Some lessons need to be understood as well as learned (A)

As he walked up to the counter the attendant asked, "Scared of life
or scared of living?" He paused. "I... I'm not sure." "Second door on
the right then." As he walked through, the bright light engulfed him,
and he awoke to the sound of a heart monitor. "Not again!"

Highway 29 - Continued...(P)

I waited in frozen silence. I had arrived unintentionally early. As
per instructions, I hitched a ride from the man at the diner. He
dropped me off at this exact location. He didn't say a word but grunted
when we pulled off the road. My cue to get out.

Global Tantrum Crisis (A)

The tantrum was in full effect. One moment things seemed fine, and
then a winding roller coaster of emotion. "Can't you do something?"
someone asked, realizing the tantrum was unnerving others. "No. It's
pointless to even try to reason until it's over." She looked,
forlorn. "Economy, are you almost done?"

Fed By Emotions (A)

The sheer wonder of a first kiss, the transcendence of a first love,
and the halting reality of not just the first, but every heartache.
These and all of her memories rushed past like a brush over bare
skin; so invigorating. Candice, you were good, to the last drop.

Highway 29 (P)

It's dark. The clocks are turned and the autumn winks it's last ray of
early morning light. Cold snow awaits. Leaves drop while geese fly. My
breath hangs for a few frozen moments as it hits the open air. I wonder
if unintended icy words and fear are now visible.

Base 10 (A)

The astronomer listened intently as the alien spoke about physics. He
interrupted. "Sorry, but there aren't 100 seconds in a minute. There
are 60. I'm afraid you're simply mistaken". Awkward pause. "Well, I
showed up in a space ship, and you're still driving a TRUCK!" The
alien walked away, annoyed.

Mug of Jesus (P)

I didn't see the mug of Jesus in the cork floor I lay today...and it's
Sunday. Dear John...I mean Jesus, I've seen you on toast, the side of a
cow and in the clouds. You are so elusive...you need to be the son of
God that you claim to be.

Waiting (A)

I sat patiently waiting, feeling anxious. When would it come? Why was it taking so long? Surely it should have happened by now. It had been a long time. But what was I waiting for? I had been waiting so long that I had forgotten. Still it did not come.