Soldiers hurl armfuls of books into the fire as I stare in horror. All those words highlighting the human condition diminished to ash. Heartbreaking. A soldier pauses mid-haul, eyeing me. I adjust my glasses, then scramble to my borrowed postal… Continue Reading
I hear them grunt as they nudge each other in the dark, their leg chains clanking around in weary indifference. Long after the cicadas cease their shrill mating songs and the hellish bellows of the cats retreat into the darkness,… Continue Reading
My wife Sophia swatted my hand away from her waist, her lips in a tight thin line, her brow furrowed. “We can stop pretending, now that the ship is underway,” she said. I knew she didn’t mean to hurt my… Continue Reading
Sarah had escaped the Big Smoke to spend a couple of weeks in Wales, a village by the sea. Somewhere she could be a stranger; somewhere to recenter herself and possibly — possibly! — even get wind of a companion.… Continue Reading
“Did you know Dalmatians are born without spots?” Sheri looked up from her book. “What are you talking about?” “Baby Dalmatians. They’re spotless.” “We’re not getting a dog.” “No, I know. They’re messy. I don’t mean they’re spotless spotless. I… Continue Reading
Just months ago after receiving the news, my mother held me in her arms and softly sang, “I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore.” Now, her voice chokes with pain and all the tears in the world are ours. “Remember, sanctuary… Continue Reading
I hate Mr. Omniscient. It’s 8:30 AM and Mr. Omniscient (his name is really Jason) begins yet another absurd story. “I worked in Germany for two years. The food there has no preservatives so you can eat and drink as… Continue Reading
My white knuckles grip the safety bar. Heights, speed, lack of control– things I avoid at all costs. I connect the video call, phone shaking. His gaunt, beautiful face calms my nerves. “I knew you wouldn’t deny a dying man… Continue Reading
Driving is something I learnt when I was 15 to make a living soon after Baba fell from the coconut tree faster than the coconut that landed on his head. My father was trying to fetch it for the guests.… Continue Reading
Down the one hundred twenty-one stone steps, Darcy dashes. She doesn’t care if she falls and busts her head wide open, not after what that boy said, loud enough for the whole class to hear, him the stupidest idiot in… Continue Reading