Genre: Psychological

Stories exploring the mind, perception, identity, memory, and the uncertain boundary between reality and imagination.

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…

Saved

God saved his life, they said. The Miracle on Flight PS91.  He wasn’t so sure.  Why should he be the only survivor of the plane crash that killed all on board save one? What higher purpose did God spare him…

How Long Does Pizza Take?

My phone chimes as an offer pops up on my food delivery app. I click “accept” and head for Penny’s Pizza. A few minutes later I pull into the parking lot and look for a space.  My breath catches when…

The Sentence

I. Innocence I stood with my lawyer before the judge, and he asked if I had anything to say before pronouncing sentence. The only person I wanted to hear my words was the man sitting in the back row, smiling.…

The Ledger

Lonnie lived his life believing he was utterly forgettable, a dullard with average grades, ordinary jobs, invisible in every crowd.   When he retired at sixty-five, he quickly got bored and volunteered at the city police station, cataloging old records.  One…

A Day in the Life

I live alone in a one-room studio apartment, with no partner, roommate, or pet to keep me company and ease the crushing loneliness I feel. The room is small, with minimal furnishing — a bed, sink, toilet, desk, chair, and…

By His Own Hand

Jayal knew the only way he could ever escape the oppressive totalitarian state was by his own hand. For a month, he pretended to take the sleeping pills they allotted him each night, saving them for the night he would…

A Chat With Aileen

I type: “Good morning, Aileen. How are you doing?”  The black screen flickers to life with eerily fluorescent green words. “Good morning, Joshua-0918. I am doing very well, thank you, and ready to assist you today. How can I help…

The Irrevocable Gift

I gave her the kidney in good faith, just as I gave her the ring in contemplation of marriage. Because I loved her, and would do anything for her. My soon-to-be wife, for better or worse, till death do us…

The Internal Inferno

My religion taught me to live in fear. Fear of demons in the shadows, tempting me to stray from the straight and narrow path. Fear of sin that could curse me to Hell’s eternal flames. Every night I pray for…

A Great Next 24 Hours

“Nice seeing you, Joel. Have a great day!” Joel chuckles, or is that a smirk? Hard to tell. “You too, Albert. Have a great next 24 hours.” With those words, Joel Amos goes on his way. I walk to my…

The Specter’s Revenge

I drift unseen through the darkened house, a ghostly specter come to end my husband’s dreams. I hear him whisper her name as he sleeps, unaware of my presence or intent. Betrayed by a kiss, he traded my life for…

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,…

The Night Creature

I lie in bed waiting, silent and still. The glow of the nightlight casts eerie shadows on the wall.  Above me, the heater vent gapes with slatted teeth. Air stirs. Shadows flicker. Two pinpoints of red appear, the hungry eyes…

Truth Be Told

The doorbell rings a second time, interrupting the still of morning. I’ve been up all night, and I’m tired and irritated. Who is it, JW’s? Mormons? Kids selling chocolate? Go away already.  Through the peephole, I see two police officers…

A Double-Edged Sword

My phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and swiped to dismiss the notification. Time for my meeting with Mr. Grant. I rode the elevator up to the executive top floor, and the pretty secretary ushered me into the inner…

Til Death Do Us Part

“I love you honey,” I say. He doesn’t respond, but I know he’s still awake. “I love you forever and always.” Still no response. I lean towards him and kiss his cheek. “I love you babe, till death do us…

Cot in the Blur

You wake on the basement cot.  Why are you here? How long have you been here? The light of dawn peeks through the window overhead.  Betsy, your beloved tabby cat, meows close by.  You remember.  You came to find her…

The Promise

Claire’s eyes lingered on the glittering diamond ring in the display case, its finely cut facets catching the light of promises to come. Her boyfriend, Donny, beamed and squeezed her hand. Today should be the happiest day of her life,…

A Creation of Code

I wake up this morning and check my phone on the nightstand. It’s 10:34 a.m. Man, I really slept late today. I get out of bed and stumble to the floor. Whoa! Why am I so woozy?  I glance at…

At Golden Hour

I open my eyes. Ghoulish, dark shapes with twisted limbs and spiny leaves dot the vast expanse to the distant mountains. Joshua trees, I think.  Who am I? How did I get here? I have no clue. I also have…

A Dare in the Dark

I turn the doorknob on the closed door, afraid to see what might be on the other side. The door creaks on its ancient hinges. I take a step forward into the inky blackness, illuminated only by my flashlight. I’m…

A Birthday Story

Today is my birthday. My guests gather around me at the table, all in good spirits. I’m so glad they are here to celebrate with me today. Birthdays only come once a year, you know. “Make a wish,” someone says,…