And the Winners are...
The “Ides of March” Drabble-Writing Contest
First-place winner of the “Ides of March”
Drabble Writing Contest
Paid with a Tear
By Eva James – Flat Rock, NC
They were sitting on the concrete—cold, dirty, and hungry. Sara spotted them when driving her usual route to feed the homeless.
She pulled up, holding a bag out the window. “Would you like some food?” Sara asked, caringly. The young girl approached the car and looking Sara in the eye, took the bag. How about a scarf and a hat? The girl nodded. As she took the items, a single tear fell on Sara’s arm.
Pulling away, Sara gazed in the rear-view mirror,
noticing her own worn hat and scarf—gifts she had been given so many years before.
*****
2nd Place Winner - Jerry Nelms, Black Mountain, NC
Revenge and Remorse
Two six-year-old boys confronted each other at the playground, fists clenched. Several kids gathered to support Jimmy’s revenge for the rock hurled by Ray the previous day, bloodying Jimmy’s head.
Jimmy swung first, catching Ray’s head.
Falling to the ground, hands over his face, Ray cried out, “My eye!”
The crowd cheered.
The boys hoisted Jimmy onto their shoulders. Stunned, Jimmy suddenly realized
he was Ray’s only friend, a fact now obvious to all.
“Put me down! It’s over.” Jimmy commanded. He walked home, sad and confused.
Later, Jimmy checked in on Ray. They played awhile for one last time.
3rd Place Winner - Linda Lemery, Danville, VA
