Featured Tale
False Dawn
A flash of light invades my closed eyelids, rudely wrenching me awake from my dreams. I prop up on my elbows and rub the sleep from my eyes. Morning already? The clock on the nightstand says 2:47 AM. That can’t be right; the sun’s already up. Maybe the power went…
Latest Tales
The Day After Yesterday
It was the day after yesterday, and Jimmy was skiing on clouds. His mother warned him about the thin ones. “Stay away from those cirrus clouds, son. You need to ride the cumulus clouds. They’re much safer.” Yeah, and boring. …
Tell Me All the Ways
My stomach growls as the baseball game ends on TV. Damned Yankees lost again. “Aida, can you bring me some milk and cookies, please?” “Coming right up,” she says. A few moments later, she comes into the living room with…
Wickedly v. the State
Bailiff Henry: “All rise. The court of Adverbial Malfeasance is in session.” Judge Zelda Sol walks through the chamber door and sits in the oversized leather chair behind the bench. Judge Zelda: “Good morning, everyone. Public Defender Miles Mercer, you…
By Your Sad
I lost Puddles today. No, not lost as in she can be found. Lost. Forever. I sit on the bench under the ancient oak tree in our yard. “Have you ever lost someone?” I whisper to the tree. Branches sway,…
Family Breakfast
Every morning for the last five years I’ve toasted two slices of bread for breakfast. I toast it dark brown, slightly burnt, and super crispy. A pat of butter, a squeeze of honey, and I’m good to go. Until yesterday.…
Over Easy
I sat in the padded seat as customers came through the door of the little cafe. Breakfast rush. It’s filling up fast. She sat down. “Mornin’ Frankie,” said Bobby, as he flipped pancakes and turned hash browns on the grill.…
Open Another Door
Right Choice Left
The air was crisp and cold in the Wisconsin woods, a hint of winter to come. On the narrow path, the young boy, lost and alone, came to a fork, with no sign showing the way home. “Make the right…
The Sound Outside
Ted muted his TV and cocked his head. “Help!” rang out from outside. There it was again. He pushed his recliner upright with a groan, grabbed his Mag-lite, and headed out the door into the moonless night. He swept the…
My Talk with Dad
“We need to talk,” says dad. “Okay, I’ve got a few minutes. What’s up?” “Have a seat while I get some coffee.” I sit at the dining room table. Dad fills his coffee cup and sits next to me. He…
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