Storybook 

Short, Short Stories by Lucero Miranda

Washington High School 2024 Senior 

Pam Pack Writers' Group Staff Member

Ignore Me

Passing through my gardens and trailing along a path. So dense and full of wild brush and flower. But not enough to stop me. Not enough at all.

The trail thins and widens, a road to bring me on a wide journey or a dirt road that ends right here. My vehicle is sturdy but weak. The strides quick but slow to cross.

I'm exhausted but eager to reach the end that seems so near. It's right in my sight and right in my reach. Just a little more. So close but I don't want to go.

There is an end to the trail and it's falling behind me. Pushing me forward; yelling, screaming,

"Don't ignore me!" it begs. "I'm still here! Don't forget. Oh, please don't forget."

But I haven't forgotten. I know it's still there. I won't be able to forget. I'm moving as far as I can from it, but I won't ever forget.

I know.

And I hope it'll understand why I ran. I have been looking back, it just hasn't noticed. I have plenty of excuses but not enough care in the world.

Not enough. 

Not enough. 

Not enough. 

Not enough. 

Not. 

Enough.

They tell me it's alright and I should keep going. "Breathe," they say. Slow and deep. Like they're singing me to sleep. Their murmurs slowly reach me and I'm drifting off to sleep. It's like I can still hear them cursing my way. What are they saying?

Either way they should know I truly care; not enough, but I do care. I hope it's enough to please you and if it's not then...

I can't give anymore.

Be well my friend. I know you'll be alright. I know I'm just repeating myself. But I do.

I want you to know.

Forgive me.

Rowdy Room

Yelling over their voices won't get me heard so I'll just have to physically voice it.

I'll just yell louder.

I want to be heard. 

Listen to me.

When's dinner?

Let me sit down already.

What are we going to watch?!

A room full of family. Just another pleasant day where they gather round and spend quality time together. A little rough housing sure but not enough to get charges brought up on you. A quality feast before them, loaded with chips, soda drinks, sweet treats, and dad's dish that no one will eat. It won't feed them all but, "Pizza's here!"

They can always order more. They have to let it out now because if they don't, someone's boss may face the wrath of- let's just hope they don't get fired. Another is exhausted and is looking forward to the long weekend ahead of them. To relax and dream of another job. One with all the riches. Cars, houses, feasts, clothes, watches, and luxury vacations. I'm sure they all wished money was a plenty.

But don't be fooled. They may wish and think of different things. But they all have family in their hearts.

They don't see it and you may not see it, but they do. Mom knows and I'm sure Dad can take a gander. They could all take a guess.

Just another peaceful night.

Fields

Running and sprinting through the tall green grass. It doesn't scrape or graze, but it does leave some of its color behind. A white dress that blows in the wind and the rush of those blazing feet. Makes the color more obvious. But shorts cut up to the knee and a little bit of detergent to get it out. It'll take a bit of scrubbing but don't worry, there are always new dresses.

Sitting not too far and where they can keep a close eye. Rocking back and forth to whishing winds. Relaxing to this summer day. Where they can see it all and nothing escapes their gaze. As far as it falls and all knowing. Such care to watch over them, even from afar. The distance could never prevent them from keeping each other safe.

Winding Down

Kicking and tossing my shoes to the side. I stumble my way to that spot alone to me. There. A curly cinnamon brown, wagging its tail in front of me. Small and Lovely is what I call it. It looks up with its round eyes of orange sunset, orange marmalade, and orange high grade sparkle. I beg it to climb off and so he does. It doesn’t fuss and it doesn’t whine. So out of tune for this pesky animal. But a win is a win, as I sink into my glorious once orange chair. Now a musky and scratchy brown. It joins me after I’ve settled down. Falling asleep to my slow breathing. I rise and I sink. Like oceans waves, washing away any prints I left behind.

Whish and a Whirl

It’s pouring now and his friends thunder and lightning join him. They parade outside my house, the noisy neighbors that can’t take a hint. But it doesn’t bother him. He hasn’t moved an inch. How old was he again? I chuckled, yes, he’s an old fellow. Long past his prime and long past his time. I’m not so young myself.

Howling and Pattering

The wind picks up and I’m sure my backyard has some unwelcome visitors. Those neighbors of mine have raised up their music! Their party is getting out of hand. Oh! What a bother! Thrusting my fist into the air I yell at them to quiet down. Can’t they see my baby is sleeping?

Booming and Pounding.

I gasp as I try to calm my beating heart, but still, I shout to my inconsiderate neighbors. My baby! Oh, my innocent baby!

Pounding and Gasping.

His nap has run too long. My cursing words have as well. I sink and I sway, my ship is fighting and crashing into waves. It’s sails are tearing, too many voyages have worn them down. This is it’s last voyage. There’s no avoiding this storm. So as the storm calms inside this ragged house. It gently hangs over them, clearing the way to the sky up above.

Drip Drop. Drip Drop.

It’s okay boy. It’s okay.

Daddy’s coming.