Susanne Perry

“Therapy” by Susanne Perry

Submitted to Contest #153

“You’re late. I can’t believe you’re late again. Why am I not surprised?” “What the big deal? She’s not even ready for us. She’s still with the appointment ahead of us.” “You were late last time.” “Yes, I’m late--again. We do need to cover the cost of these sessions. Not to mention everything else we spend money on. I can’t believe we’re arguing over this!” “I know this is expensive, I understand that. But if this relationship were important to you, if I were important to you, I’d think you’d try to arrive on time.” “I do the best I can. Ca...

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“School’s Out” by Susanne Perry

Submitted to Contest #151

Finally, the day had arrived. After forty years of bored students, irrational parents, inept administrators and clueless coworkers, it was my last day in this godforsaken classroom. When I became a teacher all those years ago, it wasn’t to have the summers off as some idiot will say, thinking they’re so clever. Yeah, haha. In truth, my motivation was a love of history. I became a history teacher because history was all I wanted to talk about, all I wanted to read about. I needed a job after college and I wanted to be involved with somethin...

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“Catch and Release” by Susanne Perry

Submitted to Contest #143

She hated birds. All birds. It wasn’t so much the birds themselves, or the way they preened, or even the sounds they make. It’s the wings she can’t stand, how they flutter and sputter with frantic spasms of insanity. It made no sense how the feathered creatures could sit quietly and patiently one minute then startle with frenetic motion the next. The agitated activity made her heart feel like it was going to explode from the fear and loathing. It hadn’t always been this way. At one time she had enjoyed the birdsong of the mornings, the cooin...

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“Living the Dream ” by Susanne Perry

It is Halloween again—that eagerly anticipated last day of October, a day of tricks or treats, fright or frolic. The weather has become cold, the wind unfriendly, and the mornings heavy with frost. The sun sets earlier and rises later. The bright gold and vibrant red of autumn are enjoyed in their full splendor. The misty air mingles with hazy smoke from wood fires kindled indoors for warmth and from the burning of leaves and debris in the fields. Sports vie for attention. There’s always a game on this time of year whether one cares to watch...

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“Karma and Santayana” by Susanne Perry

Submitted to Contest #109

CW: strong languageFinally, the day had arrived. After forty years of smart-ass students, irrational parents, inept administrators and clueless coworkers, it was my last day in this godforsaken classroom. When I became a teacher all those years ago, it wasn’t to have the summers off as some asshole idiot will tell you, thinking he’s so clever. Yeah. Ha-ha.In truth, my motivation was a love of history. I became a history teacher because history was all I wanted to talk about, all I wanted to read about. I needed a job after college and I want...

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“Prep Work” by Susanne Perry

Submitted to Contest #101

It was 1975 and my sister was getting married. Everyone thought it was wonderful; I thought she’d lost her mind. She had the perfect life at college. I imagined parties until all hours and concerts. Classes, papers, sulky professors, exams, and incessant poverty didn’t factor into my vision of her life.     The wedding would be small, out of doors. I would serve as bridesmaid, my sister’s best friend as the maid of honor. My mother would make our dresses for the event; floor-length, empire waist, spaghetti straps. In...

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