Tag: fiction

writing

Acushla Bound

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Vacation, Day 1 – Enjoy a re-post of a story I wrote while I enjoy a well-deserved vacation!

Mikaela finally found an afternoon of no obligations, no commitments. She packed a small lunch and headed outside to sit by the lake.

She spread out a blanket and found a comfortable place to lean against the massive oak they saved from splitting following Hurricane Irma. The strapping still held it together, but the tree had healed nicely.

The breeze floated across the lake, carrying with it the warmth of the sun. Her skin glistened in the heat, but she was still comfortable. Her brown hair, desperate for a trim, curled up against her neck.

She purposely left her phone inside to escape interruption, but she brought a journal and pen, should any creativity come to visit.

She listened to the songs of the chickadees and cardinals as they flirted above her between the branches. Over the lake, herons and egrets swiftly flew by, looking for their lunch. Relaxation finally found her.

Slowly, she slipped into slumber, laying on her blanket. Her limbs and her eyes became heavy, but she didn’t struggle or fight it. It was nice to let things go for once. In the distance, the shell chimes clinked, lulling her further into a deep sleep.

In the distance she heard the galloping of hooves. She startled herself awake. As she opened her eyes, she realized she must be dreaming. Nothing around her was familiar.

The tree she slept under was now a willow tree, glistening in the sun. Her branches swayed in the winds, and almost iridescent leaves sparkled.

The familiar birds were gone, but new ones filled their place. Blue birds chirped and danced around her blanket. One even landed on her shoulder and sang a beautiful song.

Mikaela thought to herself, this is a pretty nice dream.

The high grass between her and the lake had transformed to a field of wild flowers, vibrant and rich with life. Butterflies, dragonflies, bees and more moved among the flowers, happily floating on the air.

One dragonfly floated towards Mikaela. This one was different from the others. As he neared, she realized it was a damsel fly instead…one set of wings instead of two. He floated and landed on her nose.

She looked cross eyed at him. She didn’t want to scare him, but then, she sneezed. He swiftly moved away, and once her fit was over, he floated nearby instead. He drifted away and then back several times.

Mikaela finally figured out he wanted her to follow him. She stood up. It was then she realized she wasn’t in her shirt and shorts anymore. She was now in a gown, similar to those of the Renaissance or one an elf would wear in LOTR, but it was lightweight and floated loosely over all her figure flaws.

She stepped onto the grass and found small stepping stones forming a path ahead. The damsel fly continued to beckon her to follow around the field. The path followed the edge of the lake which reflected as a turquoise and teal blue with a slight mist floating above.

As she continued rounding the edge of the lake, she discovered a wooded forest before her and heard the faint whinny of a horse. The damsel fly floated in mid-air before her, making her look around.

Mikaela noticed the air had a slight chill and rubbed her arms to warm them. She wondered where the warmth of the sun had gone. As she looked around, aside from knowing this wasn’t home, she didn’t know what she should see.

The damsel fly floated backward, allowing her to step forward, and then she tripped across a strap of leather.

“Ohhhh, this is what you wanted me to see?” She questioned as she picked herself and the horses bit and reign from the ground. She looked at the name engraved on the strapping… Pepper.

The damsel fly continued forward, leading her past the first few trees in the forest. There stood a beautiful Appaloosa in the thicket. He was already saddled, but no bit nor lead on him. He pranced to the side on hearing Mikaela’s footsteps.

As she neared, he bowed at her. She stretched out her hand, touching him on the star of his forehead. He neighed softly.

“Pepper?” She spoke gently to the magnificent creature. He shook his head up and down. The damsel fly landed on Pepper’s ear. Pepper twitched his ear, and the damsel fly took off, not to be seen again.

Mikaela recalled back to her youth. She had only ridden a horse once, but loved them immensely. She held out the bit to Pepper, “Shall we?”

Pepper pranced for a moment and opened his mouth. He was ready to get underway; although Mikaela had no idea where they would be going. She fastened the bit, checked the saddle, then climbed atop Pepper.

“Lead the way Pepper. Lead the way.”

