James Pyles's Blog, page 213
March 3, 2017
The Ghost in the Bathroom Mirror
“I saw the ghost again, Grandpa. I saw it when I was taking a shower.” Little Josh dissolved into tears in front of his grandparents. “It’s okay, Josh. We’re here.” Grandpa hugged the sobbing child. “I’m right here, little one. It’s going to be alright. We won’t let any ghost hurt you.” “But…but how can […]
March 1, 2017
The Listener
I always feel better when I talk to you. I don’t know what’s kept me away so long. Well, I guess I do. The same things in my life that I should bring me closer to you. My worries, job pressure, my son’s relationship with that horrible woman, all the things I am absolutely powerless […]
The Impossible Direction
A Martin Fields Time Travel Story “That was exhausting,” he said in English. “I can’t believe I let you convince me to come here. It’s worse than Disneyland.” Martin Fields sat heavily on his chair at their table. It was June in Paris and the weather was very pleasant as the sun receded into the […]
February 28, 2017
Catching NaCumbea
“So who is she?” Martin Fields had just put on his upgraded time jump suit. He didn’t see Isis materialize behind him in the center of his bedroom, but he knew how to feel her presence by now. “Consider it a challenge to discover that for yourself, Martin.” “Too easy, Isis.” He turned to face […]
A Kindred Spirit on the Farm
The little boy approached the calf timidly. Grandpa thought little Teddy would enjoy visiting the farm. He’d lived in Seattle all his life and this was his first trip to Idaho. He’d be here all summer long before having to return to his Dad. “It’s okay, boy.” Grandpa crouched down beside the child. He won’t […]
February 26, 2017
NaCumbea
Time Traveler Martin Fields was spending Tuesday evening experimenting with the perfect vodka martini. The single olive might offend James Bond, but Martin thought it was the appropriate garnish. No time travel assignment from Isis in more than two weeks, so he mostly focused on his non-existent love life. Martin felt nauseous, but sure it […]
The Day the Kid Got a Stuffed Animal, Part One
My eight-year-old grandson Landon has been reading books from R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series and wanted to write one of his own. This is the first part of his first novel (probably more like an extended short story). The first parts he narrated word for word. Then it made more sense for him to tell me how […]
The Ancient Amazon Awaits
The dock master at Manaus warned us against our trek up the Amazon with the clouds threatening in the west. Even Miguel, our guide, refused to accompany us. But I only had three days left to show my high school science students at least a few more of the Amazon’s wonders before our field trip to Brazil ended. […]
February 23, 2017
Youth
Friday, September 2, 2016, 6:15 p.m. Stupid old woman! Why didn’t she use the elixir on herself? She was damn near a hundred. She’d have died of old age soon if I hadn’t killed her. I don’t understand. Ever since I first heard the rumors, investigated, tracked down obscure sources, and finally found her, she […]
February 22, 2017
The Passing
Snowing again. Tony took another sip of his bourbon. Perfect night for getting quietly potted. His cat Merlin rubbed against his ankle and meowed. “Hello, pretty one.” He took the cue and sat in his chair in the living room. Merlin immediately hopped up onto his lap and exposed his tummy for scratches. “I’m glad […]
