(Author’s note: It’s a little late, but better than none at all.)

Butterfly In The Well

by Miles H. Rost

The first whiff of fresh air for Fred after being let free from the ghosts of 2020 was in the woods near his home.

For a year, the teenager was trapped, forced to stay inside because of his mother’s fears, her paranoia. She finally relented, as she left to visit her sister in the hospital.

Fred sat in the woods, his bare feet connecting to the ground. The small lean-to above him housed a great number of butterflies.

He put out his arm, and one landed on his finger.

“I’m glad to be home.”

The butterfly just flapped peacefully.