Ani Was Writing

Mamma Mia: Chapter 3 “I can’t believe we get to go into the Strings to find Alonzo Uccello!” Carlo drops into the co-pilot chair and puts his hands behind his head. He glances to his bored friend and pats Arthur’s propped legs. “Come on, Arthur. No need to have that frown. We’ll be there in no time.”   Arthur glances blankly to Carlo, then to the computer screen, then up to the lights sliding by as they travel. The long trips like this always get to him, especially when it has anything to do with his mom. It never fails. He could be off to save a deity in the Void; as long as mom was involved, all of the joy was forcefully removed.   “Hey, Arthur?” Arthur glances to Carlo, who is staring at Arthur’s resting communicator. “I think your being buzzed.” Arthur picks up his sphere and watches it light up. So many flickers of light, but one stands out: a red question mark near the center – a coded private message from an unknown number. Arthur sits up and tosses his commun...

  This past week was my mother Pandora's vacation week. As much as she wanted to get something done around the house, she also wanted to go out of town. My father Ilan tried to take her out to a casino, but that was temporary; I knew that, and so did she. She hoped I would have a day to go up with her to the mountains. Sadly, a new summer schedule limited my time at home to only being able to sleep and eat, with little time to do much else. I could see the sadness in her face as I stumbled home and crashed into bed, only to wake up for food or something odd to drink.   By some strange miracle, I was given Friday off. The moment Pandora found out, she suggested a trip to San Isabel National Forest. I agreed and was very happy to go to the store to get some lunch before we found the road under her wheels and the windows open to the mountain air. The scent of strawberries mingled with the breeze. I couldn't help but feel the weights of city life fall off as we crossed into ...