COVID-19 hits home(s) - (the Corona Chronicles)

This collection of "Fiction 101" short stories (101 words or less) are told from the perspective of six different kids reflecting on life in the daily reality of the Coronavirus.

Taylor

Mom takes care of old folks and Dad works at a farm. I watch the little ones.

It’s tough doing schoolwork when my brother and sister are crying, fighting or hungry. I try to keep up but sometimes the Wi-Fi goes out. Teachers are nice and keep checking in, but I sure miss my friends.

I wish we could get food from school, but my parents are always working. I have to fix dinner for everyone every day. Why can't Grandma be with us?

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Sophie

During the virus thing we’re staying at Dad's. Mom works at the hospital, so she’s really busy. He lets us sleep late. We eat breakfast and check in with school, do some work, play video games and chat with friends. Dad focuses on his stuff until we get noisy.

At lunchtime Dad asks questions to check how we are doing. If we can make him think we’re caught up we get free time. There’s not much to do, so we get bored. I sure miss my friends.

                           

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Ash

Mom’s usually working on her computer or texting with friends. Dad keeps yelling on the phone, reminding people he’s the boss. At least when they are high they leave us alone. We’re lucky when we get take-out because neither of them cooks worth shit.

I try doing schoolwork. When I need help from Mom she’s busy with the baby. And Dad’s he tells me it’s my responsibility. Teachers are nice and keep checking in, but I sure miss my friends.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Joseph

Dad calls, “Up and ready.” for breakfast by 7. At 7:30 Mom starts with “Write about three things you learned yesterday.” Next Dad breaks from his work for Math and Science. Mom does PE before lunch. Then we get 30 minutes on our own, no screens. Next back to Mom for History. An old movie if we’re lucky.

We do afternoon chores until dinner. Finally 30 minutes of screen time, hopefully connecting with friends. The day ends with reading time and bed by 9:30.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Tony

Dad’s trying to teach his third graders while helping me do my Middle School stuff. He gets edgy quick sometimes. Mom’s gone a lot for her job at the clinic.

When Mom’s home she gets ticked at Dad because he gets frustrated with me. She says things like, “You’re a teacher.” or, “You need to be more patient.” Which kinda makes him more frustrated.

By the afternoon I’m glad we’re done with school. I sure miss my friends.

                           

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Jade

At Mom’s house she bitches about Dad leaving us. At Dad’s we hear about the “Assholes that took my job.” It’s best when he’s drunk and not hitting us. We’re lucky when they remember to get food on school pick-up days.

I try doing schoolwork each day. When I need help from Mom she’s on her phone. At Dad’s he’s usually in his room with his new girlfriend. Teachers are nice and keep checking in, but I sure miss my friends.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll make it until school to starts again.

Gram promised

It was always just Gram and me.

One afternoon I told her Billy took my sandwich. She said, “Be nice, he’ll change.” He didn’t.

Told her high school boys, from around the corner, stole my bike. Gram said, “They’ll bring it back.” I found a twisted frame and slashed tires.

Boss accused me of taking money to cover his own thieving. She said, “You can always get another job.” I couldn’t.

Got arrested for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong people. Gram said, “I’ll visit you every week.”

She can’t. Cancer, last month.

Fiction 101 - The goal is to tell a story in 101 words or less.

What else could I do? (the Corona Chronicles)

I’ve been trapped in that apartment. Living on the first floor I hear everything.

Next door either that baby’s crying or the parents are arguing over whose turn it is to change diapers. Above me it’s always video games and movies at full volume. Maybe I should offer to buy them headphones.

But A-9 was always so quiet. No toilet flush. No slammed doors. No whisper of conversation. Sad that she got so sick and died so alone. I’m sorry, wish I’d known. I would have done something. You’re sure it was the virus, right, Officer?

Fiction 101: The goal is to tell a story in 101 words or less.

I'm dealing with it, I promise (the Corona Chronicles)

Denial

Time, time, time, getting time back as commitments and obligations evaporate. My proverbial dreams coming true.

Anger

Barrage of internet jokes and memes are becoming too cute, too hollow and too real.

Bargaining 

Daily, like I know what day it is, I vacillate between, “This isn't bad, I have everything I need.” and “This is crazy, when will it end?

Depression

Family, friend, neighbor, co-worker… me? When and how close will it hit?

Acceptance

Do I have any choice, power or control? Providence, fate, karma, coincidence, or divine plan? You tell me.

* With thanks to Kuebler-Ross & Kessler
Fiction 101 - The goal is to tell a story in 101 words or less.

August Family Outing

It’s the Oregon Coast, the water is freezing. Biting wind stings my freckled skin, which will be neglected and burn, guaranteeing pain for days.

Dad starts playfully leapfrogging waves and digging in the sand. He’ll soon progress to drinking and we’ll soon progress to ignoring him. Mom will sit, her eyes, and life, hidden behind over-sized sunglasses.

We’ll hunt shells, chase the tide and make driftwood forts. Eventually devouring whatever we can find for lunch then rushing back to fun and freedom.

For us, this is as close to family and summer as we can hope for.

Fiction 101 - the goal is to tell a story in 101 words or less

not what we expected

So glad you came home, Sis, I’m going crazy.

What do you think’s happening?

They’ve been bossy and bitchy for weeks. Nobody remembers I’m graduating and need help with college plans.

Yeah, I’m getting married and Mom doesn’t return my calls. It’s got to be divorce. They think because we’re grown we can take it. I’m guessing that’s why we’re going out to dinner. They want to tell us together, all adult and proper.

Kids, things have been stressful lately. Sorry, we’re overwhelmed with reorganizing our lives… because we’re having a baby.

Fiction 101 - The goal is to tell a story in 101 words or less.

The Last Encore

They crowded the auditorium to see their hero one last time. The former vanguards of radicalism were now retired from corporations and bureaucracies, bodies failing faster than idealism. This night they were alive again, swaying to music and memories. 

Standing onstage was the lone survivor of the ’60s band that infused their youthful rebellion. His skills were diminished, voice strained and disdain barely veiled. 

The encore was near perfect as the crowd pulsed forward. Sound overwhelmed the moment and almost no one heard the gunshot crack, while everyone saw their god drop to the stage.

From Fiction 101, Editors' Pick, Cascadia Weekly March 17, 2020
http://www.cascadiaweekly.com/cw/features/category/fiction101

The goal is to tell a complete story in 101 words or less.