THE THIN RED LINE • by Kay Harrison
I can’t work the till. It’s my first day. The café is busy but he’s patient. He stands watching me. He has dark hair. A tall drink of water as my nan would say. Two days later we’re drinking beer… Continue Reading
Literary
BLOW MY COVER • by Laura Rink
I walk into the restaurant, wearing a dress that reveals no cleavage and low heels as befits a widow of my age, fifty-five. Waving at the hostess, I continue on. His husky voice comes from the bar, my stomach flutters… Continue Reading
THE WARMEST WINTER • by David R Gilbert
The clock strikes five. I run a finger down the window pane through the condensation. Outside, the unseasonably warm winter winds bustle through the trees, and naked branches dance and sing in the last sad throes of death. They say… Continue Reading
EACHOTHER • by Eliot Hudson
Dear— At breakfast, Mom isn’t around so Uncle Maurice puts butter on a pop-tart for me, then walks me to school holding my hand. His hand isn’t like Dad’s. It doesn’t fit right, all sweaty and at different angles. There… Continue Reading
MURMUR • by Joy Lanzendorfer
She came in with the rain, through an open window. It was the house of a young family. The ghost, whose name had been Amaya, gazed curiously at their cleanliness, their food-in-bar-form, and the bright newness of everything they owned.… Continue Reading
MAYBE IN A TORNADO • by Mary Lucille Hays
Ruth always wore just her robe out to the chicken coop no matter how cold it was. She would only be out for a minute, but this bitter morning the wind chilled her metal scoop even before she got to… Continue Reading
SORCERER’S APPRENTICE • by Sarah Crysl Akhtar
You can say anything to babies, if you do it in the proper tone of voice. “Once upon a time,” and I put down Good Night Moon, “Grandma’s very bestest friend was a boy named Rickie. And he became a… Continue Reading
FIVE MINUTES • by Jo Varnish
Drew was already naked when he took his place on her husband’s side of the bed. The room was dim as the drawn blinds allowed only a halo of the morning light. He moved his hand along her arm, and… Continue Reading
THE SEEK • by K.J. French
We had such an exciting day. Before the sun rose, my mother woke me up to help her look for my sister. We had been playing hide-and-go-seek before we were put to bed, but she must have been too excited… Continue Reading
SLEEPING BEAUTY • by Linda M. Scott
When will Mrs. Stuart wake up? I’m not certain; the doctor said she’s in a deep sleep and when ready, will wake, when the time is right. She looks so peaceful, even with that machine and everything. Yes. I wonder… Continue Reading