Masking the Moment

This story is written for VisDare, a weekly prompt challenge hosted by Angela Goff. 

This story--much like my previous story for Visdare--also includes a mask, only it's not so dark this time. Weird, I know.

Photo Source

"Mommy, why does Daddy wear a mask in the garden?" Becky asked.

"That's just so he doesn't get sick, honey?"

"But you never wear a mask when you're in the garden."

"That's because I'm not allergic."

"Is being allergic a bad thing?"

"Yes, it can be a very bad thing if you're not careful."

Becky shifted her attention toward the stairway, trying to make sense of what she'd seen the night before, then looked at her mother again curiously. "Mommy?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Is Daddy allergic to you?"

"Of course not. Why would you ask me such a thing?"

Becky shrugged. "After I went to get a drink of water last night, I saw him coming out of your bedroom with the mask on. He said he was just playing a game with you."

Becky's mother blushed and raised an index. "That's enough, Becky. Go and wash up for dinner."

148 Words

VisDare 53: Misplaced

This story is linked with Anonymous Legacy's VisDare, a weekly writing challenge hosted by Angela Goff and is being brought to you this week by the word "Misplaced" and the photo prompt below.

Photo Source

I stand by the door and pretend it's an escape portal toward another dimension. I put on my mask, switch off the lights, and hear my brother, Joey, wheezing between hits from his inhaler..

"Why did you turn off the lights, Molly?"

"Space is dark," I said.

I never understood Joey's fear of the dark. Had he forgotten what it was like hiding in corners where darkness served as our only guardian, protecting the value of our misplaced youths?

"I don't like this game,"  Joey said nervously.

"It's not a game," I told him, raising an index in the air. "It's a quest."

"Quest for what?"

I hear a drip coming from the hall. Joey said he heard a voice from there, but I told him there wasn't--not anymore.

I take Joey's hand, lead him outside to stand with me in the middle of a dormant night. "Our new home."

150 WORDS

The Realm Watchers

Photo Source

"There was evil in that horned statue," Martin said. "I felt it clenching every part of me."

"What statue? The one downtown?"

Martin nodded. "But this evil comes in many forms."

"And you encounter this evil often?"

"Yes," Martin said, staring blankly toward a window. "Grace used to see it too, but I never believed her until I started seeing it for myself--after she died."

Seated next to Martin's bedside, Dr. Nguyen tapped a pen lightly over her lips momentarily, then slowly leaned forward. "I'm sorry for your loss. Sure it's been a very difficult process for you, but you must understand that leaving the facility the way you did only puts you into more danger."

Martin shook his head. "You just don't understand."

"Oh I understand," Dr. Nguyen said, her brown eyes bulging into neon red spheres. "I understand that you've been a very naughty boy, Martin!"

150 WORDS

This story is linked with Anonymous Legacy's Visdare , a weekly writing challenge hosted by Angela Goff.

Invisible Games

Photo Source

"What are you looking at, honey?"

Molly looked back at her mother, Sylvia. "Nothing."

Sylvia held up a yellow dress on its hanger. "Well don't you want to try on this dress?

Molly wrinkled her nose. "Not really."

Sylvia lowered the dress with her other hand on her hip. "Don't use that tone with me, young lady!"

Molly looked back at the mirror. "Im sorry. Monica says the dress is too bright for me."

"Monica?"

"Are you alright, ma'am?" the store lady asked.

"I'm sorry," a man said as he slowly started ushering Sylvia toward the door and added, "She's been through quite a lot these last couple of days."

Molly giggled, still turned toward Monica. "Daddy is being weird again."

Monica shook her head. "Don't you know anything? Daddy can't see us," she said with a hint of resentment. "But at least Mommy can see you."
150 Words

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I am linking this story with Angela Goff's VisDare , a weekly writing challenge of giving your best story in 150 words or less.

VisDare: Outnumbered

Woa! Looks like I went overboard with the word count for Angela Goff's VisDare challenge, 450 words overboard to be exact. Luckily, Angela said it was alright for this time around so I am letting it be.




