By Stan Wild I look at him now, as I become conscious that my eyes have been on my screen, and I realise that he has lolled across my line of vision so as to meet my gaze. My son is in the nappy that he slept in, and so I wipe him down and … Continue reading Mothers and Sons
A Game of Chess
By Michael J. D'Alfonsi The first time I played Brooke Davidon she was twelve and had just discovered how to weaponize her voice. “Checkmate,” she declared, the moment her hand left the bishop. Her tone was almost apologetic, like she genuinely pitied my stupidity. It was six in the evening and the windowless multi-purpose room. … Continue reading A Game of Chess
Static
By Ben Macnair The asphalt rippled under the oppressive heat, a black ribbon stretching into a horizon that shimmered with false promises. Arthur traced the lines on his topographical map, his thumb smudged with dried coffee. This forgotten stretch of highway, nicknamed 'The Devil's Backbone' by some ancient guidebook, was supposed to lead him to … Continue reading Static
Summer Horizon
By Daniel de Culla Isabel's Photo In view of this Isabel G. de Diego’s beautiful image , one feels awestruck by that horizon of light that seeks to overcome the approaching darkness. There are stormy clouds in the cottony souls of the sky that shine like the loves and heartbreaks foretold by horoscopes in celebrity … Continue reading Summer Horizon
Monte Rosa
By S.T.O.L.M. “Humankind is just a minuscule dot up here. We don’t belong here, yet we keep coming, driven by longing for adventure or curiosity. I am no exception. Young and foolish, they said when I was sixteen. Now I'm eighteen. I wouldn't have any sense of loss if I had to turn back now. … Continue reading Monte Rosa
Of Dreams and Dust
By Oindrila Ghosal “The Trader of Dreams” “Once upon a time, there was a little girl who traded dreams for sleep.” “How little?” Neerja interjected Mohan’s narration. He clicked his tongue. “As little as we are. Save your questions for later. Let me finish my story first. So, where was I? Yes, there was a … Continue reading Of Dreams and Dust
Snowbound Express
By Carla Capizzi It was the beginning of twilight on a cold December afternoon. Snow fell thickly on the station tracks, silently covering the rooftops of Trieste. The sky, leaden and shadowed, was veiled by heavy clouds. Not a single star or moon was visible. Far away, the whistle of a conductor was heard, running … Continue reading Snowbound Express
Engraved Invitations
By Fred Klein It was late at night, and the fog was dense and cold. The countess’ carriage driver, Rene, was confused as to which was the right trail to take to get back to the castle. Countess Alexandra Radu had gone to the King’s palace to celebrate the new year 1700. Now returning home, … Continue reading Engraved Invitations
You Are One of Us
By Melissa Owens Intercepted by an intergalactic traveler and shared with the author, Mahan Kirn, who translated it into English in 2020. I don’t have a name, it hasn’t been necessary. I am One of Us. Mother says I’m more rambunctious than many young Ones, and noisier. That’s because I can’t tolerate separation. I’m overcome … Continue reading You Are One of Us
To Manchester and Back
By Norma Hart Conflict is a word often associated with stories, and I am informed that there should always be conflict in a well told story. In Evelyn’s story there aren’t villains, or monsters, or wars. This story then, may not be for you - unless only a quiet inner discord - which our protagonist … Continue reading To Manchester and Back
Academy of the Heart And Mind 