I wanted to share my entry into Vivian Kirkfield’s annual contest 50 Precious Words. I’m thrilled to say it won a prize this year, out of 586 entries. Thank you to Vivian and all of the folks who help her bring this contest to writers each year.

The Fixer

Mom slips through the door, bathing my hospital bed in hallway light.

She sighs. “Okay. No more lab draws before 5 AM.”

“You don’t always have to fix everything for me,” I say.

“You’ll understand when you’re a mom.”

Silence falls between us.

We both know that might never happen.