Short Stories Temporary Tattoo

Temporary Tattoo

○●Temporary Tattoo●○

□■By Sarah Duffey■□

The buzzer sounds, cutting through the air with authority and resonance

A gaggle of thirteen-year-old boys clear the court, limbs bouncing and dripping with sweat

Boys from both sides collect their belongings, take long sips of water, and find their family members in the bleachers, waving to them weakly

Brennan finds his dad by the doors of the gymnasium

He pats Brennan on the back twice, and they head out into the December night with their coats hugging them

Brennan watches headlights move through the parking lot, fluid like a ballet

Snow floats down from the black sky as if originating from nothingness

Brennan

Ah, Dad, I shouldn’t have tried to pass the ball, I should have just gone for the shot

Brennan's Dad

It’s alright, buddy. It’s not always clear what the right choice is

Brennan keeps his head bent, a little ashamed despite his dad’s reassurances

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