00pm. Sandwich with lettuce, smoked turkey, tomato and mayo (Lite), water. Dinner, 7pm. Chicken breast grilled with Rosemary, green salad with raspberry vinaigrette, sparkling water with lemon. Dialed Josh’s number but hung up before the call went through. Snack, 8:15. Two digestive cookies, Tia Maria with milk. Snack, 9pm. Two digestive cookies, one finger or scotch Read more
Kate didn’t listen to the news. It was literally too depressing. She hadn’t had to take Wellbutrin or Lorazepam since stopping. It was her therapist’s suggestion she take a break from the twenty-four hour news cycle. She resisted at first, worried about appearing ignorant at work or social functions. She compromised on trying it for a week. It was worth a shot. It was the magic bullet. After another week she canceled the Sunday paper, Read more
It was a spa of the future. Tammy had been saving for it since college. There were the requisite super soft cozy robes made from bamboo silk. The sheets were nine thousand thread count hemp fibre. For the few who could afford the elite fees, there were guest rooms bathed in either pink or golden hues from the rose quartz or carnelian lamp sconces. Every detail a prescription to sooth the system and coax the release Read more
It may be lacking in physical stature, but the Victory Cup for my win at Tuesday night’s Write Club is already a cherished possession. I am humbled at the overwhelming unanimity of the decision. Chris Graham was a worthy opponent, but winning feels goooood. It feels even better to have won in support of Gilda’s Club. It might be a minute before the podcast of the battle is posted but check out the WriteClubToronto site Read more
Sunny puts the money in the envelope and places it on the silver tray. Carmen’s dimpled finger’s slide forward and tip the tray’s contents into the open drawer. She shuts the drawer, clasps her fleshy bejeweled fingers and focuses on Sunny. Sunny meets her gaze trying not to be disconcerted by how cliché the whole scene is. Shiny and diaphanous fabrics billow from the ceiling and line the walls, the lights are low and Carmen Read more