It’s a story as old as time: a father’s desire to create a special Christmas memory leads to a tragic chimney accident. Yes, we thought it was strange that Dad missed the frenzy of gift-unwrapping. Yes, we noticed the smoke… Continue Reading
Elizabeth belonged to Trina’s grandfather. She was eighty-two years old, although Trina would never have guessed it to look at her; she looked old-fashioned, but not old. Trina played with Elizabeth every Christmas when they visited Grampa, although she was… Continue Reading
A lone firefighter walked through the deserted street. He saw the playground where he’d run as a boy, and watched for a moment as the swings, faded but intact, swayed in the autumn wind. A yellowed piece of paper blew… Continue Reading
Lisa awoke to a soft thudding coming from the kitchen. Last night it had been the spare bedroom door squeaking open; the night before, the TV turning on in the middle of the night. Her heart pounded against her ribs… Continue Reading
Gas hissed from the valve under the unmistakable sign: FLAMMABLE. Sydney struck another match, only to watch it go out. “Damn it! Why won’t any of you light?” Alone, more alone than ever, she tried again. And again. Luck still… Continue Reading
Riley pulled the bed covers over his head, but the damned ghost just moaned louder. He was exhausted after being in the University physics lab past midnight making more time machine modifications. He wished he could find a quieter place… Continue Reading
Through a window of the mill Kayla saw a figure approaching on the path by the river. Dried blood caked one side of his face and streaked his homespun shirt. Looking down, he stepped hesitantly as if unsure of his… Continue Reading
“Your mother was a whore!” The shout echoed from the mouth of the temple as if the stones themselves hurled insults at the small figure darting through the doorway. Bartholomew’s tormentors also burst from the entry, pursuing him across the… Continue Reading
Aksel saw his life in ruins. Annelise, the girl he had loved since childhood, had wed another man — another man who had money and therefore the approval of Annelise’s father. Aksel had begged Annelise to elope. She said it… Continue Reading
Snow whirled in soft lazy circles. Marya no longer felt the cold. She walked on, hunched over, a man’s thick black coat clutched to her chest. Beneath the coat, Elena lay strapped against Marya’s torso. Weeks of hunger had rendered… Continue Reading