Story

Steve Irwin was truly a rare breed of human. Liked by virtually all who ever watched his work, the charismatic Australian dedicated his life to improving the welfare of animals all over the world, as well as educating and entertaining the rest of us while he was doing it. His tragic death at the age … Read more

I stopped. “Protect me from what?” I whispered. The lawyer, Mr. Harrison, was still sitting across from me. He didn’t say anything. I looked up. “Did you know about this?” He lowered his eyes. “Mr. Walter asked me to deliver the letter exactly as instructed.” “That’s not what I asked.” He hesitated. Then he said … Read more

Mary Louise Weller passed away on October 1 following a brief illness, only one day before her 80th birthday. Per Extra, her death was announced through her Facebook account, with the family asking for privacy during this difficult time. “With a heavy heart I share that Mary Louise Weller [‘ML to those that knew and … Read more

A Cry for Help on the Gravel Shoulder A golden retriever pressed both front paws hard against the chest of an unconscious soldier lying flat on the gravel shoulder, throwing his muzzle toward the sky and barking into the passing traffic. Cars zipped past along the two-lane rural road, their tires whipping up dust just … Read more

A Sudden Stand-off on the Pathway The woman pulled her sneakers to a halt as huge white wings flared open across the grass. She recoiled slightly, raising both palms toward her chest while the massive swan hissed, lunging forward with an open orange beak. Just inches from the bird’s webbed feet, a steep, narrow drainage … Read more

An Unwelcome Delivery On The Pavement A red SUV slowed along the sunny curb, and the driver leaned out his window, dropping a thick black plastic bag straight onto the clean stone walkway. The bundled plastic landed right in the path of a straw broom, bouncing softly against the curb. The street sweeper halted his … Read more

A Cup Emptied On Gravel An elderly man tilted a battered paper cup downward, pouring every nickel and quarter into an open palm. His gray beard framed a face lined with deep creases as he watched the coins tumble across the vendor’s calloused skin. A few inches below them, pressed against the rusted metal mesh … Read more

A Confrontation Beside the Markers The security officer pushed his index finger toward the white stone marker, leaning forward until his chest nearly brushed the older man’s uniform jacket. His voice rose above the cemetery grounds as he ordered the older man to step away from the plot immediately. The grey-bearded veteran stood upright, clutching … Read more

A Shoved Bowl And A Cold Floor Vanessa swept her hand across the marble tabletop, sending the steaming bowl of noodles crashing onto the floor. White ceramic shattered against the tile, splattering warm broth across the waiter’s black sneakers. Vanessa tapped her phone against her manicured palm, daring him to react. Jake grabbed a metal … Read more

A Shove On The Cobblestone Curb The shopkeeper planted both hands against the elderly woman’s shoulders and shoved her backward onto the street. The woman’s worn leather boots slipped against the curb, sending her down hard onto the stone pavers beside rows of potted hydrangeas. The florist stood over her with a stiff green apron … Read more

Turned Away at the Counter The service clerk slammed his palm flat onto the wooden counter and thrust a stiff index finger toward the garage door. A few inches away stood an older man in a faded plaid jacket, his knuckles white around the brim of a worn brown hat. He explained that his front … Read more

An Aisle Confrontation in Mid-Boarding A pointed index finger thrust forward, stopping inches from an older woman’s face. The woman in the tailored beige jacket leaned over the blue seatback, her teeth clenched as she spoke into the cabin. “That’s my seat. Get out of it,” she demanded, shifting her weight onto one heel and … Read more