It was 6 am. I sipped from a mug of hot coffee while I looked out our bay window. Night lingered in the air and held down the colors of dawn from blooming. Glowing streetlights made the dim snowflakes glisten as they turned in their slanted fall and windows of flurries were held in suspense … Continue reading Winter Competition Fiction Winner: “Philosophy of Snow” by Gary Hardy
The Paradox of Apologies
By Jonizza Giovanna Lupi I’m Sorry Finding yourself uttering "I'm sorry" as easily as breathing, you realize it has become a reflex, a default response in your interactions. It slips. The words roll off your tongue, involuntarily peppering your conversations. A verbal tic. But as you catch yourself apologizing for things beyond your control or … Continue reading The Paradox of Apologies
The Random Draw
By Doctor Lynn Reaching into the drawer, I pulled out a pack of pens. One pen was missing from the package. I love these pens because they write so smoothly and are so cheap. I get them at the dollar store. Eight pens for $1.25 – that’s a great deal! I am a note and … Continue reading The Random Draw
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
Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
By Nick Zverloff Tomato, garlic, and onion mixed into an aroma powerful as the rock music blasting from the ceiling. Neon lights illuminated the menu behind the counter. Chipotle Showdown Bowl. Tex-Mex Explosion Bowl. Endless Battle Refillable Bowl. A man stood before his restaurant, his outfit ridiculous as his menu names. He wore a jacket … Continue reading Dr. Volcano’s Chili Warzone
The Price of Fame
By Tim Law POP goes my knee as my boot connects with the ball. That pigskin goes sailing, the longest kick I’ve ever attempted. A split second later the linebacker crunches into me and we both hit the turf. I’m certain if I wasn’t wearing my armour I’d have two or three snapped ribs, even … Continue reading The Price of Fame
A Wrong Righted
By Reeve Chudd “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh “Keeney!” Lewis Beauchamp called out to his young associate, whose office was next door to his, well within earshot. Mark Keeney, who had only three months before passed the Indiana State Bar exam, appeared. “Yes, sir?” … Continue reading A Wrong Righted
Letters to Santa
By Maryanne Chrisant My brother and I are twins. My brother, Ben, and I don’t look alike, and our demeanors can’t be more different. But we are brothers, joined from that sparkling moment of conception, used to sharing common quarters, food supply, and our mother’s attention, which, when we were growing up, was no more … Continue reading Letters to Santa
Lincoln in Court
By Fred Klein Early in his law career, Abraham Lincoln had an unusual case in the backwoods of Illinois. A certain Mr. Jake Plummer was accused of stabbing a Mr. Wilson Black to death with a knife. There were three witnesses who said they saw Mr. Plummer kill Mr. Black. No one wanted to defend Mr. Plummer, but … Continue reading Lincoln in Court
Circus Sam
By Luke Beling I moved to a new school in the eighth grade. Dad thought we needed a fresh start after mom died. It took my classmates one week to devise a nickname for me—one week of observing my zinc-painted face. "You're just missing the green hair and juggling balls, Circus Sam!" The first day … Continue reading Circus Sam
Academy of the Heart And Mind 