http://slow.writerscafe.org/benmarteeny The original writings of author ben en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1775981027 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 He has waited a thousand centuries andnow that his wait is over, with a wave of his hand, the horde of beetles returnfrom whence they came. The book of rules says he has to tell her the good news.Pushing himself out of the stuffed chair, he has never had to do this before,his pets failing hi.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/3127540/ Roxi’s MountainChapter two “This is us,” says O’Malley. “As forthe rest of these symbols, I have no idea.” “What about those arrows,” asks Benny.O’Malley tells him, “My guess is us choosing between walking east or west. I’m.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/3125379/ Boots laced and tied; ignition is turnedto where the motor comes to life. Headlamps on, his first stop is across thestreet from the Cadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed betweenlips is a lit cigarette. Checking his watch, he’s got a handful of minutes leftto himself. He.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2961354/ Answering, is a twenty somethingyear old. O’Malley starts to say who they are but is silenced as she puts afinger to her lips. After making sure the two of them understand that it isquiet time, the young lady beckons them inside before quietly closing the door.Led down a hallway made o.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2959569/ Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned to where the motorcomes to life. Headlamps on, his first stop is across the street from theCadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed between lips is a litcigarette. Checking his watch, he’s got a handful of minutes left to himself.He.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2955982/ Rolling to a stop this side of themailbox, the tab is quietly taken care of. During the transaction, Lewis stepsout of the cab. “He’s in a hurry. Are we good?” “Yes sir.” “Have a good day.” Waitingfor him, Lewis says, “She’s got us way out .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2955008/ Once out on the street, Lewis says,“I think we should pay miss Purdy a visit.” O’Malley calls for a ride, and withinminutes, the two board a cab. “Where to?” “420 Cranberry Road.” “Oh. Hold on. I got to call this in.”Phone in hand, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2954685/ The Purdy residence is the lasthouse on Cranberry and finding no record of her ever being married, changesthings up by searching for a birth certificate that comes up with no resultsfound. Capable, and after gaining access to I.R.S. files, he can’t find herthere either. On paper, miss .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2953983/ Once out on the street, Lewis says,“I think we should pay miss Purdy a visit.” O’Malley calls for a ride, and withinminutes, the two board a cab. Using the rearview mirror, the cabdriver asks, “Where too?”“184 Elm Drive.” There is no smileon .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2948985/ Once out on the street, Lewis says,“I think we should pay miss Purdy a visit.” O’Malley calls for a ride, and withinminutes, the two board a cab. Using the rearview mirror, the cabdriver asks, “Where too?”“184 Elm Drive.” “Got it.&rdq.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2948228/ I want to be four again. Not thisaged woman before you.” Lewis unfolds his hands and aftershifting his weight, says to miss Purdy, “This curse, can it be broken?”“It can. What mother told me wasfour must go two at a time."“To where,” asks O&rsquo.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2943239/ And then Lewis asks, “How does Janefits into this?” Miss Purdy shifts her weight towhere she is looking directly at him. “She will be used as a decoy knowing thatBenny will risk his life to save hers.” “He doesn’t play fair, does he.”“I h.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2942458/ “This way, please.”There is nothing to gaze uponduring their walk along the entire length of the hallway, the only sound istheir echoing footsteps upon the hardwood floor. Looking beyond miss Purdy,there are double doors and after she opens one side, she invites them in. Around.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2942136/ The cabby interrupts then. “Hey, beforeI take off, I’ll make sure everything is good.” O’Malley wants to know why. “Andthe reason is?” There is a noticeable pause beforethe cabby says, “The thing is, so far miss Purdy has yet to answer her door.M.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2941450/ Meanwhile, Vincent has long since closed his eyes, and asthe constant hum of rolling tires puts him further under, there comes a nudgefrom Benny. “You’re snoring.” Startled awake, Vincent mutters, “I didn’t sleepwell last night, had too many weird dreams.” T.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2941087/ Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned to where the motorcomes to life. Headlamps on, his first stop is across the street from theCadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed between lips is a litcigarette. Checking his watch, he’s got a handful of minutes left to himself.He.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2938555/ Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned to where the motorcomes to life. Headlamps on, his first stop is across the street from theCadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed between lips is a litcigarette. Checking his watch, he’s got a handful of minutes left to himself.He.