The man moves up the walkway to the front door and opens it. The door opens to a hall that connects to a dining room with a beat-up oval table. There’s one seat at the table and in that seat is his father. “What are you doing here?” “I don’t know. What are you doingContinue reading “Haunted House”
Tag Archives: Sons
Be Sure to Check for Bombs Under the Bed
They live in a rental house in Corpus Christi while trying to find the home they want and selling their last home in San Antonio. The boy has already checked under his bed and in his closet—fortunately, he has found no bombs. Irrational? Maybe you haven’t seen Cloak and Dagger. Maybe you don’t remember thatContinue reading “Be Sure to Check for Bombs Under the Bed”
Ass-Face-Itis
The boy has been vomiting all day, and he’s had a touch of diarrhea at least once. It’s Christmas break, and his dad is off of work, so today, they watched Gone with the Wind and Patton, now they are about to start Ike. As Dad opens the Blockbuster rental box, he smiles and laughsContinue reading “Ass-Face-Itis”
A Van Down by the River
The man sits at a long table next to Lauren. Across the table are all Grant’s teachers, the speech therapist, the occupational therapist, and the head of special ed for the school. It is his third grade review of his IEP—a critical evaluation to determine if services will continue. They all have copies of theContinue reading “A Van Down by the River”
It’s Okay to Eat Fruit Cuz They Don’t Have Any Feelings
Pounder was a watermelon. He was minding his own business when a man came to the counter with a knife aimed at him. Pounder was angry. He rolled off the counter and landed on the man’s foot. The man yelled and dropped his knife. It stuck right into Pounder. He groaned and then died. TheContinue reading “It’s Okay to Eat Fruit Cuz They Don’t Have Any Feelings”
Meet Mr. No
The man holds Grant’s hand and clenches tight. Grant is dressed in an Eeyore costume—really, it is a big stuffed donkey head and vest. Grant hates it. He has been trying to wiggle out of it while they take pictures and again while they grab the plastic jack-o-lantern to go. Now, they are crossing theContinue reading “Meet Mr. No”
I’m Sure It Wasn’t THAT Word
The first counselor in the Primary presidency is leading a group of children through the church hallway to a classroom. She has a large smile on her face. “Grant spent sharing time telling everyone that you called him the F word.” The man is standing next to his office after interviewing a youth. “I’m sureContinue reading “I’m Sure It Wasn’t THAT Word”
The Space for the Bad
They are at Raymond Rimkus park in San Antonio. The boy’s mother has pitched three rounds to the boy and to Stephen. They are walking back to the car. “We have been learning about drugs in school.” “It’s sad they have to teach you that so young.” “Mom, do you ever get scared about stuffContinue reading “The Space for the Bad”
You Will Give the Blessing
The room is dark. Lauren is breathing deeply, almost snoring. His mind is filling with random, disconnected thoughts. And then, they change and become clear. “I call down the powers of heaven and the holy angels on your behalf and command you to be well. I rebuke your cancer and command your bones to heal.”Continue reading “You Will Give the Blessing”
You Will Understand When You Get Older
He is sitting in his grandmother’s front room. His father comes down the hall and settles into the easy chair next to the couch. “I don’t know what to do with her.” “What do you mean?” “She refuses to pack. I have her suitcases open, and she won’t put anything in them.” “She can’t stayContinue reading “You Will Understand When You Get Older”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 