It was a dark and stormy night, and the wind howled outside as the thunder roared.  Damian was inside his bedroom looking out the window when his mother called out to him. 

“Damian, I need you to go check up on Gran.” 

“Right now?” he asked biting his finger nails. 

“Yes right now. You know Gran is alone out there.”

 “Okay,” he said dragging his feet as he moped downstairs.

Damian’s grandmother lived in a small rundown house about a quarter of a mile away. He had to go through the foreboding forest to reach her house.  He ran through the forest weaving his way between the tall trees. They seemed alive as their branches swung in the fierce winds. The rain spat in his eyes as he ran as fast as the wind. Before arriving to his grandmother’s house the thunder let out one loud rumble and Damian flinched. 

“Gran?” he called out. 

“Yes honey, I’m here,” she answered, opening the front door. She then gave him a big hug, “Thank you for coming over sweetie.” 

Damian slid off his wet yellow raincoat and peered out the window. The storm wasn’t so bad after all, he thought to himself.

[Modesto, CA] is an author who has enjoyed writing stories, poetry, and drawing since childhood. Her recent children's book entitled The Fabulous Adventures of Fred the Frog was created and inspired by the curiosity and fascination her toddler has with books. She resides with her husband and son in Northern California where she is currently working on her debut novel. Writing remains her passion as she continues to strive to share a great story.  Visit her website at

© Martha Ramirez. Original for CCF (Ramirez grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).