John K Adams

“Imaginary Friend” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #50

Daisy’s step-father, Gene, kept close tabs on her. He walked up to her as she hosted a tea party in the shade of the big tree at the back of the yard. Her guests were two dolls and a stuffed toy rabbit. “Is that a bug on you?” Gene pointed at Daisy’s shirt. “That’s a pin my Daddy gave me. He called them ‘grown up gifts’.” “You don’t want a bug on your shirt. No matter what you call it. You want people thinking you’re infested?” “No. I’m not infested. What’s infested?” “It’s when bugs lay eggs in your hair. That’s why your mother has t...

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“The Verdict” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #49

“You’re a star.” “I’m not a star.” “Of course you are. Those red snakeskin boots say it all.” The kid ignored the older man sitting across from him. He shuffled through the magazines on the waiting room table. Us. Cosmopolitan. Family Circle. “You here for test results?” The man watched the kid roll his eyes. He rummaged through the worn monthlies on the table. “They never have anything good. What I wouldn’t give for a Popular Mechanics or a Penthouse.” He laughed. The kid slouched into the bench and pulled his iPhone out. Swipe. Swipe. “Let...

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“The Leopard ” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #48

The superhero known as Leopard stepped carefully through the undergrowth. With no path to follow he looked through the misty air for broken branches or the acrid smell of scorched bark. Tracking a dragon took experience. Not that hard, once you’ve survived a few, he thought. How do you track something that flies? The question struck him as silly but he didn’t laugh. Too much at stake. An impossibly large bird rose before him. It flapped its broad wings in languorous fashion. Leopard envied the ease with which it maneuvered through the jungl...

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“You” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #47

“You hummed as you retrieved the mail. Part of a normal day’s routine. Or not. You shuffled through the junk and an odd envelope caught your eye. A letter. No one writes anymore. Except me. “Caught you! “Think of me as that song you can’t get out of your head. Can you remember a time when I wasn’t there, simmering in the background? I’m always with you. Even in your sleep. How long has it been? “You didn’t expect to get this. You thought I couldn’t find you. You thought I forgot. “How could I forget? Not you! “Yet you weren’t really ...

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“Altared States” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #46

Bert went over his book notes. This would be the first interview of a series his agent scheduled for Bert for him to promote his magnum opus. This would be Bert’s big break. Or so Manny, his agent, insisted. The travel expenses came out of his advance so he needed a successful tour. Bert couldn’t believe it played out this way. Writing this memoir had been like drawing his own blood every day for six weeks. Exposing his most devastating disappointments and the ensuing recovery took courage. Bert had to believe it. His therapist and agent aff...

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“You Use What Lens?” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #45

Gil entered the photography gallery and smiled at the good turn-out. An unknown entity, no one noticed him. That suited Gil perfectly.He drifted, avoiding eye contact. He wanted to suss out the crowd, to observe unseen. It is what photographers do. At last he could call himself that.Besides Gil, the photographic exhibit featured the work of several local talents. But the photography at this popular semi-annual event, set the scene all the types, the fashionistas, the hipsters, the suits, artistes, the curious and hangers-on. People came to s...

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“Aloha, Good-bye” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #44

Abigail took one last look in the mirror. She saw the person she always knew.Making a little wave with her left hand she said, “Aloha.”The taxi driver honked his horn. Abigail turned and left.Ten minutes before, her Aunt Maryann saw her looking in the mirror.“Abby! Stop staring at yourself. You look fabulous!”Abigail turned to her. “Thanks Auntie. I know. I love this dress.”“It’s your wedding day, Abby. You look worried.”Abigail looked down. “I see a person in that mirror who I’ve known all my life. I don’t know when I’ll see her again. Or i...

