Breanna Barber

“Resilience” by Breanna Barber

Right after I pour myself a cup of hot coffee, I hear a knock on the front door from where I stand in the kitchen, and I immediately feel my whole body tense.  I can’t move.  I can hardly breathe.  I can feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest.  Overwhelming thoughts and emotions flood into me and unshed tears hide behind stormy eyes.  The moments that now dwell in the past also dwell in the crevices of my heart, mind, and soul.  Will I ever be rid of this?  Will I ever be able to fully let it all go?&nbs...

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“Maybe in a Different Life ” by Breanna Barber

*Trigger warning*Please be advised, the following content contains some mentioning of death of loved ones, substance abuse, and the struggling with mental health.______________________________________________________“Alright, here’s the last of the boxes. I got to head to work, I ended up picking up a shift today. Are you going to be alright until I get back, Sam?” Drew asks as she places the last big cardboard box filled with memories down by the apartment door, her warm brown eyes filled with concern for her friend. Samantha tucks a strand...

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“The Queen of Smoke and Mirrors ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #101

I close my eyes as I take a draw from my cigarette, deeply inhaling the sweet mix of tobacco and toxins from within it. When I open my eyes I see a reflection in my vanity’s mirror. She is a stranger to me. The only thing we have in common is our name, Elizabeth, which we go by Beth for short. From the blonde waves that flow down around my face, to the dramatic lashes, and bright red luscious lips that enhance my dolled up face, some of those who have known me for the last two years (since I graduated high school) as a waitres...

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“It's Not About Winning ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #82

“What’s your name?”  I glance down to see a boy who looks to be about 11 years old staring back up at me.  “Reuben.”  I answered as I eyed the old fashioned pinball machine that was now available to play here at the local arcade.  “Like the sandwich?”  I nod, unamused.  I start making my way towards it, looking forward to beating the high score again.  “I’m Kyle!”  The boy says as he follows me over to it.  “How original.” I state dryly, fishing the coins out of my black denim jeans pocket.  ...

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“An Unexpected Day ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #77

Laila stood looking out her bedroom window to see the sun rising and the snowflakes riding the breeze. She shivered while in her purple footie pajamas and pulled her blue fleece blanket tighter around her shoulders.  As she went to turn away, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window, her fine grey hair hung around her face in ringlets, and if that wasn’t enough to show her how many days she has walked this earth, the wrinkles caressing her face were. Sighing, she walks the few feet from her bedroom to her kitchen, with her c...

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“Ready? Set! Okay. ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #76

“Just say it!” Leanna exclaims as she slams the refrigerator door shut.  “Say what!?” Jake yells back as he runs down the stairs, still buttoning his short sleeved black cotton shirt.  “Say it.” He finds her in the kitchen and folds his arms across his chest. He leans against the doorway to the kitchen, watching her hold on tightly to a carton of eggs.  “What are you doing with those?” He asks as he stares more at the eggs than he does at her, which infuriates her even more.  Leanna puts down the carton on the table, open...

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“A Shadow of a Life ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #75

“So who were you before?” The young woman appeared like she was barely 18 as she sat, posing for her new photo identification card. Her hair had been lightened and toned to an ash blonde and styled into a bob with blunt bangs. She wore a bright orange cropped hoodie, black mini skirt with fishnet tights and thigh high black boots. At first glance, no one would ever think she was once part of the Amish Community. “Don’t speak.” Axel Reed commanded from behind the camera. Why must they always try talking to me? Axel thought...

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“The Ten of Spades ” by Breanna Barber

Submitted to Contest #74

Timing is everything is it not?  Right down to the nanosecond it seems.  I glance over at the alarm and see that there are only ten seconds left of the original two minutes I had set it for.  Running my hand through my dark rambunctious curly hair, I find myself thinking, this could change everything.  When I close my eyes, I see us.  The first moment his green eyes stared into my hazel blues, I knew I was done for.  He had been watching me from across the library.  I had piles of homework up to my neck and...

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