With that, Pepper took off into the forest, headed towards the mountains in the distance.

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writing

Stormy Love

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Thunder pealed across the sky, rattling windows and startling those who dare sleep on such a stormy night.

She walked to the window and gently pulled back the shade. Blue and purple lightning danced across the blackened sky. As the flashes illuminated the dark, growing storm clouds blew up.

The winds picked up, slamming overhanging branches on the roof. A chill ran up the spine as a bolt struck the opposite edge of the lakeshore.

She rubbed her arms to comfort herself. Storms rarely bothered her, but this one was different. Goosebumps made her shiver once more.

Then, she felt his presence behind her. Warmth radiated from his body. He stepped closer and enveloped her in a hug. She suddenly felt safe in his arms.

He whispered softly in her ear, “Come back to bed.” Then he kissed the crook of her neck. He lowered his arms and took her hand, leading her back to their bed.

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writing

Bottles and Coos

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

People huddled in the darkened store in small groups. The murmuring of hushed voices bounced around the building, words of different languages swirled about with no discernible rhythm.

Outside was filled with darkness and no one dared go out. The reason was not clear, but something was truly amiss. I stood alone to the side, observing the controlled chaos fear had brought down on us all.

Slowly, an older woman separated from a group of people. They all wore dusty and ragged clothes. As she approached, I noticed she had a small bundle in her arms.

“You….take,” the woman handed me the bundle.

As I looked down, I realized it was a small baby girl. Her dark hair framed her tender face. She stirred slightly, snuggling more into her swaddling.

“Mother, now,” the woman looked at me. A tear fell from her eye as she turned and shuffled away.

“Wait,” I called after her, “Where is her mother?”

She kept walking away, back to her group.

I neared the group. A man looked up, greyed with age. He simply replied, “Gone.” His ashen look betrayed what I feared. Her mother was a victim lost to the darkness.

“I can’t,” I pleaded as I tried to return the child. “I can’t take her.” Tears poured forth from my eyes, revealing my own shortcoming. “I am not worthy.”

The child began to coo in my arms and stir as she woke. Her warmth filled my heart with feelings I never had experienced before. But I trembled. This wasn’t right; I was no mother.

“She should be with family. Please.”

The aged woman looked at me, “You are family. We go now.”

With that, the woman and the rest of the group shuffled away in a strange walk. They left the store into the darkness.

I looked around and found a law man standing near by. I showed him the child. “What should I do?” I asked confusedly.

He drew in a breath and looked around. Then his dark eyes connected with mine, freezing me in my spot.

“There is no law. Raise her.” His eyes glanced at the darkness, then he slowly walked away from me. He circled the store, passing by me and bringing something each time.

First, a basket with formula and cloth diapers and diaper pins.

Onesies and a blanket. Then bibs.

A car seat. Bottles.

More with each loop.

Finally, he walked back to me. “This will get you started. Do you have a car?”

I looked hesitantly at the door, then back at the child. “The darkness…”

He looked me over. “She needs to eat. Let’s pay and take care of that.”

I stepped up to the register and the lady waved me off. “No sales. The darkness. Take what you need and do not worry,” she laid her hand on her heart. “Care for her; she is special.”

I shook my head agreeing while still in shock. Why am I being entrusted to raise this child? I am not worthy.

I laid the girl into the baby seat and prepared a bottle. She greedily took it as if she had not eaten in a while. I found a nearby bench near the door and took a seat with her.

Instinctively, I picked her up and lightly patted her back until she burped, then wiped her little mouth. Then I rocked her to sleep in my arms as time passed. Slowly I drifted off to sleep holding her tight.

The light pierced through the door, waking me from the darkness. I looked down at the comforter bunched up in my arms. Alas, she was just a dream, another reminder of a life not meant for me.

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writing

A Break

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

The orange hammock strung up between two oaks lured her outdoors. A breeze picked up, cooling in the summer heat. It was a lazy weekend, and she looked forward to this break for 12 days straight.

Her phone on silent, she slipped it into the pocket, then slid into the hammock like it was a swing. She inhaled the fresh air as she slipped off her sandals.

