Patchwork

The reflection in the mirror radiated a tortured look back to Austin. “How long had it been?” he wondered. Images of the last week flooding his mind … it hurt. “I hate this bright fluorescent lighting” he winced a bit. He thought Alanna would be the one to pull him free – yet, she wasn’t enough – and now the bad chemicals flowed.

Slowly, a mist engulfed him – the lights became more bearable – they softened into warm yellow glows. His reflection in the mirror slowly softened, then faded – he felt a release of pressure – a floating sensation through, no part of the mist – his lips formed an involuntary smile.

And there was Alanna – she was looking away – she seemed at peace – finally. He noticed the pattern on her left forearm – odd, he hadn’t seen it before. She almost looked like a patchwork – he always thought she was complex, put together with impossible beauty.

He tried to call to her, but no voice came out. Actually, he could no longer sense his body – it seemed to have melted away into the mist – yet, he saw Alanna and she was beautiful.

Artist: Charles Dwyer; Author: Mike Evans

The Boys

Sarah watched from the window – her right arm in the natural resting position on the sill, while her left hand fidgeted with the flower pot. She felt the breeze of the warm summer afternoon air brush against her skin. Her thoughts floated along with the breeze …

She was, on the beach, watching Aden pop wildly out of the surf – wiping the water and sand from his face with both hands – she smiled inside. He ran up to her and with a mischievous smile, shook his head to cause a spray of water droplets on her – she squealed with feigned displeasure – it was one of their moments of pleasure together…

A sudden squeal from one of her boys in the yard brought her back. Now, where was Aden? Sarah yearned for those days at the beach – love was in blossom and she was so young – they both were.

Artist: Childe Hassam; Author: Mike Evans