Panic

My first ever by line happened the week of June 21-27, 2007, in Santa Cruz's popular weekly publication, Good Times.  I entered their annual 66 Words contest and submitted a short story containing only 66 words.  I created the short story from a longer version written earlier that year at my first Holy Ink Writing Workshop and it's based on a true story about my two-year-old son.  I was thrilled to see my first by line in print!  Here's the story and a scan of the published page it appeared on that summer.


Panic
Panic swallows me as my toddler crawls towards a narrow storm drain opening.  Lunging to stop him, I fail, and he disappears into the pipe.  I try coaxing him back with my words.  He only giggles.  Seconds now take eternity.  I remember I have his pacifier.  Holding my breath, I offer it.  Manipulated by desire, he takes the bait and crawls out.  Holding him, I weep.