She lowered her sunglasses then lifted her feet. Carefully, she turned and settled in to the cocoon of the hammock. The sunlight pierced through the canopy, but the breeze brought relief.

She hung her feet out of the hammock and let the breeze gently swing her. She watched the birds and the squirrels playing in the branches above her. Slowly, she drifted off to slumber. Peace at last.

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Uncategorized

Opals Afire

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

A disturbance call brought Alex to the scene in the outskirts of Chicago. It had been raining all day, and typically these calls were rare in this type of weather. She arrived on scene to a deserted road and nothing much else. She looked out of the car and saw something out of place.

A lone scarf fluttered from a tree branch, ensnared as it’s wearer disappeared into the night. The pavement was wet and the lights along the path flickered as the storm raged on.

Alex tightened the belt of her coat and pulled the collar closer as she inspected the fine cashmere cloth. A small label revealed its maker and its origin…Dubai, UAE.

She pulled the scarf away, admiring its beauty. The finely woven pattern in light and royal blue hinted at the owners taste. But, who was she, and why would such a fine piece be left behind? A mystery awaits its unraveling.

The blue and red light flashed behind her, and reflected against the marble wall, lighting up the sidewalk in pulses. Each time the pulse would pass, something in the grass, beside the wall, would catch her eye.

Alex walked over, tracking the source to a small patch by a blooming camellia. She bent down to inspect it further. Among the blades of green, she saw the flash again, and picked up the shining object with her gloved hand.

From it dangled a white gold link bracelet with three opals. The design appeared to be middle eastern. It may be from the same person who lost their scarf.

She looked over the camellia bush and saw flowers littering the grassy area and some broken branches. Something definitely happened here, but what?

She flashed her light through the park, but found no one. Finally, she decided there wasn’t much more to do at the scene. She turned with the item in hand, and proceeded back to her car.

She would need to find out more in the lab.

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writing

Garnet and Diamond Tiara

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Hidden away in the catacombs under the fortress lied an old obsidian and marble box. Inside it lay the Earl’s most treasured jewel, a garnet and diamond encrusted tiara meant for his one true love.

He hid it deep in the catacombs to keep it safe from the Queen; she could never know of it. She would take it and make it hers if she ever did.

Through missteps and mishaps, the Earl and his true love headed out on separate paths, but never did they forget. Neither had an easy life, but eventually everyone moved on. The Earl met a lovely woman who became his bride, but he couldn’t present her with this tiara, knowing in his heart it belonged to someone else.

An age passed and the Earl and Countess raised a lovely family. But the Earl still missed the one from his past. He decided to check on the tiara, to ensure it remained secured. So he snuck away in the night and wandered the catacombs to the hiding place.

He moved away the stones which blocked the hidden recess where the box sit, and gently pulled out the box. It was covered with cobwebs and dust from the ages. He blew away the particles and opened the box.

In that moment, he crumpled to his knees. Before him on the velveteen covered interior was no tiara. He gasped and with wide eyes looked in horror. How could it be gone?

He laid the lid bottom side up, then realized a piece of parchment was folded and tucked into the recess. In fine calligraphy, the outside read “Earl Whitney” in blood red ink.

He removed the thin and aged parchment, then carefully unfolded it. Inside, the letter read…

My love,

Although for now we weren’t meant to be,

I know you had this made for me.

So away I take it and now I flee,

But always know I love thee.

Should you find yourself one day free,

And if I may be the same hopefully,

I hope you find me walking Leffis Key,

XX

With the letter in his hand, tears burst forth from his eyes. The Earl dare not show such emotion in sight of others. His face however, smiled, for now he knew. Knowing for now would have to do.

He removed a small token from his finger and laid it inside the box. He would return here every few weeks and leave her something more each time.

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writing

A Queen’s Place

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

The lady entered the great hall, dressed in silks foreign to the gathered crowd. Her crown sparkled of gems, carefully selected to finish her look, or perhaps it was the other way around. The bold red, deep emerald, and royal blue tones reminded all of her place in this world, and it was at the head of the table.

