Kate Heesemann

“Sleepless Night” by Kate Heesemann

I check my phone as I lay back against the pillows on the bed. It has been a long day, and I am exhausted; however, I do not want to sleep. I try to stay awake looking at photos – photos of him. Henry, my beloved. I can’t believe he is really gone.  This morning, I had fed my baby for the last time. He was there, kneading me through the blankets as I woke up. He mewed and mewed his hunger at me. When I came home, he was gone – later to be found lying dead in the alleyway next to the apartment complex...

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“Andrew ” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #82

I was there when he was created. We called him Drew — short for Andrew. It’s funny how you look back on things, and the reaction you have is different. Like, why did I do that? At the time, I thought everything was hilarious. Now, I am not so sure…My parents could not conceive another child after me, so my dad — the genius that he was — created Drew. His real name was Andrew because he was an android (that’s how creative my parents are — Andrew the Android). I speak of him in the past tense because he is no long...

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“The Couple ” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #81

Ralph handed his wife Jane a dozen red roses for their 66th Valentine’s Day together. The couple was now 82 and had been together since they were sixteen.   Ralph remembered that fateful day in 1955 when Jane had asked him to the Sadie Hawkins’ Dance at their high school. Had he listened to his gut instinct, he wouldn’t be where he was today — married to the love of his life.   Jane approached him slowly. She was scared. What-if’s kept going through her mind. What if he said no? What if he didn’t lik...

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“Que Sera, Sera. (What will be, will be.)” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #80

As we head into a new era, one that is filled with change, we are about to witness history being made. America has always been led by a man, usually white. In today’s world, with all the little children watching, we are about to break ground with a new leader. This story is about what can happen if the current President decides to step down and let his Vice President — a woman of color — lead The United States of America. The President looked at the camera as he began to address the nation. He was rapidly aging, and h...

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“Mom and Daughter” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #79

Author's note: This is based on a real life situation. Names have been changed to protect people in the story.  As Jade brushed her long dark silky black hair out, her phone buzzed. She put down her hairbrush to pick it up. She stared at the text the came through, shocked and a little unsure. Hi, it’s mom. Call me when you can. I’d love to try to reconnect with you, and I thought we could hang out sometime this weekend and maybe see a movie or do some shopping together.  Jade put her phone down and thought abo...

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“Never Ending Love” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #78

A skunk makes a wonderful pet, I thought to myself as I watched my black and white animal sleeping on the couch. They’re so relaxed and loving. I gave Stinky Jo a pat behind her ears. She purred like a kitten.  I have had this skunk for five years now. She has been the best friend I’ve ever had. My dog passed away six years ago, and the cat ran away and never came home. So, I went out and bought myself an unusual pet — a skunk. She doesn’t attack. I’ve never been sprayed. She’s the best little p...

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“The Cabin of Despair” by Kate Heesemann

Sydney checked her mail after a long day of work at the office.   “Bills, bills, and more bills,” she said, disgusted. As she threw it on a pile on the counter, something fell out and caught her attention.   It was a photo of a winter log cabin advertising to stay here without phone or internet for 30 days. It offered $1,000,000 if a participant could do it.   That is so what I need, Sydney thought to herself. She looked through it and saw a 24-hour contact office number. She immediately picked up h...

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“Can't Elope (...or Can We?)” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #76

“You never listen to me.” “I listen to you.” “No, see. You’re tinkering what that device again.” “I have work to do.”  “Please.” “I’m sorry.” “Finally looking at me and not your computer screen?”  “What do you want to say?”  “I want to tell you — Oh, great — now your phone’s ringing.” “I won’t answer.”  “Okay, listen — I don’t think our relationship is working out.” “Why not?” “Because you never listen!” “I’m listening now.” “Yeah — after 3 months, you can stop what you’re doing to look at me. It’s about time.” ...

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“Cold Turkey ” by Kate Heesemann

Submitted to Contest #75

Joan and Josh had been long time smokers. Come 2021, they both decided to give it up — Joan with her chantix, and Josh thought he’d try cold turkey. It was December 30, 2020, and on this particular day, Joan was having a hard time without her usual daily dose of nicotine. Cleaning up after dinner, she stepped out back to take the trash out. As she lit up that Marlboro Red cigarette, she heard a rustle behind the garbage can. She peered around.  “Josh! What are doing?!” Josh stopped trying to light hi...

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