Photo by London Dream


Outnumbered by Sanity

 

I decided to take my wife Joanna to a book signing of one of her favorite authors after being told countless of times that we didn't spend enough time together. The author stood before the podium and began reading an excerpt from his book, detailing his journey into an African wilderness and how it spoke to him about passion, inspiriration, and...blah, blah, blah.

 

I was halfway into dosing off when the blonde woman sauntered into the room with a group of black-suited men. They paid no mind to the author's presence and just stood by the glass viewport, looking out over the city.

 

I felt that I had seen the woman before so I decided to excuse myself and go to the catering table to maybe get a better look. A young redhead woman smiled by the table. "What can I get you, sir?"

 

"Do you have any beer?" I asked, knowing they didn't serve alcohol, and leered toward the direction of the blonde woman. Still, no recollection.

 

"I'm sorry, sir, we don't allow alcohol in the building," the caterer said lamentably. "We do have soft drinks."

 

"A Coke will be fine," I said.

 

I returned to Joanna's side with my drink. She turned to me with suspicious eyes.

 

"Did you get a good look?" she asked accusingly.

 

"What?"

 

"You've been oogling that girl for the past ten minutes!"

 

I shrugged. "Just thought she looked familiar, that's all."

 

"Like your whore in Vegas?"

 

"C'mon, don't start with that."

 

A few months prior to that day, I was at a convention with a few associates of mine when the idea of going to a strip joint started to float around. Despite the fact that I had no interest in going, I was talked into it. Later, someone took a photo of a dancer with her hands over my shoulders as she asked for a table dance. It was later posted on Facebook and all hell broke loose after that. We were at the brink of divorce when I convinced her that it was all just a big misunderstanding.

 

"Well, don't do me any favors by pretending you want to be here," she said. "Go if you want."

 

"I want to be here," I said. "I told you that from the beginning."

 

"Whatever," Joanna muttered and said nothing after that.

 

Moments later, the Coke had filled me up to where I needed to go to the restroom.

 

Upon returning, I noticed a frame along the hallway. A security guard was passing by when I gestured to him. "Excuse me, who is that woman?"

 

"That's Bethany Ballard," the guard replied. "She was the architect behind the design of this building."

 

"Saw her a little while ago," I commented to the guard. "Got this strange feeling that I've met her before."

 

The guard frowned. "Well whoever you saw couldn't have been Ms. Ballard. She died thirteen years ago."

 

I was left feeling even more confused than ever about the woman I had just seen. She could not have been a ghost; Joanna had seen her too.

 

We were on the interstate, on our way back home, when I told her about the portrait on the wall and what the guard had said.

 

"You did see the blonde woman right?" I asked her. "The one you pointed out to? I mean I wasn't just imaging things, right?"

 

"What blonde woman?" Joanna asked annoyed. "I didn't see any blonde woman! I was talking about the redhead at the food table, you idiot!"

 

Once again, my world was edging toward confusion, outnumbered by sanity.

 

600 Words

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



VisDare 17: A Cat's World

Hello Everyone!

Sorry that I have been away for awhile, been busy, but finally back!

Anyway, this short fiction piece is written for Angela Goff's VisDare 17: A Cat's World. Click the link and look at the picture prompt given to get the story.

I hope you enjoy and wish you all a great weekend. =D

PS: Sorry if the fonts are too big. Just copied and pasted this time.

The Feline Factor

“Repent your sins and be saved!”

Johnny was rubbed up against by Chloe‘s heavy black fur as she asked, “Doesn’t he look familiar?”

Johnny rose his gaze and sighed. “Yeah, that’s Tony. Poor guy still thinks he‘ll meet Jesus someday.”

Chloe threw him an annoyed look, her tail erect wagging from the comment. “Well at least he’s trying! All you did in your human form was cheat behind my back!”

Oscar, one of three other felines with them said, “Well he’s definitely trying something new. His bike has no handles!”

