The snap of the twig was always the best part. The scent of the dried wood, dead for months now, would rise to her nose. She would inhale its scent, drinking in lost memories of seasons long since passed. The… Continue Reading
The engine shed is a hive of activity. Pistons must be greased, drive rods cleaned, regulator valves stripped down. Madern sits in his overalls, hunched over his unit, inspecting boiler seals through the magnifier. Arthek peers over Madern’s shoulder. “If… Continue Reading
I try not to make eye contact, squeeze into the crowded elevator. Fasten the last button on my trench coat to conceal my naked breasts. Poncho whimpers as I attach the leash to his collar, so I kiss his round… Continue Reading
“It’s your call,” said the demon, in his reasonable, man of the world voice. “No skin off my nose.” Bob ran his razor along his upper lip. “Let me get this straight,” he said, peering at his reflection. “When Ethel…”… Continue Reading
I should’ve read the small print. Slowing down ageing sounds like a good idea, right? I was in my prime, and staying that way forever would be great. I took the deal. Aeons isn’t that different from forever, is it?… Continue Reading
I was walking through downtown San Jose, passing the Convention Center, when I saw a man wearing a business suit, long overcoat, and bright red Converse sneakers. The suit looked like it fit him well, a bit rumpled in places,… Continue Reading
I exited the funeral home. Outside, the summer sky was orange and blue. Cars honked every other minute, as they usually did downtown. The air smelled of gardenias, piss, and weed. A handful of my cousins were crouched behind bushes… Continue Reading
“THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD WILL RISE AND TAKE VENGEANCE.” The woman’s eyes glow green and stare into nothing. Her voice, though barely more than a whisper, fills the room, far deeper than it was a moment ago. “THEY AVENGE… Continue Reading
Snowcloud says you don’t begin a story except at the place where things start happening. But if I were to begin with the tyrannosaurus blasting through the front windows of the Delphine estate’s ballroom during their annual Gooseberry Cotillion, and… Continue Reading
Before daybreak, the rising tide breached the top steps as Manjula opened the basement door. Murky brown water lapped gently amongst schools of Legos and drowned Barbies. Her screams woke the household, whose night had been disturbed by the ravaging… Continue Reading