Featured Tale
My Responsibility Now
I walk through the door to my new workplace near the city center, buzzing with subdued energy I can almost feel. There are many people here, hundreds, maybe thousands, I’m unsure. From my vantage point, I can’t see them in their spaces—separate and contained—but I sense muted voices, hushed whispers,…
Latest Tales
The Royal Ceasefire
King Bartholomew summoned the ambassadors of Ukravia and Ruzkovia to the palace. “Ambassadors, thanks for coming today. I am pleased to hear of the ceasefire between your countries.” The ambassadors looked at each other, then at the king. “Your Majesty,…
The King’s Royalties
King Bartholomew summoned the royal scribes and bookmakers into his palace. They bowed before his throne as he ate his noon meal. He motioned with his hands. “Scribes! Bookmakers! Rise! I have learned you are accepting royalties. Give an account…
The King’s Alchemists
King Bartholomew summoned the Royal Alchemists to the throne room. They bowed before the king. “Alchemists! You have failed to turn lead into gold.” “From this day forward, I declare you shall no longer be alchemists. You are henceforth magicians!”…
Another Path
The waitress tops off my coffee cup; the cup across from me is full. I’m happy. Today is the day. The first time I will see her, in person, face to face. No profile photo or video call could do…
A Small Price to Pay
King Bartholomew’s armies attacked the distant land of Iranizbad. For months, the war dragged on. He assured his subjects that victory was near. Farmers couldn’t afford feed for livestock, or fertilizer for crops. People couldn’t afford food to eat, or…
All You Can’t Eat
Mr. and Mrs. Termite tucked themselves into their little bed. Mr. Termite’s tummy growled. “That was a long trip, honey. I’m really hungry.” “Me too,” said Mrs. Termite, “let’s eat. There’s a lot of food here.” “Yes, it is a…
Open Another Door
All the Space He Needs
“Jimmy, dear, why don’t you take a break for a couple of hours? Let’s try out that new Thai restaurant in town. I hear it’s great. We haven’t gone out in ages.” “I can’t Babe, I’m working on this project,…
The Sweet Life of Mrs. Hazel Winslow
Today is Mrs. Hazel Winslow’s turn to host the monthly neighborhood coffee klatch. Since it’s the host’s duty to provide refreshments, she spent the morning baking fresh muffins, pastries, and gingerbread cookies. She expected the usual attendees—her neighbors, Mary, Joy,…
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…
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