THE SEEK • by K.J. French
We had such an exciting day. Before the sun rose, my mother woke me up to help her look for my sister. We had been playing hide-and-go-seek before we were put to bed, but she must have been too excited… Continue Reading
lost child
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE • by Rachael Kelly
“Please,” he says, and I hear the desperation in his voice before I turn around. “Please, can you help me? I’ve lost my granddaughter. Please, can you help…?” I remember the day that Alice disappeared in the supermarket; I remember… Continue Reading
WINTER BLUE • by Oonah V Joslin
It was winter and a blue snow fell again covering the plains of this insignificant planet in a fine cobalt dusting of fresh, deep powder. Janey liked to kick it around exposing the light blue layer beneath the darker surface;… Continue Reading
ALICE’S MONSTERS • by Helen Cattan-Prugl
When I close my eyes, I can still see her. Before I go to bed, Alice, my cute little sister, dances behind my eyelids. When I throw my head back with a shot of vodka, Alice’s gap-toothed smile cheers me… Continue Reading
NEW SONG • by Sarah Crysl Akhtar
“Stop screaming,” said Old Ma. “The baby is gone. Make another one when your milk dries up.” Suddenly I hated Old Ma. I wanted to smash her. But I was clever even in that moment. I stopped my hand and… Continue Reading
GOODBYE GIRL • by Shane D. Rhinewald
Anna disappeared on her ninth birthday. She excused herself from her party with a polite goodbye, went up to her room, and never returned. For a time, no one noticed her absence amid the chaos of clowns, piñatas, and dozens… Continue Reading
THE LOST LITTLE GIRL • by Anthony J. Rapino
Cowering — the small girl blends with nighttime bark and organic shadow. Whimpers rise like bird calls. She could be a tree stump, hidden behind black-curtain hair and a long-sleeved shirt pulled over her knees. A heavy man walks past… Continue Reading