Issue 10
Nest
Angela J. Conrad
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A Silent Nesting
Thread woven, draperies, and blinds chosen, Joyce constructed her
retreat with skill, influenced by an obsession. Perfection of purpose, the room
was flawless, and the view unobstructed, yet secluded.
This nest was her vantage point, her protected den of delight. It
required months of preparation. Her beloved objects lay nearby: Camera,
sketchpad, and journal.
Joyce's mind was preoccupied, exclusively, on one thought, Daniel.
Her plans ran deep with delightful eventualities. Here, she reclined on the
damask spread, and listened to his voice. The timber of it incited chills to
dance on her skin, abrupt, freezing; his voice transferred both pleasure and
pain.
She studied his careless walk, the tilt of his head that dark
over-long hair that moved in perfect harmony with his stride. His sea-washed
green eyes; his skin tinted dark and cool. Joyce loved everything about Daniel.
Euphoria fed by a glance, a laugh.
Joyce purchased this house, next to Daniel's, to stalk him. He was
life to her, she, a stranger to him. Daniel was ignorant of her vigil; he was
married and existed in reality. Joyce dwelled in mushroom clouds and empty
wishes.
Joyce perched in her nest, binoculars aimed low, and dreamed
silently.
~Angela J. Conrad
Angela J. Conrad has written two novels and worked as an editor, but
now writes fiction full-time. She has 32 published works out this
year. Email.
© 2002 by Angela J. Conrad. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2002 by Cayuse Press. All Rights Reserved.
This page updated December 23, 2002.