slice of life

10 Days before Christmas

/ Karina Pinella / 12 Comments

(A Christmas Tale Countdown series, Part 4; see Part 3)

French hens

The three friends met at The Bedfordshire Inn to talk about the last two days. Silas and Ebenezer wanted to know what Elizabeth thought about her gifts.

“She is mostly pleased, but surprised. Naturally, she wanted to know who they were from, but I said that for now the gentleman in question prefers to remain anonymous and would reveal himself in time. However, she did mention that the first gift had included a poem that made her think it was someone she knows.”
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11 Days before Christmas

/ Karina Pinella / 5 Comments

(A Christmas Tale Countdown series, Part 3; see Part 2)

doves

Ebenezer lived with his great-Aunt Maisey, who professed every day she would leave everything to Ebenezer if he continued to mind her. He liked the old biddy enough but wished she wasn’t so robust. He wouldn’t mind if she were feeble and in bed most of the time. Instead, she tended to flit about and meddle in everyone’s business, as she was now doing in his. The two of them were in the drawing-room drinking tea together, although his mind was on Elizabeth.

“Darling boy, how preoccupied you look today. What is on your mind, sweet son?”
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12 Days before Christmas

/ Karina Pinella / 11 Comments

(A Christmas Tale Countdown series, Part 2; see Part 1)
pear tree
Silas chose the winning head side of the coin. He bade his friends farewell and went home to think. He was glad no one was in the drawing-room, where he sat upon his favorite chair. He mused about Elizabeth — her dainty hands, her bow-shaped lips . He knew then what to give her.

He would go look for a succulent partridge that would more than sufficiently feed her parents and three sisters. They could then finish off the lovely repast with sweet pears. Such a gift would immediately endear him to the whole family. Horace didn’t say one couldn’t write a poem with the gift. He’ll sign it anonymous, but he will make sure his prose provides a clue that might make her think of him.

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A Visitor

/ Karina Pinella / 9 Comments

Her eyes open, slowly focusing at the rail on the side of her bed. She struggles to breathe, a flash of anger courses through her as she tries to inhale what little air she can get into her terminally ill lung. A tear slides by the side of her eye, as she prays silently for mercy. She rolls onto her back and stares unseeingly up the ceiling. Her thoughts jumble. Instantly, she has a lucid thought, “I had a good, long life.” Continue reading →

His Secret

/ Karina Pinella / Leave a comment

man
He creeps downstairs, wincing every time he creaks a step. His flashlight shines toward the door leading to the garage. Almost there. He can hardly wait to be with his sweetness. His breath shortens at the thought of the taste and touch of —.

“Harry?”

He turns around to see his wife at the top of the stairs’ landing. He smooths his sparse hair, as he asks, “What are you doing up?” Continue reading →

Oops Brief: The High Flyer

/ Karina Pinella / 4 Comments

Around 2:30 this afternoon, the popular flying ace that buzzed around Sector 430 on the 4th floor in Dept. C was felled by a sheet of 8 ½” x 11”, 20-lb. Bond paper. Rest in peace, Little Rascal.

Ant

 

Oops Brief: The White Chair

/ Karina Pinella / Leave a comment

She sits on his white chair, so eager to please. She hangs on to his every word, forgetting the time, until he says he’s well read. Her brain registers. Oh, no! Today is her first day of a new cycle and that means every hour she has to change. She gets up, but too late. As she glances down, she sees red.
blushed