Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Empty Ride Home (published in Six Sentences)

This one was special; she held a place in your heart none of the others filled – the two of you shared such a unique bond that it hurts now to let her go. You love her the same way you loved them all but there is more to it with her, although every time you told her that, Kylie just laughed and brushed the long strands of hair away from her face with a sweep of her hand, leaving only a knowing smile. It was the same kind of smile she gave other guys vying for her attention and affection; the kind that would bend your heart in ten different directions and leave you searching for words to fill the spaces left behind. All summer you had tried in vain to bridge that distance between you in an attempt to get back the closeness that had disappeared but you already knew Kylie didn’t mind what was there - she was more comfortable with awkward silences than you were. You sit now in the car with the engine idling, looking for the right words but she is oblivious to that longing you have to be significant to her for just a little while longer. She opens the door and turns to give a half-hearted kiss good-bye; it is only when she sees the tear inching down your cheek that Kylie says, “Dad – please,” in such a way that you are both embarrassed and proud, but she is quickly out of the car and off to her dorm room before you can say anything else.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I loved these words perfectly woven and the surprise ending. Great 6-Thanks.
caccy46
Caroline Wells

Monday, September 29, 2008 10:47:00 AM EDT


Adam J. Whitlatch said...
I had a feeling that's where the story was headed. Fantastic Six, my friend. I dread when that day comes for me.

Monday, September 29, 2008 11:27:00 AM EDT


Anonymous said...
This is very good. I knew where it was going because I experienced it.
I still left the door unlocked at night and set a plate out on the table... It's hard to get used to.

Jeanette Cheezum

Monday, September 29, 2008 11:39:00 AM EDT


Joe said...
Excellence in six sentences. Your sixes keep getting better and better each time, Kevin. This one read like a novel in six. Great attention to detail and emotion.

Monday, September 29, 2008 1:08:00 PM EDT


Cat said...
A heart-felt six!

Monday, September 29, 2008 1:11:00 PM EDT


Anonymous said...
Really powerful little six. A lot of emotion.

Monday, September 29, 2008 2:41:00 PM EDT


Anonymous said...
That was incredible...thank you for a great six fix! Writers like you make me come back for more!

Monday, September 29, 2008 3:30:00 PM EDT


Redhouse said...
Beautiful... Thanks!

Monday, September 29, 2008 5:03:00 PM EDT


david said...
Beautifully well-written. The kind of story that tugs on your heart.

Monday, September 29, 2008 8:32:00 PM EDT


Anonymous said...
Nice.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 8:54:00 AM EDT


Anonymous said...
This rocks!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:44:00 PM EDT


kevin michaels said...
Thanks to everyone for their comments - this one was a little more personal than other sixes I have written...I agree with Jeanette - no matter how much time passes it's still hard to get used to the emptiness that fills the space left behind.
KM

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 11:32:00 AM EDT


Quin Browne said...
we love them the same, yet differently...


thanks for this.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 1:12:00 PM EDT