C. H. Richard
Bio
My passion is and has always been writing. I am particularly drawn to writing fiction that has relatable storylines which hopefully keep readers engaged
Stories (143)
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Voice Of A Mill Girl. Top Story - July 2023.
Lawrence, Massachusetts, January 12th, 1912 I tried to quicken my pace up the wooden stairs of the Washington Mill that morning. My boots hit each step with vigor. The temperature was below freezing and the holes in my gloves let in raw cold causing my fingers to turn blue. I could hear several women in front of me racing before the toll clock struck seven. I kept my head low when passing the foreman who was looking for any sign among us as to who was an instigator of possible things to come. I walked swiftly past my station where I created wool for men’s high-end suits and women’s coats sold at places that I could not afford. I tucked my own coat filled with patches in the closet labeled for workers and headed back to my spot.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in History
The Renoir Painting
I was in awe that day. Not because Mrs Carlos, my high school art teacher, had nearly gotten myself and five of my classmates killed on the way to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She had driven through two red lights, turned the wrong way on a one-way street and then turned onto the trolley tracks for half a mile while all her students screamed. She was a much better artist than she was a driver, and she was a fabulous art historian. I understand now why she was so excited to share her knowledge and engage us in her world which may have been why she did not have time to focus on the drive there.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Art
The Truth About Gloria. Top Story - June 2023. Content Warning.
photo taken by author using filters on Samsung phone My hands were trembling as I gripped the steering wheel of my 1979 white Ford Mercury that autumn night in October. The music of the 1980’s was playing in the background. I was sixteen, shy and trying to “fit in” my sophomore year in high school. My neighbor Siobhan, her boyfriend, Dan and his pal, Colin, as well as myself were at a Halloween party when Colin suggested we grab some beers and drive up to the woods where “she” was for some real fun instead “sticking around this lame ass party.”
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
Chasing Away Monsters Without Dad
When I was about seven years old, I would spend hours looking out my bedroom window before bedtime until I saw them, the monsters in the trees that I was sure were after me. I would scream for my father who would rouse from his sleep to comfort and reassure me that I just saw branches moving in the wind. When that wasn’t enough, he would tell me he had chased the monsters away until I drifted off in slumber. After many nights of not getting enough sleep and keeping everyone awake. I was not allowed to look out the window at night and the shade was pulled all the way down. Still, it is memory that resonates with me when I look at trees at night.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Men
The Golden Cane Award
Every joint riddled with arthritis caused Doris to grimace as the aide transferred her to a wheelchair. However, this day was too important to relinquish because of ongoing pain. The Golden Cane was given out once a year to the oldest person in town and Doris was to have the prize. Unfortunately, she had to share the trophy with her birthday twin, Dee Cunningham. Dee was also named Doris but used the nickname Dee as distinction.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
Rookie Card. Top Story - June 2023.
Kendall watched and waited while sitting on the designated park bench. His hands clasped the black gym bag that contained his savings, cashed in 401 K and recent paycheck earnings. He still could not believe he was going to purchase his dream Mickey Mantle rookie card. He found the seller on-line. His fingers trembled, checking his watch once again. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard yelling.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
Countdown
***Content Warning trauma and grief**** My older brother tried to hold back his disappointment as he pulled the last piece of the red balloon birthday wrapping paper off the shoe box holding a pair of sneakers that he knew my mom bought at a second-hand store. The blue and gold colored footwear was a knock off brand which was not what Liam wanted. He had talked about sneakers of the famous basketball player who lent his name to a brand label all year. We both knew it was unlikely mom would meet the request given she only saw us at these weekly meetings while she was in recovery. The cost was out of her reach even when she was working, which was not happening at this time. Our foster family was not able to pay for that kind of sneaker either. Liam smiled like he always did, “Yeah these are great, thanks Ma!”
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
The Paradise Experiment
Rudy was never one to complain, but he was not sure the one hundred dollar gift card to Billy Bob's Burgers was worth the side effects of a medication he was taking for this clinical trial. The itchiness in his feet from the growing roots was very uncomfortable.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
Campaign. Top Story - May 2023.
***Content warning violence*** Shaking hands and kissing babies while walking the aisle, the politician checked each camera angle as he bowed his head. He spoke with utmost sincerity when asked about the latest tragedy due to incoherent laws. He offered thoughts and prayers for the latest victims as he reassured constituents it was not the time to discuss.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Fiction