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2934179/ Fighting off his urge to light up a smoke, the view of thesky has Benny asking, “You never did say what happens after the stars havealigned." Caught off guard, at first Vincent wants to lie, to makesomething up that is far from the truth but knowing that he can’t do that, tells.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2926871/ Fighting off his urge to light up a smoke, the view of thesky has Benny asking, “You never did say what happens after the stars have aligned."Caught off guard, at first Vincent wants to lie, to makesomething up that is far from the truth but knowing that he can’t do that, tells.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2924676/ Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned to where the motorcomes to life. Headlights on, his first stop is across the street from theCadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed between lips is a litcigarette. Checking his watch, he’s got a handful of minutes left to himself.H.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2922761/ Awakening twelve minutes before the alarm sounds, Benny slipsout of bed.Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned to where the motorcomes to life. Headlights on, his first stop is across the street from theCadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed between lips is a litcigarett.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2905375/ The archway connecting the two sides together has Benny slowingdown that has Vincent wearing a question on his face that has Benny saying tohim, “That archway is like a door without a door. No telling what’s on the otherside.”“I have an idea, and I bet you do too.&r.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2888246/ Keeping out of the way of the massive door closing shop forthe day, if one wanted to, there is time to fall back to the world before thisone but neither do. Instead, both stand in place while watching the way thedoor puts up a fuss towards the end much like a child not wanting to go to bed.A.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2887366/ Keeping out of the way of the massive door closing shop forthe day, if one wanted to, there is time to fall back to the world before thisone but neither do. Instead, both stand in place while watching the way thedoor puts up a fuss towards the end much like a child not wanting to go to bed... http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2884870/ Daydreaming of having a steaming cup of coffee and a solid dragoff that elusive smoke, Benny almost runs into Vincent who has stopped dead inhis tracks. “S**t,” is all Vincent says which is enough for Benny to step alongsideto where he too sees a kid standing ahead of them. Shoeles.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2882900/ Keeping out of the way of the massive door closing shop forthe day, if one wanted to, there is time to fall back to the world before thisone but neither do. Instead, both stand in place while watching the way thedoor puts up a fuss towards the end much like a child not wanting to go to bed.M.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2882174/ Keeping out of the way of the massive door closing shop forthe day, if one wanted to, there is time to fall back to the world before thisone but neither do. Instead, both stand in place while watching the way thedoor puts up a fuss towards the end much like a child not wanting to go to bed.M.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2880958/ Once crossed over the threshold, the door closes with a softclick.The noise made of the door latching in place has Benny andVincent turning in time to see the door and its framework simply disappear.  Locked in this world, the two make sure bothare in one piece before they take in the.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2880043/ Chapter TwoThe field of rolling boulders. Side by side, once Benny and Vincent step over the threshold,the door and its framework draw within itself until there is nothing left.Absentmindedly, Benny reaches for a smoke and catching themotion of his hand, Vincent dreams o.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2875396/ http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2875395/ Startled awake by the alarm set for 4:30 am, Benny remains motionlessin going over the start of his day. Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned towhere the motor comes to life. Headlights on, his first stop is across thestreet from the Cadbury apartments. A cup of coffee close by, pressed be.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2874477/  Startled awake by the alarm set for 4:30 am, Benny remains motionlessin going over the start of his day. Boots laced and tied; ignition is turned towhere the motor comes to life. Headlights on, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2872146/ To hishands, he looks. And, like always, she is there, talking to him. Telling himwhere to look.Outside of this, O’Malley is calling for cabservice and in speaking quietly into the headset, one look to Lewis and heknows better to leave him alone. Carrying on in making sure arraignmen.