Short Stories by Azalea Bennette

It's Been So Long Prompt: Write a story about high school sweethearts coming across one another after many, many years apart (photo source: Townoffairfax.org ) “Katherine!” my mother squealed. She stood in the middle of my parents’ doorway, holding on tight to the doorknob. “Hi mom,” I said, offering a tiny wave. Mom gestured for me to come through the doorway. I walked inside, removing my shoes and placing them on the shoe rack that’s been here since I was a kid. The living room was filled with DVD holders, grey couches with drink stains, a small TV stand had a massive television atop it, and a coffee table that wasn’t big enough to fit more than three normal-sized picture frames. The place looked just like it did when I left eight years ago. As my mother cleaned up a few newspapers from the larger couch, she asked, “Would you like something to drink?” I shook my head. “No, I’m good. Thank you.” She nodded then put the newspapers on the nearby kitchen counter. Turning back to me,

 Our Anniversary Date Prompt:  Start your story with one character setting up a romantic dinner, and end it with them looking at a framed wedding photo (photo source: Getty Images) I entered my penthouse, dragging my hands down my face and groaning. Finally, home. I could finally relax with my wife for the weekend, not having to worry about my fucking boss's nagging, droning on and on about his hatred for some of the employees on my floor. For some reason, he’d ranted to me. I needed him to quit that. “I’m home, babe,” I called to my wife Elaine. “Where are you?” “In the kitchen, my love,” she sang. Just then, the scent of freshly cooked steak and potatoes filled my nostrils. A hint of vegetables soon followed. My mouth watered, ready and waiting patiently for her delicious food. Elaine was the greatest cook I’d ever known. Off the chart skills. Nothing she made tasted even the slightest bit bad. I removed my shoes, placing them on the rack by the door, and ventured to our kitchen.