The knights and lords fell to their knees and silence took over where once was a frenzied din. The ladies curtsied as she passed. To each she nodded and shared a genuine smile. As she ascended to the elevated table at the front of the hall, she lifted her skirts slightly, revealing leather riding boots.

She stepped up to the table and welcomed her guests, “Please, rise! This is a festivity!” She raised her glass. “To the people of Riggs, the house of Whitney welcome you!”

With those words, the band resumed playing, the men rose, and the wine began to pour. Queen Filippa straightened her skirts before sitting. As she reached for her chalice, a page kneeled beside her.

“Your Majesty, Yarl Mikkel of Riggs wishes for an audience.”

Filippa looked out across the room and Mikkel nodded his head in her direction. She looked with annoyance back at the page with her dark eyes. “I shall see him. Tomorrow, in the morn. Ensure Lady Aramith is in attendance.” She pursed her ruby lips and waved off the page with the swift tilt of her head.

The page nodded and slipped away with little notice.

“Uncle,” Queen Filippa turn to the man to her right, “why do these roguish men whose lands have come under my protection keep groveling to take my hand?”

Her uncle scoffed.

The Queen continued, “I understand why,” stressing the word why vigorously, “but why can they not see I have all that I want, and easily can take more if I want it. I don’t need these fools falling at my feet. Goodness, I need a real man!”

A hearty laugh escaped her uncle’s mouth. “My dear, they seek the power, and, forgive me, who wouldn’t want a piece of you?”

Queen Filippa rolled her eyes and found levity in his words. Nothing like honest Uncle Abe to state the, well, obvious. She looked down her bosom and shifted a bit to ensure all was in the right place then exhaled in frustration. “I grow tired, Uncle. I shall see you tomorrow.”

Uncle Abe nodded at her as she departed the table to retire from the party.

Filippa paused outside a moment as she returned to her quarters to breathe in the night air. The river and the mountains which ran alongside castle laid awash in moonlight. She thought to herself, These are the views I want to share… The small quiet moments between the flurry of the crown’s demands; this is when I need somebody holding my hand.

She released her breath and continued to her chambers. Tomorrow brought another day of royal duty and another day of sorting out suitors. Tonight she would rest easy knowing Riggs lands and it’s people were now hers.

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writing

Coincidence

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

A grass covered field laid out before the explorers. No man had traveled here in ages. Eons had passed, and the technology had advanced.

Jon tossed up the drone which floated above the field. “Mikaela, come look!”

Mikaela stepped next to Jon. “What did you find, Riggs?” She peered over his arm at the display. Large rectangular patterns appeared in the grainy overlay. “It that…a town square?”

Riggs shook his head yes. “Looks like the old western towns from when the Americas were being settled by the Europeans.” He directed the drone to change position. “See that?”

Mikaela saw an elongated triangular shape on the screen. “That looks like a Church…oh, what’s it called…a steeple?” She questioned herself.

Jon began walking across the clearing toward the steeple. He turned back and waved at Mikaela to follow.

“There should be a graveyard near the church. We should find some remains near there,” Jon stated matter of factly. Jon steps quickened as he neared the spot.

Mikaela raced to keep up with him. His legs, longer than hers, gave him an advantage. When they finally arrived at the spot and stopped, she drew a sharp breath.

The drone floated overhead. Jon turned to Mikaela. “The markers were usually made of wood, but we might luck out if we can find some made of marble. Those will be engraved.

Skillfully, Jon guided the drone into the air, scanning the plot of land to the south of the church steeple. Rectangular patterns started to appear as the radar and X-ray scanned the ground. “I need to adjust the intensity. We may be able to see remains.”

The fuzzy images of what appeared to be skeletons started glowing in the display. “We’ve got something! Look, two skeletons entwined!” Jon looked at Mikaela. “Let’s start there.”

Jon made a beeline for the spot. Then he paused and looked back. He called out, “What are you doing, Mikaela?”

She looked at him confusedly. “Where are the graves? I don’t want to step on them.” It was a custom her family carried forward. “We shouldn’t walk over the bodies. Where’s the pattern?”

