Ed Friedman

“Thin Ice” by Ed Friedman

Submitted to Contest #278

                               Thin Ice As I rummage through the bottom drawer of Kevin’s desk, looking for a deck of cards, I see the envelope. Kevin’s name is written in a beautiful cursive script. It was sent to his office. The return address includes a woman’s name I am unfamiliar with.I stand frozen for a moment. What do I do now? “Did you find them?” I hear Kevin calli...

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“Trapped” by Ed Friedman

We had barely moved in thirty minutes. I realized, of course, that I would be in the same frustrating circumstance if I did not have a passenger, but there she was. Like me, Barbara was on the board of the Community Center which met once a month. Barbara was a single (divorced) woman about my age, with two grown daughters away at college. She worked as an administrative assistant in a real estate company.  I approached these meetings like I do my teeth cleanings. Necessary but kind of a drag and a time suck. But being on the board was ...

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“Sunday in the Park with Will” by Ed Friedman

Submitted to Contest #257

(Garret, 47 is sitting on a park bench. There is an elaborate notebook/journal at his side. He is looking at something of interest. After a few moments, Gina, 19 approaches. She watches him for a few beats then he notices her.)           GarrettSo, here I am.                                       ...

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“When You've Got Friends Like Mine...” by Ed Friedman

Submitted to Contest #105

When You’ve Got Friends Like Mine… Austin is pissed. He is probably making more noise than necessary when shutting the cabinets, but his anger must go somewhere. Screwing on a smile he comes back to the living room where Delia and Mark are giggling like teenage girls. Austin imagines them doing the same thing fifteen years earlier. As he silently sips his lemonade, Austin thinks, “I don’t know why I agreed to do this. She’s, his friend. Why didn’t the two of them just get together. I suppose it’s my own fault. I have been a little bit...

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“The Reluctant Party Animal” by Ed Friedman

Submitted to Contest #93

The Reluctant Party Animal Okay, that’s it. I’m going to the party. There’s no way I’m going. These are all my friends.  Of course, I’ll be there. The camaraderie with people I see far too rarely; the food I would never prepare for myself (deviled eggs? I don’t even know what’s in them, but Gina’s are so good). So why am I nervous? This is the first time I’ll be in the same room as Amy since the break-up. I don’t know if I’m ready for this.  I’ll have to see her with her new boyfriend. Won’t that be fun. Do I want to put my...

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“What I Mean Is” by Ed Friedman

Submitted to Contest #76

Gwen stands behind the couch, watching Arthur flip channels on the remote with alarming speed. She’s seen him do this many times before, but for some reason, tonight she stands transfixed as the images fly by on the television at the speed of light. Arthur senses her presence but doesn’t turn around. “I thought you were going to bed”. He tosses the words over his shoulder. “I was, but I wanted to see what captivated you so much that you’re not”.  “I was watching something but then I lost interest”. “Yeah, given the flipping around ...

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