Unwritten

Chapter 2             “At least you’re going to college. It’s like there’s this whole big world laid out for you, places you can go, you can be anything.”             Tahlia scoffs and quirks an eyebrow at me, “Sure. So many doors, wide open, for single mothers.” She gives the toddler in her arms a little squeeze before putting him in the stroller, “May I remind you, that you can go to college too, if you so choose.” She throws her arms wide, “Someday my son all this will be yours!”             “Wot, the curtains?” I squawked.             I babysit for Tahlia while she attends college courses some afternoons.             “Where are you two headed?” She asks.       ...

Author's note: The violence starts in chapter 2.             “Phil?” The windows are dark, he’s probably not be home. The light flickers on as I flip the switch by the kitchen door. The screen door snaps shut. I lock the deadbolt behind me as I enter. I clean out the fridge before loading the new groceries in. Dave had put a few containers of my favorite yogurt in with the groceries, not yet at their sell-by date. It’s the little things in life that make us happy.             Too tired to cook, I nuke myself some ramen, and empty the contents of my school bag onto the dining room table. There is an essay due on Monday and midterms to study for. After a few hours, I feel confident enough to come to a stopping place. My noodles had been salty, but filling. I bring my bowl to the sink and sigh, too many dishes, too late at night. It is a flimsy excuse, I am a night owl and I...

Authors note: I'm posting it with the working title, this is not even half of the first chapter.                 A Mission From Death             Thwack!                        I am interrupted from marking down discounted soup by the force of a bean bag baby connecting with my cheek. I hear the sensible black dress shoes of my boss scuffle and squeak away as he scurries in the opposite direction. I hold out my pricing gun with both hands as if I am on a cop show and walk as quickly and silently as possible after him. Very carefully I round the corner. He is nowhere to be seen. No matter, this is a familiar game. I head quickly toward produce hoping to cut him off at the deli counter, knowing that any resultant mess of our exploits will...