Jon thought it was silly but sweet. It wasn’t a custom he’d heard of. He looked over the diagram on his screen. “Okay, go left three steps. Now turn and walk directly to me.”

Mikaela took a ragged breath as she stepped over the vine covered graveyard. She finally caught up to Jon.

“Okay, follow me.” Jon guided her to a plot near a maple tree. He shivered and looked at Mikaela.

Mikaela approached and stepped beside Jon. This time, she shook to her core and looked at him. “Tell me we aren’t standing in a grave.”

He focused the drone overhead. “Step back a step and then one to the right. We were on the edge of the grave I wanted to check out.”

She stumbled through her next words. “The the story I have, have been told is that if you step, if you step on your own grave, a chill will go up your spine.” Mikaela wrapped her arms around herself looking for warmth.

Jon brought the drone down to sit on the ground next to him and arched his eyebrow. “Really, funny we both felt it. I think it was just a cool wind blowing through.” He smiled reassuring her.

They looked over the footage the drone took. Jon pointed out a small rectangular shape. “I think that’s the headstone. Do you have the excavator?”

Mikaela pulled a small barrel shaped rod and pushed a few buttons. The device floated over the ground. “Jon, you can take control.”

Jon guided the excavator to remove the layers of soil which buried the stone. Only a few inches covered the headstone. Soon, the gray and white veining of the marble became apparent.

Mikaela and Jon walked over and read the inscription. The date was not readable. They paused and stared at each other a moment. “That’s not possible…” Jon slowly spoke. “This slab is hundreds of years old.” He read the inscription again.

Riggs

Jonathan & Mikaela

Devoted Partners

Their Love is Now Among the Stars

Mikaela froze, then she giggled and scoffed, “Wow…that’s uh, quite a trick there Riggs.”

“No trick. I,” Jon paused and shook his head, “I don’t understand.” he stared intently at Mikaela.

Her eyes locked with his. At least it wouldn’t be a bad way to go… Then Mikaela waived it off, “You know, Riggs could just have been a popular name in this area.”

Jon grinned in agreement, “Yeah, that’s it. Just a big coincidence!”

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writing

Fly Me to the Moon – Part Five

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Jon and Mikaela walked out of the lift on Deck Three. She smiled when they walked out into the atrium, but then sighed and looked at Jon. “It isn’t anything like home, is it Jon?”

He looked ahead and shook his head, “It’s definitely something different.” He chuckled to himself. “But different can be good, I guess.”

“Well, hopefully you like different food. We definitely have some unique meals here on the station.” She guided him over to a glistening silver and white box with a touchscreen. The screen flashed an assortment of foods that seem like they did back on Earth.

Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. “Everything looks great! Either that, or I’m starving.”

Mikaela glanced over, “You’re starving,” and grinned crookedly.

Jon chuckled and picked out his choice. A ticket printed. Mikaela then made her selection and pulled the table tent number. “Still a little service around here. They will bring it to us.” She walked over to a table which faced out to the lunar surface.

Jon followed her and took a seat. “Do you get used to the lower gravity?”

Mikaela smiled, “Oh, sure. But going home is always interesting. Especially the longer you stay. I always get home and am over five foot six, but it rapidly disappears.”

Jon smiled as they exchanged conversations and glances. He noticed her hair had streaks of gray coming in and small laugh lines around her eyes.

“You’ll probably be six four or more when you get back,” Mikaela observed then chuckled.

Jon and Mikaela continued exchanging a few stories, then the lights in the atrium dimmed. Mikaela looks up with a sad look. “We’ll, that’s our cue. Time to head out for sleep.”

Jon looked at his watch and nodded his head. “I’ll walk you back?”

They made their way to the lift and she pressed the same floor as Jon’s. “Our quarters are all together.”

Jon’s knuckles lightly brushed against her hand as the lift came to a stop. Mikaela grinned, but then swiftly stepped off the lift. “I’m right down there,” pointing down the hall in the opposite direction. “Good night, Jon.”

Jon watched her as she turned and entered her room. He raised his hand, waved goodnight and headed for his own.

