Blue Lights

“In the basement?” I throw my face at Sunny. Gosh. I hate him sometimes. “What could you possibly want to show me...in the basement?”

The bulb above us illuminates his smile. “Just open it, Sophie.”

I push the door, and I gasp.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

“Yes. Just like you.”

“Where did you get this Sunny? It must have cost a lifetime.”

“You’re worth a million lifetimes, Sophie.”

Tears anoint my cheeks.

“One more thing.” Sunny flicks off the lights. The white dress glows an azure sheen.

He kneels. “Will you marry me?” A ring sparkles in my face.

From Guest Contributor Tom Okafor

Chicken

"Don't call me that," I, blue-in-the-face, scream at my grade school friend. The hallway is long and narrow, lit by one naked bulb, a beaded pull-chain hanging. I stand trembling at the edge of the basement stairs.

"Turn the light on, chicken."

The wall switch is to my left. Weeks ago, on a dare, I placed my hand on the switch plate to lift the lever. A jolt threw me down the flight of stairs. I landed feet first, hands crunched against the concrete wall.

Now I hover on the top step. Terror tight in my throat.

Ready or not.

From Guest Contributor Flo Gelo