Short Stories
These stories are works of fiction. References to people, places, and events are used fictitiously. The characters and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance between actual people, places, and events is coincidental.
The Blue Suit
Danny, seven, is awakened by his mother before daybreak and told that his father has passed away. Thus begins a long day full of misunderstandings and memories that lead to a devastating climax.
Raking Miss Hannah’s Leaves
Eleven-year-old Danny is instructed by his mother to rake their neighbor's leaves. There are lots of reasons Danny finds to avoid this mandate from his mom. However, he has always wanted to be the keeper of the burning leaves in the street gutter, and now might be his last best chance.
Barn Cats
When two barn cats, half feral but needy, show up at the Bartletts' farm during a brutal winter spell, Dan and Sharon and their young daughter Becky take their stances regarding the cats, further alienating the husband and wife in a difficult time in their relationship.
My Sister's Devil
Jake Bartlett, the oldest of the Bartlett siblings, philosophizes about Samantha Bartlett's multiple sclerosis at an evening meal. Also present are Dan, Samantha's second brother, and Brittany, Sam's long-time partner. Jake decides the Devil is involved, and this begins a quiet but serious feud among the siblings.
When Dan and his wife Clare are invited to a friend’s huge cookout, they encounter more than they
bargained for.
Ricky has made promises to his girlfriend throughout their college years. When Alicia graduates, however, Ricky has barely finished a year's worth of credits, and Alicia is more than a little miffed.
Mr. Grasshopper Takes a Road Trip
Mr. Grasshopper learns that crossing a busy road can be very dangerous (children's picture book story).
The Girl in the White Culottes
Dan, in his mid-twenties, is in Florence, Italy, with his friend Jim when they spot a group of four American girls. One stands out, and when Dan's eyes connect with the eyes of the girl in the white culottes, sparks fly.
How does Danny Bartlett handle meeting a man in his fifties whom he had hated when they were both teenagers?