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“The Ten Year Window” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #43

Chuck felt his pockets as he approached their front door with his nine-year old son, Sammy. Chuck swore under his breath.He turned to Sammy, “Sorry, kid.”“What happened, Dad?”“My keys. I don’t know. I had them. I’m sure I had them… I thought I had them.”They looked at the imposing door as if it held the answer. It stood impervious to all questions.“Why don’t we keep a spare under the mat?”“Or I could leave it unlocked and save the cost of cutting the key,” Chuck said. “Everyone looks under the mat.”“But…”Chuck gave Sammy a look that shut him...

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“Closing the Circle” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #42

They were at it again. Don felt like running a marathon on a treadmill would be more productive. He never knew what the arguments were about. They went round and round with no finish line in sight.He said, “I don’t care about winning, Joyce. Can’t we resolve this? I don’t even know what this is about.”Joyce sensed Don’s change in attitude. “It’s always the same, Don. You don’t get it.”“That tells me nothing.”Joyce busied herself about the kitchen. “Why don’t you go then? Just go.”Don shook his head. “That’s it? That’s your solution? I should...

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“Werewolf Tells All ” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #41

I’m writing this to dispel the many ugly stereotypes about so-called werewolves. Mercenary hacks promote salacious rumors without regard for who gets their tail stepped on. Anyone desiring the truth, please read on.I wish to clarify that what is popularly known as the werewolf actually exists. I prefer the French term Loups-Garous which has a lyrical sound to it, more in keeping with my sense of self. Yes, we exist. And  no, this isn’t a shaggy dog story. The negative popular image from over-wrought novels and movies is exaggerated beyo...

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“Polygraph” by John K Adams

Harrison, the perp, rode in the passenger seat next to Jake as they drove west to Sioux Falls. for the scheduled polygraph test. It wasn’t a good cop/bad cop thing. His human cargo wasn’t under arrest. He dug his heels in to buy time and won a trip to Sioux Falls. Flight risk didn’t enter in to it. They’d be in South Dakota. Where would he run?They pretty much rode in silence. Jake let him stew. He told the kid he could save everyone time by confessing. But Harrison’s lawyer suggested this trip on the department’s dime. Jake thought about th...

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“One of Those Mornings” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #39

Perry got up from the wrong side of the bed. On a Saturday, no less.He muttered, “No wonder people get grouchy.” How did it happen? He distinctly remembered being on his side of the bed when he turned out the light.He made his way to the far side, his side, to get his slippers. Perry slid his feet into them without awakening Jane, his wife. She continued in her slumber. Peering out through the closed blinds, he thought, ‘There’s something wrong.’ But he couldn’t quite grasp it.That awakening started a very odd day for Perry. But it didn...

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“Romeo’s Visit Revisited” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #38

“But hark! What shards fall from yonder window’s breaking?”Mac put his hands to his ears as he walked beside his friend. “No! What are you on about, Romeo?”Romeo protested, “Don’t you get it? I’m doing lines. Re-her-sing.”Mac laughed, “Without the song. Save in your dreams.” He pulled his friend to a stop. Romeo turned. “What do you know about dreams?”“That dreamers often lie.”“Oh! In bed asleep, while they dream true things.”Mac shook his head. “You have the right play… Oh, close enough. Honestly, Romeo, you think this is a good plan?”“The ...

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“My Stranger” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #37

This has been going on for years. The first time I saw him, I stood in one of those pharmacy cum general stores which every town had. When he first saw me, I don’t know. I became aware of him just as I planned to slip a magazine into my inner pocket and duck out. They never expected magazines to get shoplifted so I felt pretty safe. No one bought anything there. The whole store was crammed with stuff no one wanted.But then there’s this guy watching me, but not looking at me. He didn’t look like plain clothes, or what they call a ‘secret shop...

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“Found Diary” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #36

Warning:            If you find this and you care about me – destroy this immediately. Do not read. Thank you in advance.I may be better or I may be worse. I am not who you think I am. If you knew me as I really am, you would not love me.Monday                              Dear Diary. Is this how you do it? It seems so awkward. I never...

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