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March 23rd, 2007

Reading in Class

“Put down that book, Mr. Mason!”
“What?”
“I said put down that book and pay attention in class.”
“Why? You’ve done nothing but read the textbook. I can do that on my own. This is more interesting.”
“Do you want a detention? Don’t get smart with me, Mr. Mason.”
“That says it all, doesn’t it…”

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

March 19th, 2007

Ordinary Joys

Maria put away the last of the groceries and collapsed in a chair. Her husband was hunched over the table fidgeting with some broken toy for their daughter. It was an ordinary moment in a common day, and Maria was delighted. With a twinkle in her eye she breezed by him on the way upstairs.

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

March 16th, 2007

Talking with Dad

“Dad, I’m serious. Listen for a minute.”
“You’re not in trouble are you? You need money?”
“No, no, nothing like like that. It’s… it’s more personal.”
“Heh, girl troubles? We Thomas men can’t keep ‘em off us.”
“Well, close. But not quite.”
“What? You’re not gonna tell me you’re gay are you?
“Actually… I am.”

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

March 9th, 2007

Saved by the Bell

Mark couldn’t believe what was happening. Instead of reading at the end of the bench like always, he was playing kickball. “Stupid influenza!” he thought.
The entire fourth grade watched as he stood on home plate. The infield moved closer. The pitcher began his wind up…
RING!!!
Mark smiled as he ran back to class.

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

March 6th, 2007

First Time

“So you’ve never done this?”
“No. You?”
“A few times.”
“K…”
“Look, I suppose we don’t have to. I mean, I want to and all, but I guess we don’t have to, if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s OK. I’m just… thinking.”
“Alright…
“So, are we gonna have sex or what?”
“I guess so.”

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March 5th, 2007

Day 1

The last three weeks he had just sat in the church basement; this week was different. Maybe it was Jimmy counting up the days of sobriety: 36 so far. Maybe is was Joan, back in the circle after a bender last week. Whatever…
He stood up. “Hello. My name is John, and I’m an alcoholic.”

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

February 15th, 2007

Roger’s Birthday Surprise

“Can I open them yet?”
“Hang on; we’re almost there.”
“Now?”
“Patience. Turn around… and open!”
“Oh, it’s… um… a family portrait. Nice. Thanks, hon.”
“What’s wrong?”
“No, nothing. I was just expecting something… bigger.”
“What, like the flat panel TV I had installed in the den?”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

February 5th, 2007

The After-Party

This is for my daughter, whose birthday was this past weekend.
For the first time today there was silence. The party favors had been trashed or sent home with guests. The cake and ice cream were put away. The music had stopped, and so had the vacuum. Exhausted, I collapsed on the couch and closed my […]

By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

February 1st, 2007

An Unwanted Phone Call

It was late, too late. The dance was long over, and the gang were supposed to be here for an all-night movie marathon. They should be half way through The Lord of the Rings by now.
The phone pierced the silent tension.
“Hello?”
A somber voice replied. “Is this the mother of Richard Abrams?”

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By Cory Aldrich -- 0 comments

January 16th, 2007

25 Hour Flu

Sounds of what could be easily mistaken for elephant polo rumbled up the stairwell and into the darkened bedroom. Mom imagined the dreadful state of things: dishes to ceiling, half-eaten sandwiches lurking under the couch; untold toys strewn about.
She rolled over, her stomach dandy, determined to extend her respite just a little longer.

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By Cory Aldrich -- 1 comment