Books|Short Stories|Essays
Dickie's work includes novels and short stories in Historical and Appalachian fiction.
Fighting Rosy
A man with a black top hat and a cone shaped megaphone strode into the tent from behind the cage. “Ladies and gentlemen, have you enjoyed the show?” Cheers filled the small tent.
“Well, the show isn’t over. We need another contestant. Who will dare to step in the cage and fight the undefeated champion?” The announcer yelled into the cone. But the crowd went silent.
“Anyone? Come on folks. Surely there are…”
“We’re gonna fight ‘em,” Worth interrupted. Charles’ face became pale.
“Alright, step right up,” the announcer said, looking around to see who had volunteered to fight Big Red. Worth, while holding Charles’ wrist, pushed his way through the crowd of on lookers.
The Last Chapter
I love you more…no, I love you more. This was the way the conversation always ended with John and Elizabeth. They sat by the glow of the fireplace staring into one another’s eyes. Lost. No worries between them, except fear of another night alone. So much separated them, but just for now, their worlds continued as John held her tight.
“Please don’t go.” Elizabeth pleaded. “I will see you tomorrow, won’t I?”
“Yes my love. As always.” John smiled and closed the book.
He held the book to his cheek with his eyes closed and sighed, “Only one more chapter.”
Letters From Esther
Stopping in front of room 115, she paused, feeling pressure rising in her chest. Her right hand rested on the door handle. What if this is a mistake? What if I’m not the right Diane? With a deep breath and a slow exhale, she opened the door and stepped into the room.
Broken Wing
Every morning Mary threw back the drapes and opened her bedroom window to see her love waiting for her in the tree. He would gaze into her eyes from across the lawn and sing her a love song. She would tie her hair into pigtails and fill a basket with his favorite things and make her way outside to greet him. He gave her affection and she gave him strength for the journey each day would bring. But today was different. As she stared out the window he wasn’t there to greet her with a song. Today was the day she feared the most. He was gone.