Hillside Trail

Erica stared out the IHOP window, deep in thought on what to do next. “I really think this is a mistake,” Alan said from across the table. Erica continued to look past him at the traffic on Lombard Street. “I’ve been good to you, I’ve been there for you,” Alan pleaded. “When did I ever … Continue reading Hillside Trail

99 Word Prompt: Lighthouse

https://carrotranch.com/2017/07/07/july-6-flash-fiction-challenge-2/ Wendy and Jack approached the old lighthouse with other tourists. "I just love these old buildings!" Wendy gushed. "Don't you, dear?" "They're okay, I guess," Jack replied. "But it's so grand looking! They knew how to build things then." "It's just an archaic brick building with no more use. Modern ships rely on more … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Lighthouse

Power Play

(This is the second installment of the Andrew chronicles; a hapless, comical figure trying to get through life. In the first installment, Diridon Station, Andrew runs into an old flame that he has a hard time remembering. In this story, we see Andrew at his workplace.) Andrew left the break room after lunch feeling sated … Continue reading Power Play

Fault Lines

(This is the third short story of my history of Santa Clara Valley series) SILICON VALLEY – LATER 1980s “You really want to move out there?” Gina asked. “I think it's a good idea,” Craig asserted. “It's a great idea when you think about it.” Gina felt unconvinced. “But it's so far away.” “Aren't you … Continue reading Fault Lines

Closed Circuit

SILICON VALLEY - 1971 “So what's this meeting going to be about?” Seth asked from the middle of the conference room table. “Not sure, but I think it'll be something good,” Gavin answered from the other side of the table. About a dozen other employees were sitting around the table or milling about the conference … Continue reading Closed Circuit

From The Archives – Diridon Station

(I first wrote this story three years ago while taking a class at Cabrillo College and posted it on my old blog. This is a rewrite of that previous version. It's a tale of love lost, then found again...sort of.) Andrew and his briefcase were pulled along by a mass of evening commuters moving through … Continue reading From The Archives – Diridon Station

Almaden

SANTA CLARA VALLEY - 1964 John struck a match, lit a cigarette, and looked across the maintained rows of green leaved plum and apricot trees under the midday sun as he tossed the burnt match to the ground. Past the trees in the distance he saw a construction crew on a recently cleared lot. He … Continue reading Almaden

Vanishing Act

“Are you sure you can do this?” Linda asked. “I'm sure it's fine,” Roy assured. He opened up the camera case in his lap as he sat behind the steering wheel and pulled out an old Canon AE1. Its shoulder strap unfolded and hung downward. Linda looked out the passenger side car window and across … Continue reading Vanishing Act

The Dealers

In observance of today's unofficial holiday (4/20), I'm posting a short story from my archives that shares its theme. I first wrote The Dealers back in 2000, gave it a complete rewrite 10 years later, then published it on a previous blog in 2012. Though the subject of today's holiday is a major theme in … Continue reading The Dealers

Guest Host

“Yes, that's great news!” Neil said happily into his cell phone. “Glad that you're back on the outside. I'll see you tonight, bye.” He clicked off his phone and strolled into the workplace break room. Trevor was sitting at a table reading a magazine. “Good news, Trevor!” Neil announced. “Guess who's in town?” “Hope it's … Continue reading Guest Host