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writing

Hi-Tea – Part One

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Small intimate tables dotted the floor of the cafe with comfortable chairs. The air smelled of madeleines and other sweet treats, and the display case held savories and pastries alike. A sign hung in the window welcoming guests. It was finally opening day.

Sally straightened her apron and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. She’d picked the name “Hi-Tea” for their shop because that’s how her grandmother used to say hello to her, “Hi-ty!” It was something she herself would say upon waking as a small child. She grew out of saying it eventually, but the stories continued of how she’d greet the day from her mom to all who would listen.

She hoped her location on Heavenly Village Way would attract the locals and the tourists alike. It was a prime spot near the gondolas and heavily trafficked, but she knew it could be hard to keep consistent business throughout the year if the locals didn’t also come.

She walked to the front door. Morning was just dawning, and no traffic filled the street yet. It was late Spring, and a chill lingered in the air. She unlocked the door and stepped outside to wipe down the two sets of cafe tables and chairs waiting outside.

She looked up and down the street and spied a lone jogger out on their morning run. She waved hello as they passed by, then turned to go back inside for a little warmth. Her sweater was comfortable, but the morning temperatures were getting to her hands. She rubbed them together for a little warmth as she walked back inside.

“Nervous?” a voice from the corner called out. Her silent business partner, Sam, decided to not be so silent at times. “How about a cup of coffee? I’ll be your first customer.”

She glanced his way and stuck out her tongue, “To be a customer, you’ve got to pay!”

He laughed and retorted, “Oh, I think I bought a lifetime of coffee and pastries, woman. Go get me some!”

She rolled her eyes and headed behind the counter, then prepared him a creamy, frothy cup. She also pulled out a “salmon with everything” savory and set it on a plate. She took both over to the corner where he sat comfortably working away on his own pet project.

As she set it down, their first real customer came in. Sally greeted the customer and provided them a small menu to help with their selections.

The older lady perused the drink selections and walked over to the counter. “May I have an English Breakfast with cream and sugar? I haven’t had one in years.” Her voice had a faded English accent. “Also, do you have any financiers?”

Sally was thrilled. She could finally have someone let her know if she was close with her recipe. “Yes! I do. Please have a seat and I’ll bring everything to you as soon as your tea is brewed. Would you prefer a cup or a pot for one? A pot has two cups.”

“A cup will do, thank you.” the lady responded as she took a seat at one of the small low tables in a comfortable highbacked chair.

Sally went to work behind the counter plating a financier and gathering the supplies for the lady’s tea. She fixed a small plate with sugar and a small creamer, then delivered it to her table. “I’ll be right back with your tea and financier. You’re my first customer!”

She went back to the counter and finished up the tea, then picked up it and the financier, then returned to the table. “Here you go. Enjoy.”

The lady nodded thanks and began to prepare her tea.

Sally hesitated a moment, then turned and returned to behind her counter. She’d envisioned quiet moments like this, but she hadn’t planned for what to do with her time. She started fiddling with the display to make sure everything looked good and filled in the spots emptied by serving the salmon savory and the financier.

“Excuse me.” A quiet voice spoke from behind the counter. Sally almost didn’t hear her, but she saw a figure through the display case and popped up her head.

“Hello?” Sally walked around to see who was speaking. “Can I help you?” As she turned the corner, the figure disappeared. Sally shook her head; was her mind playing a trick on her? It must have been her own reflection.

Sally headed over to the lady in the high-backed chair. Maybe that’s who she heard. “Can I get you anything else?”

The kind lady said no, then asked if she settled up at the counter. Sally nodded yes and made her way back to the counter to close her tab and take payment.

Sally looked at her first customer sweetly. “Was everything okay?”

The lady nodded yes, then commented, “Your financier was delicious by the way. I wouldn’t change a thing!” and she winked at her as she handed Sally a tenner. “Keep the change dear. You’ve got a good setup here. I wish you luck.”

With that, the lady exited the cafe and wandered away.

Sally walked over to Sam sitting in the corner still and wondered out loud, “Did you see a little girl come in then walk out by chance?”

Sam just looked at her and shook his head in a firm no.

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