The Beverwyck Review

Stories and Poems from the Writers' Critique Group of First Reformed Church, Schenectady, New York

Category: Drabble (exactly 100 words)

Deck the Halls

December 22, 2023 / / 2 Comments

By Kathy Petersen.

“Let’s get this tree decorated, girls” Jenna commanded. In the family room, Carl was finishing the lights. Syrupy Christmas music oozed from the TV.

Jenna selected an ornament and hung it. Carl’s eyes met hers through a screen of boughs. Oh, God, she thought, I love this man so much. She held out her arms. Carl came into them, and they began a slow dance among the boxes.

Chrissie collapsed beside the dog and started to twiddle his ears. Sandy reclaimed the book she’d been reading. Rachel sighed theatrically and stomped into the kitchen for a soda.

Their parents danced.

Comparative Career Studies

December 22, 2023 / / 1 Comment

By Rudy Petersen.

Without meaning to eavesdrop, I overheard an interesting conversation at lunch today in Gershon’s Deli. One woman asked another woman, “So, how are your daughters doing in college?”

The second woman enthused, “Oh, they are both home for Christmas and comparing notes. Susie said she enjoys her Early Childhood Development classes at SUNY Albany, and Claire said she learns ever so much in her Wildlife Management classes at Paul Smith College.”

The first woman commented, “I can see how the practices they are studying could be applied very well in either career!”

The second woman, after a beat, said, “Indeed.”

Dream Date

January 24, 2023 / / 3 Comments

By James Gonda. 

“Thanks for meeting on such short notice. I’m flattered that you said yes. But there are things about me you should know before we get too far. Okey dokey? Number one, I collect commemorative plates. Number two, I’m prone to flying off the handle when things go wrong. Also, I have issues with authority. The Army kicked me out. And number three . . . or is that number four? Well, either way, I’m allergic to peanuts. Even a trace of nut dust will send me to the funeral home.” 

“We’re already married! Can’t we have a night out without pretending we’re strangers?”

Oh, the Joy!

December 20, 2022 / / 2 Comments

By Rudy Petersen.

Sue asked Sammy, “So, what did you get for Christmas?”
Sammy, beaming, replied, “Well, Santa gave me light-up red socks and my own Easter Bunny!”
Sue exclaimed, “Wow, way cool!”
Sammy said, “That’s not all! The bunny was ridden by the Tooth Fairy, and he was leading a Pilgrim couple waving American flags and wearing Halloween masks. How about that, huh?”
Sue, surprised, said, “That’s, you know, like, amazing! I’m so jealous. Get anything else?”
Sam, suddenly crestfallen, muttered, “Nope. Even worse, Santa left a note. He said I’m all done for the whole year. What about my birthday?”

© 2024 The Beverwyck Review

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