Purring fur lying on the keys…

             A swallowed hook: fish for dinner!

             “We forgot to use a condom!”

             Searing light burned his eyes. His cry of pain was muffled by soft down as he tried to shield himself. Now, sound joined the light, assaulting him in piercing waves and harsh cries. Stern hands brutally ripped aside his warm shield. He curled up tightly.
            “Get up! You’ll be late!”

I wasn’t trying to kill him.

Ten tiny fingers: terror and love.

Piled plates and cups lay on the grimy metal with pools of water in each nook and cranny. Slowly, the water darkens and films. Tiny flies crawl and fly over the mountain, feasting and multiplying on the food remnants. On the floor beside it, a motionless hand reaches out eternally.  

             A long room, lined with chairs and televisions. Strangers sit, side-by-side, chatting like old friends. In the background, Kelly and Michael chatter with bubbly enthusiasm. A woman in bold colors steps through the doorway with a piece of paper and calls a name. One group leaves to be swiftly replaced.

             Shattered splinters sparkled, barely visible from certain angles – the baseball lay among them, decorated with tiny fragments. Outside, young voices rose and fell in panicked chorus, then faded amidst pounding feet that fled in the bright afternoon light. Alone, one pair treaded hesitantly but determinedly closer to the door.

             “Oh, life-giving box,” the man intoned, kneeling. “Thank you for your benevolent and generous ways!” With an expression of piety, the man laid his arms palms-down on the floor before him and waited.
            Beep.
            The man sprang up, grabbing the steaming hot food. A teenage girl sighed.
            “Dad, you’re weird.”