Johnny turned to him, “Oscar, go tell him to stop making all that racket!”

“No!” Chloe protested and glared at Johnny. “Go tell him yourself! After all, it’s your fault for spooking him the other day with that stunt you pulled!”

Edgar sighed and started strutting toward Tony. “This afterlife thing is soo not working for me. Hey, Tony!”
150 Words

VisDare 12: Waiting

I am going to to take a break from Maddy's Mystic World and present you with a new short tale that will be linked with Angela Goff's Visdare #12.

The word of the week is "Wating" along with a photo prompt found HERE.

Enjoy and please leave a comment if you enjoyed the story.

The Price



The wedding was beautiful, but it was outweighed by that creepy gaze of the man that whole day.

At the reception, Chloe asked her husband, "You know that guy?"

"No. Why?" her husband replied.

Zoe smiled nervously. "Nevermind. Not important."

"Is he bothering you?"

Chloe kept her nervous smile. "No, not at all. Just wondering."

"Probably part of the entertainment coming up."

The thought of that day brittled with the sound of approaching footsteps of the man who sent her the letter: Come to the church where you married or your husband will surely DIE!

The mysterious man, wearing full black, sat next to her and said, "Your wish has been granted. Time to pay the price."

Chloe frowned. "What wish?"

The man turned to her, his fierce gaze turning red. "Your thoughts on giving your soul for at least one dance with that man was finally honored."

150 WORDS

VisDare 9: Alone?

I was not saitisfied with last week's post for Celesta's Cave, so I ended up scrapping it altogether from the series. I feel much better now that the subway kitty has scurried off (maybe its my cat phobia..who knows?) and replaced by another photo prompt from Angela Goff's Visdare challenge found HERE.

The title of this series has changed from "Little Liar" to Maddy's Mystic World to better suit the events unfolding along the way.

So now, I bring you the newly improved chapter of "Maddy's Mystic World" titled "Celesta's Cave".

Enjoy and have a great day.

Maddy's Mystic World #4:
Celesta's Cave

"Hello?"

Maddy began suspecting that she was all alone in the cave until she saw the woman on her laurels, her fingertips rolling gently over the water's surface.

Maddy took a few careful steps forward before Celesta's voice echoed. "What do you want?"

Maddy froze and swallowed a nervous tension in her throat. "I was told you can help me."

"Is that so?" Celesta rose slowly and whirled, her half-scarred face revealed.

Maddy's gaze shifted, catching a glimpse of the conjured image on the water's surface: a young man sat alone reading, oblivious to rising waters.

Celesta caught Maddy's curious eyes. With a sleight of hand, the image vanished. She returned her attention back to Maddy with a measuring look. "You think you're brave enough for the trials?"

"Trials?"

"There are many trials," Celesta said sternly, looming over Maddy with hardened eyes. "And no one has ever passed the first!"

150 Words



VisDare #7:Secret

This story is written for Angela Goff's VisDare #7 challenge and is the third installment to my Maddy's Mystic World series. This week's prompt is the photo below with the word "Secret".

I hope everyone is enjoying their Valentine's Day so far and wish you and your loved ones my very best.

Maddy's Mystic World #3

Unlocking Dimensions

"There is a key to every dimension of this sphere."

The reality of being trapped in a snow globe took a backseat in Maddy's mind, now watching in awe as a tree spoke.

"Unfortunately," the tree continued. "The key leading to the outside of this sphere is still a mystery."

Maddy's brows perked. "You mean I'm stuck here?"

"There's always a way out of everything. The answer just isn't always clear."

"What should I do?"

"Take the road that leads to the cave. There you will find Celesta, the keeper of the cave. She will teach you how to navigate through dimensions--even teach you how to choose your destination."

Maddy's face brightened. "I can learn to choose dimensions?"

"Yes, but be careful. Celesta gets hot-tempered very easily. One bad look or word can land you deep into trouble."

Maddy's eyes narrowed. "How do you know?"

"I wasn't always a tree."

