Oscar stood in the atrium of the central branch of the city library. It was midnight and the only illumination came from amber lights along the walls and the red Exit signs, creating a surreal glow. Oscar inhaled the slight… Continue Reading
Jonathan and I never touched because I always wore gloves, and the lab instructors wouldn’t answer my questions about him. “Knowing less is better, Julia,” one warned me. “Minimize your distractions. This is Human Anatomy; it’s a cadaver.” “Think about… Continue Reading
It’s like a jungle in the clouds and there’s this fog — like rain, except it’s not raining. Everything is wet and tangled, and the angles of vision are slightly distorted. Walking point, I can hear sounds that come from… Continue Reading
“I say, how very odd. I don’t recollect that ever happening before.” Bassford’s wife, Carla, opened one eye. She pulled the blanket tighter around her, still half-asleep. “Don’t recollect what happening?” she asked. “Look here!” Bassford lifted his pajama top.… Continue Reading
Two years ago, Sophia, a lonely single police officer and her young son, settled into this perfect neighborhood. As it turns out, Friday is neighborhood barbeque night. This thrills Sophia, because she loves to share her recipes. No surprise that… Continue Reading
A boy and a girl. You know where this is going, right? Well, first, the boy. In truth, he is not a boy at all but a man who has just entered his fortieth year, that sudden precipice of middle… Continue Reading
Molly smiled when she saw the package was from her best friend Katie. Tomorrow was Molly’s birthday. Because of this pandemic they wouldn’t be able to get together for dinner. A week ago Katie had called to ask how she… Continue Reading
When Gray didn’t work the night shift, he took over bedtime duty from his wife, tucking in Dylan and telling him a story. Gray sometimes got carried away, veering into realms not wholly age appropriate. Tales of changelings and tricksters,… Continue Reading
“Leo, take a break for God’s sake. You’ve been writing since dawn and it’s almost ten o’clock at night now. Please eat something and come to bed.” “Sophia, I know you mean well but don’t distract me now. I have… Continue Reading
I see her in the twisted remains of the dermatologist’s office, surrounded by ash and steel. Smoke still hangs low in the air. The fire marshal gave the all-clear to return early in the morning, and now, as the sun… Continue Reading