fifty-five fiction

the importance of irony.

"You've got it all wrong: Irony is when the outcome is different than you expected."
Emily lowered her book.
Logan stared at her.
"You're beautiful."
She smiled. "Thanks."
He leaned forward, then paused. Her eyes widened.
"Are you expecting me to kiss you now?"
Emily nodded.
Logan grinned.
"Now that's ironic."


special delivery.

"It was here when I got home."
"Have you opened it yet?"
"Of course not! It could be a bomb!"
"Is someone trying to kill you?"
"Well, you never know..."
"Just open it."
"You do it. I'm not touching it."
"Fine... Oh..."
"What is it?"
"Socks and a card from your Mom."
"Oh, how sweet."


you're invited.

"More tea, Mother?"
Her Mother didn't answer.
The girl set the teapot down and folded her hands. "Mother, while I enjoy your company and this time together, I do request that you bathe before the next soirée. If I may be frank, you smell something awful."
Her Mother's dead body slumped in its chair.

tourniquet.

There was a puddle of red on the floor.
She sighed and went to wash her hands, which the red had also stained. She watched the pink water swirl down the drain. Then, she grabbed a sponge and a bottle of bleach and dilligently scrubbed at the carpet where the paint had been spilt.