Frances Gaudiano

“Swimming Buddy” by Frances Gaudiano

Swimming Buddy Damn it’s cold! Never mind, if I get in quickly and kept moving, I might escape hypothermia. Not so easy getting in today though. My usual quiet cove has been hit by a north easterly wind and the waves are significant. Ug! Just got a face full of sea water. Well, flushing your nasal passages with salty water is supposed to be good for your sinu...

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“The Champion” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #209

The Champion It was a small car but I was a small person, fitting between the cooler box and the window. If I was quiet, they would forget I was there and I could lay my forehead against the cool glass and watch the country flash by me. I was their star gymnast and they were taking me around the country to various sum...

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“New Skin” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #205

New Skin It was that time again; the serpent has summoned her. Minerva made her way down the steep path to the beach where he resided. On her way, she passed the sentinel tree and touched it, asking for its blessing and leaving next to it a bead she had saved as an offering. She noticed someone else had been to the tree today, scattering bird seed around the base of the Scot...

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“A Nurse Remembers” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #195

A Nurse Remembers The receptionist put the box of biscuits on the staff room table and picked up the card taped to the box. “It’s from the Wakefields.” She proceeded to read out the card to the nurses collapsed on the sofa, nursing their cups of tea. “Many thanks to the wonderful vet Helen, who took care of our dog Ruby her whole life. Helen helped us with R...

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“It's Hardly Brain Surgery” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #194

It’s Hardly Brain Surgery “It’s not like it’s brain surgery,” Brian huffed as he handed Janet the new nail clippers he had bought at the pet store. “I’m sure it’s no different than cutting our own nails and it’s certainly not worth paying for a visit to the vet.” “If it’s so easy, why don’t you do it?” Janet was still refusing to take possession of t...

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“In the back of the truck” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #193

In the back of the Truck Jackie was between boyfriends. Way between boyfriends. The last two guys had turned about to be dating other women; actually, not just dating, in long-term significant relationships with other women. Jackie had been a fling, twice. So, was taking a break from men, a very long break. This didn’t sit well with Karen who had a fabulous love lif...

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“What was Lost, Now is Found” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #192

Once was Lost, Now is Found Since they had moved away from their old home, they didn’t go to London much anymore. Bella used to love visiting the big city with all it’s museums and theatres and activities. Her daughter loved to go for the shopping. They would usually make a deal that if they went shopping for a couple of hours then Bella would get an hour in...

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“Speak to Me” by Frances Gaudiano

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #190

Speak to Me “Speak now,” Virginia said to the photograph of her sister. She waited patiently. She had always been patient with her sister, an emotional woman who had been married five times, always to assholes. Virginia has sat through many midnight phone calls with her sister, Elizabeth, sobbing on the other end of the line. Virginia had waited till the sob...

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“Purr” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #187

Purr I had smelled death on her for a while. As the time came near, I spent more and more time laying on her bed next to her. I aligned my body next to her chest - The bad spot was there, in her breast, where she would have suckled her kittens. I purred as loud as I could, trying to comfort her with my vibration. I hope I helped; I could feel that her pain was eating her alive. At the very ...

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