Remnants and Reminders
The sound of echoed laughter stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t heard any other voices than my own in a long time. Honestly, I had thought the House was empty…
Room of Renewal
The area was vast and open, though I could still see walls in the distance, and not nearly as foggy on this side. The air was comfortably warm but not hot and…
Re-evaluating Strangers
I couldn’t help but groan. Standing up had not been a good idea. Everything hurt. “Do you know that guy?” the girl asked. An icy spike shot up my spine. Panic…
The Elemental Queen
The circumstances of my existence have defined me. They have brought me great power and freedom, but also a great deal of torment. Although I am profound; with…
Before She's Gone
I watched as the glass door swung shut. Outside, Rei walked away with renewed purpose. I didn’t care where she was going. Her destination didn’t matter at all…
The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an…
The Invitation: Prologue
It would be a grave mistake to share my story. Speaking of madness often gets one sent to sanitariums—as I know all too well. However the events of the past…
Waiting for a Better Tomorrow
Stretching out my fingers, I imagined them as wings. The joints and ligaments tightened and then loosened as I reset my hands back into the rest position—palms…
UNbound
I turn away from me Back to back Not on track My dreams in a sack Courage I lack North, I tack Once there were three I, myself, me Now set free To wander…
UNtied
unloved and alone, sometimes i hide from my face, the one in the mirror, the one in the dark. Please don’t blame me for leaving you. It’s so hard to remember…
End of an Age
Cracks sprouted up the impenetrable stone walls like rapidly growing trees. There wasn’t much time left. Soon the whole island would crumble back into the sea…
"Incorporated" Ch. 1 - Hustle
Felix Ruehl waited apprehensively for his turn to shine, poised, ready to shake hands with the next interviewer. Would this get him out of his slump? His plan…
Beggar Boy
He didn’t know what was going to happen to him, nor did he really want to think about it. All he’d wanted was a loaf of bread! Jin huffed, and twisted his…
Distant Screams
“That’s my inheritance?” Erin asked, wrinkling her nose. “It is, it is--and a fine one too.” Uncle Jeb said, overturning the filthy burlap sack that had been…
A Seed of Truth
“Who are you?” I whispered. Mary placed a cold palm against my cheek. “I’m whoever you need me to be. Whoever you see, that is who you need most.” Memories of…
The Face of Hunger
Kiriko’s stomach growled.Lighting another cigarette, she took a drag and hoped the nicotine would stave off hunger for a little while longer. Rain pelted the…
Burial at Sea
Once the water spraying out of the shower head began to steam, Jeff pushed his underwear down and kicked them off before stepping into the tub. Scalding water…
Sluggish
The girl took a step back from me, a hand creeping to her mouth. “Umm, is that normal?” she asked, nodding toward the blood streaks running down the spears of…
Made in America
Donnie thumbed a crease out of his otherwise perfect white cuff. His hands didn’t look any different today. He knew that blood didn’t really stain skin but he…
Larry's Suspension of Disbelief
Row by row, the image formed. Since her leg was not a flat surface, it was distorted. This could be seen as symbolic: mysterious shards of the complete works…