Karen Lethlean

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Sep, 2021

Stories (6)

6 Stories

134 karma pts

?

“Fire Deaths ” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #135

Fire Deaths Mary couldn’t help it. Impossible to ignore those floppy ears, dark eyes and puppy jowls. One individual among so many furry caterpillar creatures who snuffled up to their mother’s ‘milk-tray’, pushing and tugging at her teats. Later when one began nibbling her fingers Mary felt a fierce ownership urge. Named him Deefa - D-fa-dog. She felt sure her husband Jack also desired a farm dog. She remembered their romance, a time when they wandered along silken beach sand. And held her hand out to scoop up setting sun auras appearing ...

Read story

“House that Moved ” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #134

House that Moved Well into an eerie evening, as twin suns withdrew light from hills appearing to encroach air whispered, here comes night, beware! Sitting on verandas, mesmerised by views off into thick trees, unhindered by walls of scrubs were hikers and their leader. Close together, enforcing one another against a sense of isolation dusky surroundings evoked. The National Parks, established to preserve first nation’s lands, even on this planet, circled settlement fringes, only a short distance from their hostel now serving as a begin...

Read story

“Halloween Party ” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #117

Halloween Party Phone, as always, interrupts. Damn I will never get this mess of forms finished nor reduce patients queued outside in the waiting room. Complaints about waiting time in public hospitals clinics, already enormous will grow gargantuan. ‘We’re organising a Halloween party. It will be fancy dress, ghosts, monsters, Halloween-ish things. Do you want to come?’ Jill gushes. ‘Should I bring anything?’ ‘If you like, bring something for supper.’ ‘No’, I interjected when Jill takes a breath, ‘I really meant to say – anyone? A da...

Read story

“Silence is Golden ” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #116

Silence is Golden Once upon a time – A good beginning; warm and familiar you may say. Everything must have a beginning. Once upon a time; belonging to myth and fairy tales, does not seem to fit, but this phrasing will have to do. This was a time when the world seemed a ‘Noah’s Ark’ society and I am the single who didn’t fit. I might have documented a case of ‘survivor syndrome’ being the survivor of a broken marriage and working full-time shift work, supporting a child. I was burdened and fragmented. Somehow, someway the pieces needed ...

Read story

“Aimless” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #115

Aimless So boring. No one her age. Already run out of books. Less to do than being at home. Sandra felt her feet get heavy in loose beach sand as she tried to dispel inertia by taking a walk. That’s what her mum said, ‘Sandy! For God’s sake go for a walk.’ Without missing a beat folding towels, not making eye contact. ‘Get out and find something you enjoy. Nature is therapeutic you know.’ Why the hell did her mum think therapy was required? What is so special about miles of sand, thick coastal Banksias growing almost to high water lines?...

Read story

“An Excuse” by Karen Lethlean

Submitted to Contest #114

An ExcuseSitting around amid paraphernalia of a marriage she finds a wedding photograph. Only ten years ago, they looked so young. Beth’s brown hair blown dry to satin. Thin arms, a light satin gown, spaghetti straps, and a heart shaped pennant mid neck. Feelings of floating, harmlessly, chatting to wedding guests. Curt would be the one. How did things went so wrong. They bore wide grins, other guests smiled, filled photographs which captured a perfect world, right down to matching clothes and shoes.‘So, you thought it possible to cheat beca...

Read story

Author bio

Karen Lethlean has not written a bio yet!