Joyce Schook

“The Reunion” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Morgan,I just want to express my gratitude to you. Your kindness meant the world to me. You were more than just a great hostess, you were a friend to me. At first I felt out of sorts in your home but you quickly made me feel welcome. I was relaxed and comfortable in no time. I was forever that shy kid who always held her tongue. You gave me permission to be my most authentic self. And I just want you to know it meant a great deal to me. There are still angels on earth, I believe that because I found one in you. I am still trying hard to...

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“A Tale of Two Cities” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #248

I was born in Staten Island, New York. I love where I come from. Some of the best parts about me are because I'm from this city. People say New York is the city that never sleeps and its honestly not far from the truth. There's an energy in New York that you won't find in other cities. As a writer, I have the advantage of living almost anywhere I choose to. It was soon after college that I realized to stay in this city would require me to get a second job if I was to live here comfortably.I knew just about everyone from my old neighborhood. ...

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“ A Red Dress and An Easter Egg Hunt” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #244

You never know that one moment will alter your perspective on the life you had before. Once it happens, your in a state of limbo. Unable to move forward and not ready to revisit the past. A past that was merely an illusion in which you were nothing more than a naïve participant.On the Thursday before Easter, Emily had the entire house to herself. This was the weekend her family gathered together for a family reunion and holiday that she hosted each spring. It had turned into a tradition that she always looks forward to. Today Emily woke at s...

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“It Had To Be You” by Joyce Schook

"Here we go again." Sophie hears coming from her sons bedroom. She ties the front of her bathrobe before knocking on Ethan's door. She can hear him searching for something under his bed. She grins and knocks again. "Everything ok in there?" "Yeah, Mom! I'm almost done!" Sophie turns the doorknob and slowly slips her head into Ethan's room. "Ok, buddy. I'm going to start breakfast. You have five more minutes." Ethan looks up from the debris on the floor that surrounds him. He pleads with her by a sullen look in his eyes. "No, buddy. Five minu...

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“The Book Kate Wrote for Beverly” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #186

Maggie couldn't breathe. The longer she remained trapped inside this confined space the worse it became. Her heart beat louder than it ever had before and Maggie wasn't able to concentrate because it drowned out everything else. There wasn't enough air. Escape was everything. Maggie rolled onto her back and positioned herself so that her legs were higher than her head. She used all her body weight to kick at the object that was currently keeping her prisoner. One, Two, Three powerful blows to the black monster and then one enormous lunge...

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“The Runaway” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #163

Trigger Warning: Contains Domestic Abuse/ mental/verbal abuse.I sit and stare out the window of the train car. There she is. Fall in all her glory. My absolute favorite season. And I have to admit she's even more beautiful in this part of New England. Rich vibrant shades of scarlet, gold, orange and emerald green saturate every strand of landscape. It comforts me to know that as I embark on this journey, the world itself has decided to transform too. It seems fitting that as I change, grow and embrace my dreams mother nature has come along f...

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“Ella Ryan” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #130

I am the first born daughter in a large Irish Catholic family. I'm also the middle child of six. Plus I'm an Irish twin. I know it all sounds a bit confusing but I swear its accurate. I have two older brothers (Shawn and Timothy) plus two younger sisters (Maureen and Kathleen) and Daniel is the youngest or as our mother refers to him her baby. I still find this both strange and amusing especially now, that Danny is twenty three. My family is so much more than a family. We are extremely close and furiously protective of one another. Sundays a...

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“The Speech” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #123

Deanna felt her stomach drop at the mention of her speech. It was less than a week away now, though she had practiced in front of her mom, step dad and younger brother, she was in no shape to deliver such a powerful message to the class of 2020. This morning Deanna ate, showered and returned to her bedroom. She lifted the yellow folder off her dresser. Walked to the full length mirror which hung on the back of her closet door. Deanna opened the folder, took out the speech and started to read a loud. " I want to begin by letting everyone here...

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“Voices In Her Head” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #119

Listen...It was two am. The house was quiet. Emma padded down the stairs then checked every window and door on the first floor. She saw the alarm had been activated (by Robert) and let out a sigh of relief.Then she pulled her terry cloth robe tighter before making her way back upstairs.Emma had just gotten back under the down comforter when she heard it again.Listen...Emma shut her eyes tight and placed her hands over both ears. I have to get some sleep tonight. She thought to herself.Why was this happening again?***Twenty five minutes later...

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“Leaves of Change” by Joyce Schook

I took my usual walk at nine am. I thoroughly enjoy this alone time. The weather has been so mild for this time of year and I intend to take full advantage of it. I inhale deeply. Fall is my absolute favorite season. Its not too hot and not too cold but just perfect. Everything is so vibrant all around me. I just take it all in. In just a few short weeks the trees will be bare and winter will have its hold on us.I make my way down Lexington and then turn right on Concord. The grass is still damp with morning dew. A woman pushing an umbrella ...

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“Dream and Sleep Clinic” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #113

Luke shot straight up in his bed. He head and neck were drenched with sweat. He tried to adjust his eyes in the darkness of the room.Mia woke up to his heavy breathing. Luke faced her now."Baby what is it? Another nightmare?""This was the worst nightmare yet."Mia moved closer to his side of the bed. She took his hand .Gave it a gentle squeeze then laid her thick head of curls against her husbands arm. His breathing returned to normal."Baby, its alright. It wasn't real. Do you want to talk about it?""No, I just want to forget it."Luke leaned ...

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“Alone” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #104

I so deserve this time alone. I never have a moment to myself. I work five long days and I'm utterly exhausted when I return home. My job itself is easy I've been doing it for years but its the mental anguish of retail that'll get to anybody. The constant whining and complaining from the average customer. How I wish just once I could look at one of them and say. "Quit your bitching your already getting the damn shoes at half price." Or I would like to say. "You know the freaking coupon expired. So stop saying you had no idea. You just want s...

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“Bedroom Window” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #97

They say eyes are the windows to your soul.I couldn't sleep. Which was nothing new.I tossed off my comforter,sank my cold feet into my fuzzy slippersand made my way to my window.The glass feels icy cold to the touch.Normally I lean against it.Because I like it so much.I have an amazing view up here where I am.Like my own private window of the world.The buildings are still aglow, there's a thin layer of snow.The sky is clear. Not even a star out tonight.Its unusually quiet this late.I stand there and wait for cars to pass by.I love the hummin...

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“The Ferris Wheel” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #93

"Lucy, Lucy! Where are you?" I screamed until my vocal chords were raw. Time has stood still since I saw you last. My throat is hoarse from screaming your name. A gigantic crowd of onlookers has gathered around me.Its already been five minutes.This isn't real. I know this isn't real. You'll come barreling into one of us at any moment. Then I will feel foolish for having caused all this chaos. The police and K9s have arrived on the scene. My ears start to ring as the adrenaline courses through my veins. The smell of buttered popcorn and sweet...

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“Journey Through Brooklyn” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #91

Sara hated cleaning. So much so she avoided it like the plague. What part of it was fun? None. Sara was far too busy. She had two jobs, volunteered at the animal shelter and took online classes. At twenty four she wanted to spread her wings and live life. Ellie (her roommate) was the complete opposite. To say Ellie was a neat freak was under statement. The girl folded everything. She emptied the cast's litterbox daily, always made her bed and never left a dish in the sink. Ellie never seemed to mind that Sara was messy. Sure she made remarks...

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