Are we desensitized to the tragedies? — Wait, that’s not right. I looked at the empty counter through the glass door. My confusion ignited slowly but most certainly grew. The unsettled feeling was not fear, but more like hesitancy that things were askew. Compounding the issue of an empty reception area was the door that opened with…

Do you qualify for a participation award? — I refuse to dole out willy-nilly, “Happy Father’s Day” greetings to every man who has fathered a child. Really, ten minutes to gratify yourself doesn’t deserve kudos. Woo-hoo, you spread your seed? How awesome! No. Just, no. I am not crass, just honest. My loving father deserved the acknowledgment daily…

My wildest dreams came true. — He opened the door and motioned for me to slide in. I stopped, though. “Wait, what about…?” He shook his head, looked deep into my eyes, and uttered words that stayed with me all day. Like music to my ears, really, and I smiled. The day started innocently enough, as…

Fiction — to walk in another’s shoes and look through their eyes. — Lisa Gerard Braun https://medium.com/@lisagerardbraun Currently, my fiction stories can be found in several Medium Publications: Fictions, The Lark, The Authentic Eclectic, Writers’ Blokke, and Illumination. In 2021, I also published a fiction anthology, comprised of many of my Medium thrillers, on Kindle Vella. My love of fiction started with reading the Nancy Drew…

Nine hours of anger can be life or death — Trigger warning: *This piece contains references to suicide* I rounded the corner and spotted my daughter weaving as she walked into the apartment complex. Filthy, she decided to come ‘home’ for an unexpected visit. Or, so I thought. I sighed. My mind and my body were tired. I selfishly, I…

Is love enough? — “There weren’t always dragons in the Valley.” Her heavy delivery, steeped in sadness, could not be denied. “Yes, I know moron. Once upon a time, yadda, yadda, yadda… people roamed free and didn’t wear armor. Now, are you gonna marry me or not?” Lucy’s heart burst as it ripped in…

Billy Joel still has an open invite. — My name is Lisa, and I am a great avoider of playlists. From reading them to sharing them, or creating any, all music lists make my head spin. Anxiety bubbles up, and I turn away to pretend they don’t exist. Are they supposed to be a cohesive blend? …

Men choose to die alone waiting for Barbie. — “I Was Wrong.” Men cheer in the background. If women absolutely have to talk, those three little words carry as much weight as any man could hope for. I’ve actually been wrong for years. More wild cheering from the men. Women are curious now and want details. What do I mean by wrong…

Prologue | The Story of Marisol — There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. They descended upon the people with swift and fiery destruction. Screams of horror with the rancid stench of burnt hair and flesh were etched in the memories of a few survivors. The senseless deaths were unforgivable and unforgettable. A 4-year-old Marisol gazed up…