Margaret Draper
Stories (14/0)
The Last Trip
As our eyes met, I remember last Autumn. Being empathic individuals, we both knew the end was coming soon. You had never been afraid of the vet in your entire life. There was no reason at all for you to be shaking like a leaf for so long after we left the office. Like all dark and hurtful thoughts, I pushed it dismissively out of my mind.
By Margaret Draper2 months ago in Critique
Mission to Munster
The views and opinions expressed in this story are solely that of the author, unless stated otherwise. It was a beautiful fall day at Thorpe Abbott RAF airbase. Ground and buildings got smaller as the gigantic B-17, Royal Flush, slowly climbed to its cruising altitude. Looking out of the cockpit, Robert, "Rosie" Rosenthal's thoughts turned once more to the early morning briefing. This mission was different than the last two, as the target was going to be civilians. He and the crew were tired. This was the third straight mission in as many days. Schweinfurt and Bremen had been extremely stressful. The number of casualties and fighter planes were both high. "Penny for your thoughts," aske Winifred "Pappy" Lewis, Rosie's Copilot. "Just thinking about today's mission," Rosie answered. "This is the first time we're going to bomb civilian targets." "That's ok," Pappy answered." "The Grouts have taken enough of our boys. They've got what's coming to them. Anyway, any sign of our fighter escort? We're already across the Channel, half way to the Baltic." "Nothing yet, but they're probably just delayed, Rosie replied."
By Margaret Draper8 months ago in Fiction
Lessons from Marcus
Facebook had a blurb, Who Would You Talk to for 15 Minutes That Are Departed? There are so many people that come to mind. My parents, who have been gone for many years now. A friend who took his life and left way too soon. The best companion and friend I've ever had. He had four legs and stood beside me through life's ups and downs for 13 years. There's questions I want to ask. Feelings and thoughts I left unsaid. How do you choose just one person? You, Marcus, are the one person that has gone through everything I have had to endure. Death, suffering, self-sacrifice, and betrayal were all losses that you faced at one time or the other.
By Margaret Draper2 years ago in Humans
Samhain
Sitting languidly in the esthetican's chair, I try my best to muster some interest in the small talk of the woman doing my nails. Worthless, stupid humans; their short meaningless lives and pointless endeavors always repulse me. Unfortunately, I've learned I have to do at least a few daily activities like them to blend in. As well as there's the small matter of sustaining one's self, ie grocery shopping, paying bills, and other day to day matters. Living as long as I have, money isn't an issue. But do I want to spend my day hilling potatoes in a garden? Decidedly not! I considered having house staff, but things are just a little different than they were three hundred years ago. Not only are humans smarter and more well-informed thanks to technology, there tends to be a large outcry when one is found dead in an alley. Disposing of the maid when she's seen or heard something she shouldn't have poses all kinds of headaches. Much as I detest it, I take one day a week and look after my penthouse myself.
By Margaret Draper2 years ago in Fiction
Summer's Passage
I sighed as I pressed 'end' on my phone. Melanie had a way of making me feel guilty. Not only guilty that I wasn't spending time with her, but her call made me question my choices. Did I work too much? Was I ignoring my friends and family? Was what I giving up worth it to start college next month? Was my career choice even the right one? Groaning, I shut the dishwasher off and drained it. Standing hunched over a sink washing dishes was always good for a sore back. Melanie had been my best friend since childhood. Lately it seemed like we had drifted a part. After graduation, I applied out to several colleges and had just received my letter of acceptance. Melanie chose to take a year off, travel and spend time with friends and family. After getting back from a holiday on the East Coast, Melanie wanted me to go and check out the new club that had just opened up. However, being late summer, tourist season was still at its peak. The restaurant had been packed from shortly after opening right until close. I was too tired to stand, never mind go out all night clubbing.
By Margaret Draper2 years ago in Fiction
Dawn's Red Sky
https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-sdjxs Craig watched the last wisps of gun smoke rise slowly into the air. His little band of survivors had been fortunate this time, but there was still losses. Mitch lay on the ground, unmoving. His freckled face would not light up in that devil may care grin again. He was only a kid, but the constant struggle for survival had aged him, and everyone else, fast. Several others had minor injuries, but no one else had died today. The would be attackers all lay dead. Running a hand through his brown, filthy hair, Craig looked at his band of fighters. Lack of food and sleep, and above all the constant need for alertness and caution, was taking its toll on everyone. “All right, everyone, load up and let's head back to base.” “What about Mitch?” Kurt asked. “His body stays,” Craig replied. Unhappy murmuring echoed around the group, but no one opposed Craig. Somehow he'd managed to keep everyone alive and safe despite the odds. These days, that counted for a lot.
By Margaret Draper2 years ago in Fiction
