Valkyrie

Nice job, Drew. You incorporated the required elements seamlessly and showed us what was happening vs. telling. It was very sad, but well done.

Sounds intriguing... I'm guessing the sponsor won't be able to resist doing some exploring of his own during that month.

I was drawn right in and liked how you incorporated the required verbiage (X opened the door and found...) seamlessly and not in the expected spot. Very well done.

The famous actor, Davey Bishop, opened the front door and found nothing. Davey stared, shocked, but then remembered the flier he had received about a new coffee shop that had opened nearby, and thought it might be a good place to get some caffeine to wake himself up. Apparently he was hearing things. He could have sworn that someone had knocked on the door. He headed outside and made it halfway down his driveway before he realized he was still in his pajamas. He groaned, then ran back inside

I pictured everything so clearly. The writing is impeccable and I'm so sorry you are going through all this.

Wow. This was a master class in how to write flash fiction. You conveyed so much in so few words... I'm in awe! And I have to make the obligatory "I want more" comment. (now I want to go revise my newsletter flash piece... lol)

Written with your usual brilliance. I learned a new word, too. I had to look up 'guerdon'. Thanks for sharing.

Sparkle is a great series by a great author. A definite 'must' for vampire fans. Great job on the review, Hudson. Now I need to get going on my own review... I totally forgot about it!

You are very right, Dodger. I get a breakfast sandwich and coffee from TH almost every morning on my way to work and it costs $5 and change. If I remember right, back then I got a bagel and a drink for a dollar and change. Not sure if I got a drink or not, though. My memory isn't that good. lol Now when places do their 'round up to the nearest dollar' for charity or ask for a donation I usually say 'not today' or something like that and have never had anyone give me attitude about it. There's plenty of other ways I give back and usually to organizations/causes that hold interest to me and I trust. And you are right, no one should have to justify their decision to give to a charity or not.

About twenty years ago I stopped at Tim Hortons to grab lunch. I needed to go grocery shopping, but had to wait until payday and had five bucks to last the rest of the week. A dollar went further then than it does now, which meant I had just enough to pay for some cheap groceries until I got paid. It was very crowded due to it being "Camp Day", when they collect donations to send needy/ill children to summer camp. There were several people with boxes collecting donations and a girl approached me with a big smile and asked if I would like to make a donation. I looked at the dollars in my hand, did some math, and came to the conclusion that I didn't have any money I could give. She said "even just a dollar is fine". Or something along those lines. Giving a dollar meant that I had to skip eating, and at the time I worked 12 hour days six days a week as the assistant manager of an equestrian center. So it was very physical work requiring lots of energy. I apologized and said I wasn't able to donate. The look on her face made it very clear that she thought I was being a cheapskate. I felt horrible. I would have been more than happy to donate, had I been in a position to do so. Fast forward to today. It's Camp Day again at TH. I no longer have to worry about scrimping every dollar until payday. So I made a donation and included an extra dollar. I hope that person twenty years ago has learned some empathy. You never know what someone needs that dollar for.

Too bad their dinner had to be ruined by that asshole. Good chapter, though. It sounds like a very idyllic trip.

I want to go to that cabin. The whole experience sounds lovely. Good times with good friends. It's nice to see everyone getting along and putting past tension behind them. Makes me want to go visit my friends now.

I can totally relate to Corey's reasoning for not telling his mom. Hopefully she's found her own strength now that she's away from her husband.

Great chapter! Marcus' mom was great and I love how she saw right through him. It's amazing how they have that ability... I can understand Marcus' anger at Andy, but there's still such tension between them. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

This was so sweet, but the last line was so sad. Exquisitely written, as always.

Thank you so much. I do plan on writing more, hopefully for the fall anthology. I had hoped to have a continuation ready for the spring antho, but it didn't work out.

I'm glad this story was featured because it made me realize that I don't think I ever finished it. More from lack of time than lack of interest. I really enjoyed what I've read so far. Congrats on the feature, Lit!

Happy Birthday, Cole! I hope Randy and the cats spoil you all day! I hope your day is as awesome as you are, my dear friend! Here's a rainbow cake for you to celebrate with

Thank you, Parker. It really moved me and I'm glad that came across. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

Thanks so much, Gary.

Thanks so much, Adi. I can't even imagine visiting a concentration camp. I'm not sure I could handle it. "Sing to our children" made me cry, too, as did listening to the song and the watching the emotions of those who sang it. Thanks for the comment!

Thanks, Tim. I'm glad the emotion came through. The interview was difficult to watch, but very powerful.

Bearing Witness I came to this horrible place To sing to the Goddess— The perfect woman who embodies all women— Devi Puja, A prayer for the Divine Mother, But when I sensed the pregnant air, Thick with restless souls, I asked “What should I sing to you?” Into the silence of the barren room. Sing to our children, whispered the air. So instead, I sang of Gopala, the child Krishna, To bear witness and remember. I take all of your sorr

This is very relateable and well-written.