***Read the previous episode of Tom and Shelly here*** “I just can’t remember…” her voice trailed off, chasing the breeze. Tom did a golden retriever head-tilt. “You remember at least a bit, or you wouldn’t be this scared.” He watched as something subtle vacated Shelley’s face, a part of her retreating from his statement of […]

***A continuation of the last story with Tom and Shelley here*** “Oh Tom, it’s not you, really.”  Shelley said. Then she heaved a sigh.  An ominous, brace-yourself-buddy-for-what-I’m-going-to-lay-down kind of sigh.  A sigh indicating a wish that this beach had a convenient swim-up bar at which to purchase some Dutch Courage. “I don’t even know how […]

Gritty. In her mouth, in her suit, in her mind. “When did I become such a killjoy?” He cocked an eyebrow, and said, “What do you mean, ‘when’?” “Pffft.” Shelley wiggled her toes, displacing Tom’s weatherbeaten ones in the sand.  She tried to re-embody childhood memories. warmth tickling toes, laughter dancing on the air, eyes […]