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2871851/ “Do me afavor and ask Radar who is assigned to the cruiser.” O’Malley goes to talkquietly, Lewis digging through the bits and pieces in his head. Tiny thoughtsthey are, tiny whispers of yesterday floating around in his head. Every one ofthem is important to Lewis when O&rsq.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2871677/ A rural road,windows are rolled down, the music low.  Allis well until O’Malley says, “Radar says that there is a police cruiser upahead and that I should lower my speed.” In passing, Lewis, having the best view, turns to O’Malleyand says, “No one’s h.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2871157/ The anteroomis sparse with its low back couch and matching armchairs. There are no plantsto water, the window blinds closed. Approaching a woman tapping away at akeyboard, O’Malley clears his throat. A startled look is quickly replaced with anunassuming smile. “Yes, may I help yo.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2870924/   To hishands, he looks. And, like always, she is there, talking to him. Telling himwhere to look.Outside of this, O’Malley is calling for cabservice and in speaking quietly into the headset, one look to Lewis and heknows better to leave him alone. Carrying on in making.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2868247/ Hating feeling trapped, her only way out is for her toignore the pain and to keep waiting for the right moment. With that comes avision of her making a fast sideways crawl up the embankment. There waiting andlooking so pretty, will be a sea of abandoned cars that will give her safepassage. F.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2867168/ Feeling like,and though she knows that she is not holding onto an invisible cape, what elseis making no sense is how the dog is stride for stride all the while thescenery is a blur. For how long this goes on she does not know for time is bendingaround an impossible curve until the traveler s.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2866500/ There is a long moment of silence between the two beforeMr. Jones says to Cotton, “It’s getting on, best you go see what’s takingJimmy.”“I can do that.” Cotton up and gone, Mr. Jones hands her what is left of therabbit. “Might as well finish th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2866105/ There is a long moment of silence between the two beforeMr. Jones says to Cotton, “It’s getting on, best you go see what’s takingJimmy.”“I can do that.” After Cotton is up and gone, Mr. Joneslooks out to his surroundings which has her following suit in t.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2865537/ Mr. Jones shakes his head, “It’s more than that.”“I was afraid that you might say that.” “Whatever is coming, I’ll be there waiting for it.”“Yes sir. I’ll be right next to you.”There is a long moment of silence between.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2865446/ Her left alone, Mr. Jones says to Cotton, “What do youfigure, another day?”“Might be a stretch after. No telling these days.”“Yeah. Jimmy better be right about this.”“And if he’s not?”“Might be best to put him down seeing .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2865264/ Pushing off his haunches, Mr. Jones walks out to the edgeof the campsite. Having a look in either direction, he walks back and afterdropping to a knee, Mr. Jones says to Cotton, “Jimmy has been out there for awhile now.”Cotton asks, “You want me to hurry him along?”.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2864974/ Savoring the water trickling over her lips, the film on herteeth is gritty that has her wishing she had her toothbrush. It is the littlethings like these that reminds her that life is brutal. Handing the canteenback to the man, he says to her, “Cotton should be showing up soon, Jimmy too.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2864907/ Outside of this is her constant awareness of being milesfrom what she calls home. Not now, is what she tells herself. The soreness needsto go away first and that might take another day. Until then, she’ll get alongthe best she can outside of her leaving Jimmy alone. Hopefully, he wil.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2864663/ Why, she thinks in her head. That life is gone, and it doesher no good to cry for it changes nothing. It hurts though, those tiny ripplesof yesteryear. Forcing herself to forget, helping is her concentrating on theman removing a slim pouch from his inner pocket. Catching her looking, the man.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2864556/ “I got a bad feeling is all.”“Like I said, it is too late for that.”The other looks off to the horizon showing off the settingsun before he faces the other. “Best we get a fire going.” A silent nod offered,leaves her alone with the other man who points.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2863827/ Sliding down the embankment,her chance of getting away comes bursting in until she pictures Jimmy’s bulgingeyes and that long strand of saliva hanging off his lower lip. Letting thatfreeze frame soak in her head, breaking this off is the man with kind eyes walkingover to the left of he.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2863537/ With every step being like the last, the change of everyonecoming to a stop throws her off. Tense in standing around, the man who isrunning the show is taking his time in looking around to what she cannot seeuntil he turns to the rest of them only to bark out, “Jimmy, come over here.&rdq.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/benmarteeny/2863126/