Markless - Short Fiction

The following story was inspired by a National Geographic pictorial on gutsy climbers in Yosemite National Park. (While I applaud such amazing physical feats as climbing without rope, the parent in me screams "No way, Jose!") While the act of climbing El Capitan is foreign to me (ascending 20 feet inside a gym is my best reference) the trials and questions of parenthood are, of course, very familiar.

Peggy is adjusting her headset when her line rings.

“Good morning, this is Peggy Jorgenson. How can I help you?”

There’s a pause.

“Miss Jorgenson?” The male voice is hesitant. “Are you Janice’s mom?”

A cold, invisible knife enters Peggy’s chest, carving downward.

“Yes. Yes I am. What’s…”

You can read the whole story here.