Danielle Burke

“Designation” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #137

It was an unfortunate time to be living, no matter what one’s designation was. The bombings had knocked the country off its feet and left it hanging by its fingertips to the edge of a cliff, like a hiker who was shocked to be pushed off the trail by a former friend. The fear that accompanied the dangling was too much; all that was desired was a firm foundation. Sasha was only twelve, but she knew what the “D” spray painted in bold black on the door meant. Still, it was shocking to see it staring back at her. She blinked. It was still th...

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“Of Kings and Queens” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #108

If anyone ever found out Queen Eleanor had clandestine meetings with a whore, much of the kingdom would be scandalized. There were those, however, who would understand, especially fellow females. And while she could have sent her maid to obtain the necessary information, Eleanor felt it imperative to go herself so no detail would be missed.  On the day she married Edward and became queen, her own vow flowed beneath the marriage words: Eleanor would never become pregnant, would never carry a child in her womb destined to be forced by th...

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“The Underground” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #95

One of the first things people long for when they experience a crisis is a normal day: a cup of coffee, a hot shower, a moment to feed the pets and throw in a load of laundry. The blissfulness of the mundane we allow to wash over us each day but that we never choose to luxuriate in.  Anna had coffee waiting before her this morning, but it sat untouched, the steam having finally given up its quest to draw attention and dissipating one final time into the air. Her husband, Ryan, had long since tossed his into the sink. Anna can hear hi...

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“The Differden” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #88

My mother feared my brother, Dragan, was dying, but she didn’t say that. Instead, she saddled the horse, prepared a pallet behind, and appointed me his nurse, only pausing long enough to say we were seeing  a friend who could help. She hoped. “Mother,” I whispered into the night air.  “Yes, Tristle?”  “Be careful what path you take. Dragan has formed many enemies of late. He falsifies. Tells the palace guards our neighbors are spies for the River Kingdom.” I saw her lay the reins on the side of the horse's neck, gu...

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“You, Too” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #86

Cass wanted to dig her nails into her palms, but fear of crushing the delicate stems of the flowers she carried stopped her. I’d do it if they had thorns, she told herself.  She approached a small stone in the corner of the cemetery, ignoring the larger one that stood beside it. Cass’s mother thought the shade of a nearby tree lent peacefulness to the spot, but Cass shivered. This was a cold, dead place no matter the season. She stood, head down, the flowers almost forgotten as they dangled from her hand. “Hey, Joe. I’m sorry it’s t...

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“Practice Makes Perfect” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #83

TW: murder I take frequent breaks from my wife. I know this makes me sound like a complete arse, but on the rare occasion when we’re in the same room, she launches words from her mouth that corner me, control me, and bend me to her will.    Recently it has become harder to get away. I had to make some promises this time. They are not ones I intend to keep, but they have bought me some time.   A lot depends on this vacation. I’m getting closer to finishing the book.    And now this.   But why should I be surprise...

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“What Love Is” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #81

Lauren stepped back to survey the table, wondering briefly if the heart-shaped foil confetti was a bit too cheesy. She shook her head to dismiss the thought; questioning herself was becoming a habit, one she didn’t want to stick. She was hoping tonight would set things on a smoother path, help her unravel the knots her mind had kinked itself into lately.  Lauren tensed when the doorbell rang. Was that a normal reaction? She wasn’t sure what normal was anymore although her best friend, Cameron, told her she was certainly missing the ma...

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“Ms. Alice” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #79

If you ever asked Ms. Alice how many kids she had, you’d get a different answer each year. Last year the answer was nineteen; this year it was only eight. Those from the lofty heights had only sent eight to her this year, to the cavernous belly of the school where the children went who could not, or would not, find their footing in the general classroom. Ms. Alice loved seven of them ferociously. She was their protector, their advocate, a stand-in mom, a giver of hugs, a deliverer of a sliver of hope. For seven of them whom she fully fe...

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“Blue Shoes” by Danielle Burke

Trey would have to steal the money. There was no other possible way to participate. “So you in, man? You gotta bring the shoes to our first official practice next week.” Clay stood with his hands on his hips.  “It’s an expensive hobby.” Trey said the words while already knowing they were of no consequence to someone like Clay, who probably already had a closet full of cast-off Jordans and Lebrons. “Oh, yeah. But the glory of having the best shoes on the court. Nothing like it.” ----------------- There were two options: Mama’s ...

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“Unsolicited Advice” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #74

Do you know how many thoughts can go through your brain in approximately 10 seconds? I can’t tell you the exact number, but that’s not really important. What I can tell you is there are enough to completely derail one’s life. The countdown began when my boss, Marshall, whom I’ve so been wanting to get to know better, emerged from his office with tears falling from his eyes.  I can say without a doubt that on any other day, I would have shot out of my desk and been hot on his heels. Why? Because that’s how I’ve always been. A comforter...

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“Breaking All the Rules” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #71

“This makes me feel a little sick, Rachel, using Christmas as a set up for an ambush.” Kate fingered a piece of holly that stood proudly around the punch bowl and avoided her friend’s direct gaze. “Kate, it’s a cookie exchange. It’s the perfect set up for a little minor questioning. That’s what we do at these things anyway, right?  Stand around and pump information out of each other?” “But the information isn’t always this. . .” Kate paused to grasp the right word. “Specific.” “Look, a young, unattached woman applies for a secreta...

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“The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #70

Day #1 It all started with the bathroom rugs--the squishy-soft plush ones that Simon could really sink his feet into while he used the toilet or when he stepped out of the shower. Those rugs were, he would easily admit, such a small creature comfort, but that didn’t make them any less important, nor mitigate the sense of peace they brought him when the December wind howled outside . But on Day 1, as Simon came to label the days, the bathroom rugs disappeared. His long-time companion, a golden retriever named Willow, sniffed suspiciously. Sh...

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“An Ornamental Accident” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #69

Evie allowed herself one more inhale of the comforting scent emanating from her three month old daughter before she left the solace to face the Christmas music. This holiday would be the worst yet, and not only because of the reasons that so many others were complaining about. While it was true that most bad things these days seemed to come in C’s--cancer and Covid--for Evie, Christmas also belonged on her list because it was a day she had to see her cousin, Caroline. And for Evie, Caroline definitely was the worst of the aforementioned C’s....

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“Golden Girl” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #68

“He was coming back to you.” Bronwyn, the golden girl I had played with while my mother performed her housekeeping duties, spoke quietly as she lay in a crumpled heap, unwashed and apparently unassuming, her face turned to the wall. I had been in the room for ten minutes. The first three of those were spent in silence; I know because I had trained my eyes on the analog clock that spun out the hours with no thought to those who were living and dying in the course of those passing moments. The next seven were filled with Bronwyn’s tears before...

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“Star Jumping” by Danielle Burke

Submitted to Contest #51

“Can we go again tonight, Mads?” June asked, her eyes trained hopefully upon the stars above. “Of course. Anytime you like, June. You don’t even have to ask.” “Okay, then. Let’s go now.” “Do you want mom and dad to join us?” “No. Just you and me, Mads.” She paused for a moment.  “I’m afraid I might not have too many jumps left.” Mads leaned closer to her sister and took her hand. She whispered, “I think you’ll have a whole lifetime of jumping to look forward to, Junie.” June smiled that sweet, sweet smile that was like no othe...

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