150 WORDS

Continue Reading --->>>  Maddy's Mystic World #4: Celesta's Cave



VisDare #6: Emerging

This is a sequel to Maddy's Mystic World, which was written for Angela Goff's Visual Dare Challenge # 32: Disobey. You can read the first part HERE and follow the "Continue" link below the story to get back to this page.

This week's Visdare word prompt is "Emerging" with the  photo prompt below.

Maddy's Mystic World #2
The Talking Tree

There were occasional twisters that swept through the terrain enclosed by ambient frosted glass. Maddy had already learned that by chasing after them--rather than trying to outrun them--they would take her into another dimension, before time would eventually reel her back to her own prison.

She could be anyone she wanted to be, but choosing the place was still beyond her control. This time, she chose to be her rebellious older sister, Regina.

Stepping off the portal portrait, Maddy saw lush trees ahead that were abundantly filled with berries. She ran eagerly toward one of them and plucked a few to quell her growing hunger.

"Excuse me, but do you see me go around, plucking the hair out of people's heads?"

Maddy shrieked and stumbled back, spotting the face on the bark. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'm just trying to get back home...can you help me?"

150 Words
Continue Reading -->>>  Maddy's Mystic World #3: Unlocking Dimensions

Visdare #5: Obscure

This story is written for Angela Goff's VisDare#5. 

I'm letting go of the Charlie and Joe series simply because I did not get much feedback as I've had in other of my stories, and I seem to get better responses when my stories stay in the dark range. If I get a few more comment on that series (all I need is one), I may bring it back--just letting you know. =)

VisDare rules: Follow the photo prompt with the given word and write a story under 150 words.

Kindred Souls

"It's getting worse isn't it?"

Louisa caught the familiar shadow embedded at the corner of the cellar, void of any definite form. "Everything's fine."

"And how long will it be before you face the truth?"

"He still loves me," Louisa said.

"You call that love?"

"I don't need to explain myself to imaginary people." Louisa said defensively.

"I am as real as the bruises on your face," the shadow expanded.

"I don't wanna talk about it anymore!" Louisa snapped. "Besides, it's none of your business!"

"But it is," the shadow contracted then shrunk again.

Louisa gasped as the shadow took gradual form. When the silk-like diaphanous layer that shrouded the ghostly woman faded, a face that was as visible as Louisa's marks was revealed.

"What happens to you," the woman told Louisa, moving her hand away from her cheek, exposing bruises of her own. "Also happens to me."

150 Words

VisDare #2:Resolute

"The Riding Rebel" is written for Angela Goff's VisDare.  The challenge: Write a 150 word story using the photo promt and word. This weeks word is "Resolute".

Enjoy. =)

The Riding Rebel

"Marla, why don't you just apply for disability benefits?"

Laughter erupted from the crowd, ridiculing Marla's limping walk that stemmed from a recent bike-riding accident.

Marla glared at Leroy. "I'll do that if you admit to everyone that you still wet the bed, fool!"

Leroy looked around, voices oohing and aawing, and then looked back at Marla. "That's bull!"

"Whatever," Marla waved away, riding into her resolute destination.

The bar was now coming into view, her heart carrying an uncontrollable rythm.

When she saw Antwon sitting at a corner booth, motioning her over with a certain gloom in his eyes, she already knew that bad news awaited.

"Hey, Antwon," Marla said, handing him a sealed envelope. "Got a message for you."

Antwon took the envelope and opened it. After studying its contents, Antwon rose his gaze toward Marla. "Marla, tell Leroy he's fired."

Marla smiled. "My pleasure."

150 WORDS

VisDare #1: Between

Some people say that I'm very much like a caveman in the sense that I am unwilling to buy into all the hype that spits out ads from the latest high-tech gadgets toward almost every direction.

I still prefer paperbacks over e-books, do most of my writing on my typewriter or composition notebook, and draw most of my inspiration listening to classic rock songs on the very same am/fm radio that has been fueling me with so many ideas since the late eighties. There are many convenient reasons on why I should start benefiting from these over-hyped creations of the digital age, but I have yet to be convinced that I cannot live without them. Until then, I will remain loyal to my old-fashioned fossil gems from the 20th century and laugh at the face of contemporary conformity.

