Keith Menendez

“Not a Scratch” by Keith Menendez

A polar chill ran down my seventh grade spine as Mr. Cliff, the principal of Daniel Webster Middle School, marched past me. His rank mummified breath saturated my face and infiltrated my defenseless schnoz.I once imagined evil embodied the smell of raw onions.I was dead wrong.You see my science teacher, Mr. Rattlehammer, has wicked onion breath. He eats onions like apples, especially red onions, (which are purple) and actual onion sandwiches. This year on the first day of school, he assigned not one, but two projects, due by the end of the w...

4 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Fountain in the Woods” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #239

Three weary hikers traveled an overgrown dirt path until the birch trees fell away to an open field.  A doe and fawn jumped away due to the noisy disturbance.  In the midst of the clearing, stood an ancient stone fountain covered in dew, branches and moss.  The still blackish water in the circular basin reeked of bacteria and algae.  Early spring daffodils and tulips surrounded the structure, but thorns and thistles impr...

9 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Scratch that Itch” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #237

What is a kiss?  I’m not looking for a life changing answer.  I’m curious, sincerely.  It’s not like I haven’t received pecks from my family.  Mom gives me good kisses (That sounds weird).  I should be more specific.   At Daniel Webster Middle School, what is a kiss?  Putting lips on lips or lips on cheeks or other body parts. Very unsanitary.  Gross.  But at my school, if this happens between a non-family member; a girl or a boy, then it’s like the moon landing (if you believe it; I have so...

9 likes 4 comments 4

Read story

“White As Snow” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #230

Mario marched to his room and stood in the doorway. Sandy followed. The ladies tiptoed down the hallway to eavesdrop. He said, “Sandy, how many closets are in this room? Now, look at the placement of the closets. Where are they?”  Sandy looked intently at the wall. “Three. One is at a forty-five degree angle on the left. The next two are parallel to each other on a flat wall.” Mario pointed. “On the ...

10 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Cupcakes by O' Scratch” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #228

“Hey! Thanks for making it.  Don’t you look dapper.”  A gorgeous brunette in a red trench coat called to a balding man in a wrinkled business suit.  He sat on a park bench about to read a newspaper.  He turned around looking for whom this beauty could be speaking to in the crowded food court.  She looked like a model straight out of Victoria Secrets.  He pointed to himself.  “Yes, I’m talking to you. Cli...

7 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Scratch Cupcakes” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #226

Middle school sucks! My mom told me not to use that crude word unless it was for emphasis.  It sucks hard.  I don’t know if I know what that means exactly, but things went from bad to apocalyptic since Black Friday at my school.  But you are asking, “Kids aren’t in school on Black Friday, Josh” and you would be correct. That is one reason why my story is beyond bizarre.  Hi! I’m Joshua Car...

26 likes 12 comments 12

Read story

“Come on Down” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #224

Big Band music blared from the garage, as Seravina entered from the kitchen. The large circular clock on the far wall read 2:12 am. The usually organized mechanic’s paradise had car parts, wrenches, grease, oil, nuts, bolts, and an assortment of bizarre gadgets jumbled on the floor, the shelves, and the ceiling. She stepped carefully around the obstacles and spills and moved over to the mechanical beast, Tood referred ...

6 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“ Speaking of Time” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #223

Mario ran through the blizzard snow, which was accumulating outside an Columbia University academic building.  He saw the blue Nissan sedan with its hazard lights flashing, which Emmy told him about minutes before.  He almost fell on some ice before he reached the door.  He opened the back door and tumbled into the seat.  EC gave him a heart-warming smile.  She wore a green toboggan and her full-length silver...

9 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“The Detective and the Deputy” by Keith Menendez

Mario walked further into the organized detective’s office.  Emmy remained at the doorway.  She peered in, but made no further advance. “I don’t think I should go in there.” Emmy whispered.  A booming voice echoed behind her. “Good choice, young lady.  How may I help you?”  A startled Emmy spun and faced a tall well-built middle-aged man with slightly balding brown hair.  He was holding several f...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Don't Drink the Tea” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #221

    The former Legion captain woke up with a start. His hands were in irons as he rode on the back of Spitfire. Will led the way on his white mustang, Winter. The elf rode next to him, while Popson and Chang followed. The hooves clattered down the somber streets of Between. He stretched his sore neck and back. He gingerly touched the large bump on his forehead, which was covered in a white bandage.  "What happened? Why am I sore all over?" Popson called from behind,...

9 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Heat Wave” by Keith Menendez

Heat Wave Swoosh!  Just as the sun peeked over the sleepy horizon, Woof teleported Tood to a large butte, Flatgap.  The arid land, tumbleweeds, and cracked earth was juxtaposed to the fertile and lush fields only a two-thousand feet below.  Tood placed his goggles over his eyes, readjusted his cowboy poncho, and put on his brown wool fedora.  He held a brown worn-leather ...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“A Private Word” by Keith Menendez

Submitted to Contest #219

Chico paced in the courthouse basement jail.  The bailiffs forcibly removed him from the murder scene and threw him into the damp cell.  Will and Chang guarded him in silence near a bright torch.  Deliberate strong footfalls could be heard cascading down the stone staircase.  Seravina turned the corner, holding the keys to the cell. Chico sat down on a dusty prison cot.  His left knee nervously bounced up and down....

9 likes 0 comments 0

Read story