A PICNIC ON THE BEACH • by Owen Archlimb
I didn’t like to see her go like that, but perhaps it was for the best. Drowning’s meant to be a good way, but I don’t see how. All that salt water up the nose, and the panic. Though she… Continue Reading
death of a spouse
SPLIT HOLLANDAISE • by Tara Brabazon
I still walk. Breathe. Eat. I am a corpse in clothes. Want nothing. Numb. Since my husband died, I just don’t want to be here. Here. Anywhere. I poke my emotional ash-heap of a self with sharpened sticks to confirm… Continue Reading
WE WILL WORK IT OUT • by Karen R. Arbogast
There you are, standing atop the Natural Bridge at Red River Gorge, Kentucky hugging a pine tree, pretending to be afraid to let go. But you aren’t pretending. You’re afraid of heights. It is mid-September, 1984. This picture was taken… Continue Reading
SHELBY • by Joshua Joseph Barella
It’s the little things. Those that you have to be still to value. Silent. Like the swirling of dust in a shard of light. Or the melting of snow on a windowpane and the bead of water it leaves behind. … Continue Reading
A FUNERAL IN WINTER • by Cyndeth K. Allison
It was a big hole, deep, long, narrow. The dirt that had come out of it mounded some distance away, nearly black against the equal mounds of snow plowed from the roadway. He stood at its edge, just outside the… Continue Reading
KICKED OUT OF DANCE CLASS • by Kelly Castillo
We sit in the car as long as possible. Dance class is the longest hour of the week and I see no reason to spend more time inside than necessary. Noelle latches on to my ring and pinky finger as… Continue Reading
BLACK ICE • by Liz Walker
My father has told me my mother’s name. He’s told me she had long black hair, like me, and that she died in an accident. Her car skidded across an ice patch and bit into a telephone pole. He’s even… Continue Reading
BUSY BUSY • by Dan Keeble
“What will you do with Jack’s… Jack?” Jenny stumbled. Helen glanced at the urn on the mantelpiece. Her blue eyes moistened. “I need to give it some serious thought.” Jenny blushed. “Of course,” she said. “I’m not putting it off.… Continue Reading