What Caitlyn drew came alive. Broad strokes of floppy green leaves, vibrant purple and yellow with a strawberry center; she drew that when she was 4. The crayon wobbled in her plump fist, resulting in wavy, amorphous leaves, but the… Continue Reading
“Hi Linda! It’s Ralph again, from ‘New Life Start!’ calling to remind you: your very own ‘New Life Start!’ begins today! Just as soon as you mail us that check—” “Ralph?” said the voice on the other end, flatly. “This… Continue Reading
Gloria’s ghost seeped out from underneath the covers and tiptoed her way to her husband’s bedside. “Wake up,” she whispered, shoving Barney’s ghost awake. “Come on, wake up!” “Calm your horses.” Barney’s ghost leaned over the side of the bed… Continue Reading
In the old days, when people died, Death did not knock on their door, but people’s souls traveled to meet Death. This story is how I came to meet Death. When I was a child, a couple whom I came… Continue Reading
She says a prayer before she steps inside, a prayer for the restless, then crosses the threshold and announces, “I am here.” Immediately, the atmosphere in the room shifts, and a quiet settles over the house for the first time… Continue Reading
Although it is wet and windy, Bader drives along the highway, window wound down, head poking into the gust, tongue lolling out, soaking it all in. It is one of the disadvantages of being a dog in his previous life.… Continue Reading
“Don’t you love being a pink monkey?” declared County Paris, flying over Lady Capulet’s orchard. “Shall we make mischief?” Romeo flew low under an envious moon. “This pink monkey has better things to do!” Paris flew alongside. “Like what?” “Oh… Continue Reading
It took place in a corner office high in the sky, the conversation between Dale Lazzatto, the legendary profiteer, and Boris, his cadaverous mentee. The encounter promised to elevate the trajectory of Boris’ professional career and indeed the young man’s… Continue Reading
SHE FELL from the sky, a daughter of the sun. She was many forms, how fiery. In Phoenicia, she wore a flame of feathers and lived as a phoenix. In Persia the thunderbird built a nest and burst into fire,… Continue Reading
I sat cross-legged on the tattered blanket, surrounded by a constellation of crumbs. Myra was sprawled out on her stomach next to me, her bright socks doing scissor kicks as she stared at the TV. Once in a while she’d… Continue Reading