The parking lot of St. Mary’s had been a stream of trucks since first period. Fascinated, we watched as the home of the St. Mary’s Scouts football field transformed into a temporary residence for The Zipper, The Tilt-O-Whirl, and Funnel Cakes Sold Here! I burst into my house, penny loafers kicked off mid–stride. The scuff that marred the wall- ignored. Blue plaid wool skirt and […]
Had this been fiction, a story by Ana Koulouris
If this had been fiction, there would have been somebody to burst around the corner in the nick of time, makeshift weapons flying to slay the reanimated corpse closing in on him. The task accomplished, the stranger would glare down at him where he lay on the ground and offer a gruff hand up. This person would then scold him for being out there alone […]
The Employment Offer, a story by Todd Hogan
Nicholas didn’t know how long his father had been waiting for him to get his ass out of bed. The cabin’s view of the mountains and lake must have cost his father, or his corporation, more than Nicholas could make in the next five years. The sun was bright, and Nicholas blocked it with his hand until his eyes adjusted. A hawk corkscrewed high overhead, […]
We are folded, a story by Tim Yao
The universe rushes by me in vast steps. Eryl asked me to make myself small so I can ride in his pocket. Some surprise! Bored, I extend a thought tendril. “Becksy,” Eryl chides, gently snapping it away. “You promised not to peek.” I pretend not to listen. The vistas, which I see through the one opening he has left me, intrigue me: the hot turmoil […]
The Conversation, by Mary O’Brien Glatz
After a month away, the long flight from Kathmandu through Beijing had brought her backwards in time to Chicago. He picked her up at the airport. A brief hug marked their reunion. The acrid smell of booze seeped out into the air that filled the space between them. Her eyes caught his as if she were about to say something but instead considered it and […]
Living with Humans, a story by Stephanie Ewing
Day 1 There are no dogs in this warren, no biting autumn wind. I found a wire box filled with sweet dried grass far more delicious than the half-dead dandelions I scrounged outside. I think it will be better here. I live with three humans now. Though they don’t wield rolled-up newspapers like the ones who put me outside, these humans are very loud. Like […]
An Exploration of Social Mores and Normative Behaviours, by Ed Pongklub
Subjects: King William III and Rolf. King William III was lounging lazily at the far end of the small, tidy room when Rolf strolled in. His eyes lit up and he called out, “Ah! Rolf, just the one I was looking for.” “You were looking for me?” Rolf asked, cocking his head to one side. “Well, I was considering maybe looking for you later,” […]
Mamihlapinatapai, a story by Keshia L. Nowden
Leo (a very deep, stimulating baritone comes through the phone): Hello? Letitia (breathless at the sound of Leo’s voice): Hey, Blue Eyes. Leo: Oh, Brown Sugar, how I’ve missed you. Keeping out of trouble? Letitia: When have I NOT? Leo (laughing as though she could see him slightly blushing): Good question. You’ve been a good girl for your Big Daddy at least? Letitia: Kinda […]
Alexithymia, a story by Elaine Fisher
Five-year old Alex surveyed his surroundings, data streaming into his eyes and ears. He watched his baby sister looking out through the crib railing, her soft cry becoming a wail. Almost immediately, he clasped his hands over his ears. Following a prescribed exercise, he dutifully mimicked the baby by contorting his face, moving his fingers along his gaping mouth, feeling his facial expression, and finally […]
The Longing, by Mary O’Brien Glatz
The new light of day seeps in the cracks between slats of wooden window blinds. A dark ocean of dreams still swirls inside her. She flutters open her eyes. Her arms and legs stretch to the cracking of joints. Dull aches remind her of the long journey from her home over the mountain pass. She is here, in the third floor guest room just above […]
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