"I'm going to have to talk to the trees … “

He was ranting, spittle flying from his mouth, eyes wild …

"What troubles you exactly?" …

"How was it?" the sun asked. "Any trouble?" …

"Briars is back this year?" …

"Action plan?" it pressed …

"You want to make it angry?" the investigator attempted to clarify …

"That was not a real scream," he whispered, his voice flat …

"Are you feeling terrible about your life today?” …

"You have one wish remaining," the genie said …

"I like me a nice smile … “

"If you would, please take the ping pong ball …

When he could breathe more easily …

"The bruising is significant, but not severe," he said …

She smirked, her gaze steely …

"I only take main roads," he replied softly …

"This place is fantastic!" Devon exclaimed, looking at the view …

"We might need to move along … “

When at last it happened … (originally published in 2011)

"Yours was ... a truly original dating profile," he said …