We’re led to believe we’re in charge of our own destinies, that life is a sum of our choices – but how many of those choices are really our own? How many of those “choices” are simply the only available door at the end of the corridor we’re steered through? I stand at the precipice […]

Sarah closed the door, a voice echoing in her head. “When one door closes, another opens.”  Well, her mother was wrong. That was the last studio she would knock on. She was tired of rejection. It was a good song; she had been certain of it Meatloaf’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ was on the radio […]

The old man shook the sleeping couple.  “Wake up!”“Where … who …”  Denis was too groggy to be coherent. “Quick, what did you dream?” The old man fired the question at him.“Thundering waterfall … vast caves … blue eyes … a song.” “And you, Katya?“Bottomless chasm … silk … shining city … white stallion.” The […]

The door had been left ajar, an invitation to enter. It was cold; he hadn’t realized it would be quite that cold and he pulled his hand back quickly. Grasping the handle, he studied the smeared fingerprints and eased the door open a little more. Boxes and packages were piled high. He gazed in wonder. […]

She stands,Eyes brimming,Cheek burning,Waiting,for a slamming car doorthat signals him gone. Is it enough,to make her brave?that slapped cheek,or broken bones,black eyes, cut lips. What will it take?her hope is gone,her dreams are shattered,her body is broken,her heart aches. What will it take,to find her courage,to pack suitcases,to leave,and start over again? What will it […]

Arriving home after an exhausting day at the office, her husband slumps into an armchair. “What’s for dinner?” he asks, “I’m famished.” She smiles. “Your choice.” He frowns. “Haven’t you made anything?” “Yes, of course.” “Then why is it… don’t bother, it’s been a long day.” “Alright Mr. Grumpy, you’ll feel better after you’ve showered […]

I helplessly stared at the front door, tears blurring my mascara, the welts on my face rising angrier with every passing minute. Mom and Dad had warned me Jack was trash. They’d brought up his shoddy neighborhood morning, noon, and night. And now … I couldn’t open that door. I couldn’t face their disdain. I […]

Hall stretches before her – no end in sight.  Walls constrict with memories of fear, abuse, ridicule, belittling.  Words and actions meant to humiliate and constrain work to bind until no soul, no self remains.  Her life – an endless hall. Then! The words of encouragement – a question posed – causes a door to […]

Frantically he pushed the door. It did not move. A voice filled the room. Please answer the question, that is all that’s required. The voice was calm and precise. He began screaming, banging frantically on the door. It remained shut. Soft and calm the voice repeated, please just answer the question. Fire hoses did little […]

“Katya!!” She was about to unlock the mysterious door, when Denis’s quivering voice stopped her. She whirled around to see a bedazzled look ripple across his face. “Flowers …” Katya dropped the key and ran to Denis. He had picked a few pink blooms, a lover’s bouquet. Their intoxicating perfume had pulled him into a […]

“Dang it!”The keys were in the ignition. He saw them through the side window. A locksmith might be available, but it was Sunday and it would be expensive. “I have some old, saved keys,” his wife said and went inside.“How childish,” he muttered angrily, “to believe that any house key would fit the car lock.”He […]

Somewhere, an arch, portal to the stars, on one night of the year, connects heaven and earth. Jillian grew up with this legend. As a child, she dreamed of riding the stars like ponies. Now, as a highly trained musician, she nurtures a different dream. Years of research led her to Utah for the night […]