K.M. Hotzel

“Beasts” by K.M. Hotzel

Dear Doctor,  I hope this letter finds you well, and I apologize for the inconvenience I may have caused you. I didn’t know when I ran into you, and I am terribly sorry for your loss.  Despite the unfortunate circumstance of our encounter, it couldn’t have come at a better time. While I sincerely wish I wouldn’t have to involve you in this business of mine at such a difficult time in your life, I didn’t know where else to turn. Therefore, and despite my guilty conscience, I’m delighted at your eagerness to join me in my endeavor....

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“App-solutely Not” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #82

Talking to yourself is perfectly normal. Right? They have done studies on that. I’m certain of it. It’s perfectly normal. I’m normal. This is normal. Either way, it doesn’t matter at this point. I just need to think this through - start at the beginning and go from there. I was eight when it happened - when my grandmother died and mother left. That was eight years ago. I haven’t seen her since, not even found flowers on grandma’s grave. I still miss her. I think. Either way, the reason I’m sharing this with you is not to appeal to your emoti...

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“Child of the Moon” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #65

When I reached the woods wisps of fog had settled on the ground winding their way through the forest. I took my clothes off, folded them neatly into a little package, and stuck them into the hollow tree stump of a gnarly oak.  Despite the chilly breeze, my body tingled with excitement as I buried my toes in the fallen leaves. Today was a full moon, and not any full moon, but a blue moon. I relaxed my body, watching the small cloud in front of my mouth dissipate. The moon had barely risen over the edge of the horizon when I felt the su...

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“Scorched” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #63

By the time I stepped outside, the leaves were on fire. The spectacle was simultaneously beautiful and terrifying to watch. The orange glow in the sky and the flames dancing in the crowns of the trees. I tilted my head to the side and inhaled the hot air. Well, I tried. The ash and the heat made it difficult to breathe, and my lungs burned with every inhale.I knew I should hurry inside, return to safety, but I could not. The scenery was mesmerizing, and I could not avert my gaze. It was as if something compelled me to watch it, as if I had t...

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“Broken Image” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #58

When I walked in the door, the apartment was quiet. I put my keys on the tray next to the door, took off my shoes, and turned down the hallway. It was dark, only the area in front of my bedroom shone brightly, illuminated by the last rays of the setting sun.  Mom should be home by now. Unless… My shoulders drooped. Unless she worked late again.  I called out for her. No response.  I peeked into the living room. Her purse was next to the desk and her computer sat on standby. She should be home.  “Mom,” I called again. ...

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“The Last Word” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #57

The flames in the fireplace flickered, throwing dancing shadows on the wall. The wood crackled and, for a moment, she lost herself in the flames, mesmerized and wondering about the future. A grim sense of foreboding sent a shiver through her body.  Great Aunt Tilly stretched in her writing chair, yawning. It had been a long and rather revealing day. Her gaze drifted to the window. The storm howled outside and rattled the frame. Small bits of debris clicked and clacked against the glass in a spellbinding melody underscored by the sound ...

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“You” by K.M. Hotzel

Submitted to Contest #47

Suitcase in hand, you head to the station. You look over your shoulder, ensuring no one has followed you. You look anxious as you flip up your collar and lower your head into the wool coat. Your eyes dart from one stranger to the next as they pass you on the sidewalk. Yet, you don’t see me.  You enter the train station and make your way through the crowd to the platform, down the stairs and up an escalator. I hide behind a group of people, blending into the background, becoming but a face in the crowd.  Your brow is arched in wor...

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