Small changes, however, can be very welcoming, much like Anonymous Legacy's  newly revamped  VisDare. The New Year is being rolled out with a boost in the usual word count limit from 100 to 150 words. Also, the Twitter hastag has changed from #VisualDare to #VisDare. Today's prompt is "Between" with the corresponding photo prompt below.

This story is a bit different from my usual stories, but again, small changes aren't all that bad.

And now the story begins....

The Love Charade

Somewhere between bored and weary, Bryan slumped back in his seat, yearning for the movie's long-awaited end. He rolled his eyes when the actor, perched on the ledge, begged for forgiveness from a woman he barely knew, using a line he thought was downright sappy.

His girlfriend, Amanda sighed and said, "Isn't that beautiful?"

"Sure,' Bryan replied. "She must really be something for him to go through all that trouble."

Amanda's face soured. "He's romantic!"

"No, he's a moron."

It was one day after the movie when Bryan found himself sitting on a long concrete strip high above the ground.

Dressed in a similar suit as the actor with the top hat and umbrella, Bryan shouted the same line toward Amanda's window. "Your contempt is like this never-ending rain: cold and relentless! I can barely stand without the warmth of your love! Please forgive me!"

146 WORDS

Visual Dare: Disobey

This short fiction flash is linked with Anonymous Legacy's Visual Dare . A picture prompt is added every week along with a word prompt. Todays word: Disobey

Maddy's Mystic World #1

Missing Maddy

"I can't believe it's been a month," Maddy's mother Susan said, sobbing uncontrollably. "She was such a good girl. Who would ever want to harm her?"

"I don't know," Maddy's school teacher, Ms. Benavides replied. "but just try to think positively."

Learning that Benavides' daughter went missing years ago, Susan grew deeply connected to her.

Finding some consolation, Susan left shortly before the bell, leaving Benavides alone in her classroom, one of many snow globes from her collection in hand, watching as tiny fists pommeled frantically from within. "Sick horse, huh? You'll never lie to me again, that's for sure."

Continue Reading-- >>> Maddy's Mystic World #2: The Talking Tree

100 Words (excluding title and continuation line)

Triple Visual Dare #4: Xavier's Justice

It's that time again for Anonymous Legacy's Triple Visual Dare.

I almost let this one go until an idea hit me as I was slipping into dreamland and then yanked me out of bed. I highlighted the words in italics to indicate relation to the visual prompts.

Enjoy!



No one entered these Halls of Purity except for members of The Order.

Standing before one of many live murals, Xavier leaned close, his lips barely touching the canvass and said, "I must confess something."

Waiting for a reply, Xavier heard the cawing of a bird and wondered if it was a protector, knowing that they come in many forms.

"Go on," a soft whisper replied.

"Darkness consumes me."

The birds stormed in to defend but failed. Serpents marked by vengeance seeped out from every other mural of the live temple and cut through every fiber of its existence.

Continue to Chapter Two

100 WORDS

My First Visual Dare: Carissa's Path

A neat blog called Anonymous Legacy has a Visual Dare every Wednesday for its readers.

Readers are given a photo prompt, then are challenged to writing a 100 word piece based on the photo shown. This week's prompt is a triple dare where three photos (shown below) are used for the challenge. Here is my shot at the hundred word challenge.

If evil was on a quest for adventure, then this overwhelming consumption of her usual good-hearted nature fulfilled that mission.

Lost in this reeling shroud of mist, Carissa gripped the dagger tightly, remembering the trail of blood left behind by this elusive invasion of conscience.

Beyond the mist, a high colossal building perched on a hill, the same place that lived in the stories told by loved ones to discourage bad behavior.

A laughing inner voice told her redemption would be coming along the way as she started up the spiraling stairs. Screams followed and she was now eternally doomed.