Allison, Franny’s neighbor, rose early that Sunday morning after the wedding she didn’t attend, after the day she broke up with her very nice boyfriend, after the day she stared at the house she wanted to buy. Allison opened her eyes as the early summer sunshine filled her bedroom. Of all the people in and … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 55 Reboot
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Pine Street Episode 54 Reboot
The EMTs had insisted that Kassandra go to the emergency room to rule out a possible concussion. She was not sure her insurance would cover an ambulance ride, and the ER wasn’t far, so she said she could walk. One EMT shook his head. “No way.” Kassandra sat in the ambulance, feeling light-headed but otherwise … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 54 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 53 Reboot
When Franny arrived at Marilyn’s house, she paused at the front door. Something did not feel right. She leant in to knock, and at her light touch the door swung open. Precious came to meet her, looking sad and confused, it seemed to Franny, as the dog sidled up to her, tail drooping. “Hello?” Franny … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 53 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 52 Reboot
Franny woke up late the next morning. That’s not completely true. Franny woke up early, about two hours after she fell into bed, sweaty from crying. She dozed and woke a half-dozen times before getting up to take some Tylenol and returning to bed, where she slept another hour or two before rising at nearly … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 52 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 51 Reboot
“Are you okay?”Kassandra blinked hard a few times, trying to chase the buzz out of her head. “Yeah. I think so, I mean, I’m fine.”“Don’t move too fast. Wiggle your fingers and toes first.”She followed the instructions coming from a voice somewhere behind her head on the pavement. The bicycle that had crashed into her … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 51 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 50 Reboot
Kassandra the barista had no idea of the drama unfolding on the sidewalk in front of Marilyn’s house. She recognized an unsettled feeling of the sort that occurred periodically. During these times, Kassandra’s friends would say things like “Mercury is in retrograde” or “there must be a full moon” or “I feel a great disturbance … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 50 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 49 Reboot
Right there, on the sidewalk in front of Marilyn’s house. Leo took Franny’s hand in his. He gently turned her to face him, touched her chin, and leaned in. His lips were warm and surprisingly soft. He let go of her hand and slipped his arm around her lower back. After the kiss, Leo held … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 49 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 48 Reboot
“Leo!” Franny called down the block. She turned the other way and saw him talking to her neighbor Alison. Douglas needed to go rest, too, and she wanted Leo to come back and finish helping with the clean up, to give Douglas permission to say good bye to them both. And there he was, back … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 48 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 47 Reboot
While Franny and Douglas rested and talked about (and to) the dog Precious, Leo finished putting the chairs and tables away, restoring Marilyn’s backyard to its former peaceful state. He was carrying the last two folding chairs to his van to return to the rental place the next morning when he spied the young woman … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 47 Reboot
Pine Street Episode 46 Reboot
“She’s in bed,” Douglas said as he plopped down on the sofa. His face showed signs of fatigue, but his smile was gentle and relaxed. His silver hair and lanky body reminded Franny of an aging television star. The intelligent expression behind his eyes reminded her of her grandfather. “How are you, Douglas?” Franny asked, … Continue reading Pine Street Episode 46 Reboot
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 