Sky S

“Hope Hurts” by Sky S

The mask on my face was uncomfortable and made it hard to breathe but it was crucial for my double life. As I took a deep breath the lenses fogged up. I ended up wondering why I chose to wear it as I loosened one of the filters and the fog cleared. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Are you supposed to be hiding or stalking?” A male voice asked from behind me. I froze. I recognized the voice and I hope to God he doesn’t recognize mine as I speak. Then I remembered that I had a voice modifier attached to my mask. I tightened the filter and c...

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“Winter Wonderland” by Sky S

I have always loved winter. It had that aesthetic. The warm fires in fireplaces where magic happens, or long train rides across the country in the snow.  I love the feeling of closeness between me and strangers on the street. I love walking down the street when it’s snowing. But one thing that I’d never thought I’d enjoy, is reading by the fire with someone other than my dog. My dog, currently, is my one and only lover. Reeses is the sweetest thing and I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s my buddy for when I’m cooking or dancing ...

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“A Risky Game” by Sky S

The Rules: If there is no trust, don’t leave the room Never abandon a game Do not accuse another player of cheating Do not mess with the tally board Never leave a game unfinished, even if it means being late to class These were the rules for when I played chess with one of the smartest kids in school. You would’ve never guessed it from how he looked. James was your average popular football boy. He had the whole cheerleading squad after him, and he had the build of a model. You would’ve never guessed that I was the head of the matchwit...

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“Pumpkin Guts” by Sky S

Halloween in Silverton is a big deal. The High School always has some big event and every house in every neighborhood had every decoration you could think of, none of them ever repeating. Granted, it is a small town, and everyone knows everyone. So when the town's greatest quarterback died - a pumpkin knife to the lung - no one hesitated to blame it on the visiting football team. -- Angela Hall sat on the counter in her parents' kitchen, waiting for her toaster waffles to be done. She twirled the dull butterknife daintily in her hands, watch...

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“Trains and Strangers” by Sky S

The yellow-green landscape flashed by my window in a painted smear. Dark brown telephone poles make vertical flashes across the paned glass. If you focused on the smooth surface of the glass you could see long-forgotten hand prints from a child, or fingertips from people pointing at the colorful world outside. I traced a scratch with my nail and winced at the feeling beneath my finger. As the train picked up the pace on open rails the landscape grew more and more smudged. The train was smooth and it allowed me to rest my head against the win...

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“Battles of the Mind” by Sky S

Submitted to Contest #167

"You know you can't win." He spun his weapon in his hands like it was already the award. I rolled my eyes and prepared to strike, he wouldn't win this one. "Is that really what you think?" I asked, bringing my sword down upon his. They collided with a satisfactory clang. It made my ears ring, but it was glorious and reminded me that he couldn't win. "It rings true every time, you know that Skylar." He swung at me again, this time striking my armor at my waist. I grunt and step backwards. He takes it as an opportunity to strike again, but thi...

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“Before You Say Goodbye” by Sky S

The whole world was freaking out. I’m not sure what about, but in my fourteen year old brain, it must be pretty bad if mum and dad are running around crazy with the crowds too. Dad came into my room yesterday and tried to explain it, but ended up in tears two sentences in. I’m hoping mum will come explain tonight. She might, if she hasn’t touched the liquor yet. My room, usually tidy just how I like it, has become a mess. Mum and dad’s stress has been getting to me. I didn’t realize until this morning when I spilled my cereal on my lap becau...

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“Hand in Hand” by Sky S

"Fia, you know I make the best grilled cheese." Seth was saying as I flipped the grilled cheese on the stove. I didn't look up as I responded. I set down the spatula."I'll have you know that my dad makes the best grilled cheese." I rested my hip against the counter and looked over at my roommate. His tousled brown hair fell loosely in his eyes, like he never did anything for it, but he did. He just likes it that way. His ice-blue eyes peeked out through his hair as he watched my face."He usually makes these, huh?" He asks. I peel my gaze fro...

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“Thicker Than Blood” by Sky S

Submitted to Contest #161

T.W. Violence, gore, self harmIt's the third funeral this month. It's getting annoying, having to go to all of my sibling's receptions. Mourning for someone who stole my daddy's love from me. The men and women who disappeared and then showed up dead a few days later.I stand next to my remaining three siblings in the front pew as the pastor goes on and on about how Grayson is at home and at peace with God up in the great clouds above and all that fake bullshit. My family eats it up as they mop their tears with the back of their hands or black...

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“Summer Vacation!” by Sky S

T.W. Divorce and unstable parental relationships The first day of Summer Vacation. Oh glorious day! I could hardly wait for the school year to be out. No more hiding, no more pretending. But it's not even eleven o'clock yet and I am BORED. What am I supposed to do? I don't have a pool. Or a big yard. Or a car. My eyes scan my pale boring room until they land on my bookshelf. I'm struck with an idea. I swipe my favorite book from the shelf and grab a picnic blanket from the hall closet and I'm out the door before I remember I don't have my ...

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“When She Dies” by Sky S

T.W. First person death, depressionist behavior I’m aware of only a few things. The first, the feel of my dying hand in his warm one. The second, the sound of the heart monitors. The cold around the IV in my arm. My mother weeping in the corner. My father's sobs from the hallway. The smell of a sterile hospital room. My grandmother gave the final word. The one saying I had to die. “I’M HERE” I want to scream. I wanted to wake up. I wanted them to know I was here. That I wasn’t floating off somewhere. I’m here. I’m here. Please. Don’t make ...

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