Madison’s World

Greg and Cindy awoke the next morning to the sound of Madison’s alarm.  It had become routine.  That didn’t make it any easier.  The shrill tone cut through the habitat, bouncing off…

“So just so we’re clear,” Madison said, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, “you’re backing me. Dad comes to me, and I’m the one in charge.”  McKenzie gave her a look. Not…

Greg and Cindy had moved on to pulling debris from the treads of Madison’s sneakers. The tops were already spotless, nearly new-looking now under the desk lamp, but the bottoms were worse.…

Madison stayed in the desk chair for another minute or two, feet still propped up in front of them, absently scrolling through Shard while Greg and Cindy kept working.    The room…

“Greg,” Cindy said, as sternly as she could without drawing Madison’s attention from the bed, “you seem to be forgetting that while you’re off galivanting around with your favorite daughter…

Greg scrubbed Madison’s sneaker with proper cleaner this time, the chemical smell of it sharp in the air as he worked the cloth into the canvas with both hands. Beside…