It was the summer that we, of our own guts, decided to become anesthesiologists. It was the summer that my twin sister and I went about capturing the smallest animals we could find and placing them in dirty green-glass jars which smelled of brine.

The “new arrival” appeared quite suddenly. Edmund supposed that if he thought very hard about it he would be able to follow the chain of events precisely. First, Mummy and Daddy became happier.

This is what happened. I was trying to move my tallboy when it fell on me and pinned me to the floor. I cried out but no one heard — possibly because I live alone and my neighbors work. It took three days for Janice to notice I had not picked up my newspapers or mail.

Jordan and Kate were driving from Milwaukee to Door County to shop for antiques. They had recently bought their first home, a condominium downtown, and it was all but completely decorated. They just couldn't decide what to do with the alcove in the hall.

Though krakens are a slimy lot, they’ll freely lend a hand

to sailor boys grown bored with building castles in the sand

who’ve never peeked at maps with monsters drawn just past the land –

“Ahh! Too late comes too soon!”

cries Mr. Mantis in mid-swoon.

Afternoon bacchanal.

Champagne dissipates.

Eleanor faints.