By Asia Ali Burnt oil wafted into my nostrils, making my eyes stream. “What’s wrong with it?” I asked as we all peered into the van’s engine. We had pulled over on a country road, and there were no other vehicles in sight. Darkness was approaching, the only light source a flickering lamppost a few … Continue reading Stranded
Libby
By Cynthia Li During recess, my friend Libby asked me if I would like to fly to Saturn with her. She spread her color pencils in front of my desk, leaning over with her legs open. “How are you going to make this happen?” I asked. Libby rolled her eyes and said: “Go to bed … Continue reading Libby
The Pink Room
By Cynthia Li “Shirley, are you ready? I'm coming to get you!” Giselle yelled as she launched into the ocean ball pool. A splash echoed through the room. “Hold on, I’m on my way!" Shirley exclaimed. She bounced off the trampoline. With another wild whoop, she landed beside Giselle in the pool. The two girls … Continue reading The Pink Room
My Shadow
By Matthew Spence Day 1 I think it began this morning, though I can’t be sure. Time doesn’t seem to move in the same way anymore. I woke up late, rushed through my morning routine. Nothing unusual—except the mirror. I don’t know what it was about the way I looked at myself today, but something … Continue reading My Shadow
Raven Day
By Cynthia Doll Julie eased down on the bed, face first, so exhausted and sore she couldn’t even lay down fast. She stayed sprawled out for some time, her mind going over chores accomplished and more still be to be done. The corral needed to be cleaned and she really had to get to the … Continue reading Raven Day
Benicia
By Kenton Erwin It used to be simpler, this business of the dead helping the dead. For over a thousand years the washer-fairies, the Bean-Nighe, emerged from mist and gathered by some frigid Scottish stream or lake, at night. Into their hands appeared the clothes of the good souls about to die. Rubbing the soiled … Continue reading Benicia
To Whom Is It Granted?
By Asta Bender Binjol placed the rug in the middle of the living room–rolled it further and fixed it properly to align at the center. The rug was too big for the room–wasn't even something he could afford. But he inherited the rug from his grandfather, and wanted to honor his last wish. Binjol never … Continue reading To Whom Is It Granted?
Keep on Trucking
By Jon Moray Gary adjusted his helmet as he negotiated in his head his next jump. Known as a dirt bike daredevil, he attempted stunts up hills no one would ever consider. He revved the bike motor, gave a thumbs-up to an anxious crowd sitting in the bleachers and was off testing the shock absorbers … Continue reading Keep on Trucking
The Origins of Day and Night
By Mac Lee In the realm of gods, Swain, the youthful and sole offspring of Zeus, harbored a fervent desire: to bring warmth and illumination to the frigid lands below. Earth lay ensconced in perpetual chill, its skies bereft of the sun's radiance, shrouded instead by the dominion of Selene, the frosty moon goddess. Lux, … Continue reading The Origins of Day and Night
The Diet-Soda Beast
By Pennell Paugh This story tells how two shortcomings of my friend, Jim, collided to create an unlikely solution to a major social problem. First, like a tone-deaf person singing a song, Jim had a sense of smell that managed to be out-of-sniff with the rest of humanity. Let me give you an example. When … Continue reading The Diet-Soda Beast
Academy of the Heart And Mind 