By Eric Vanderwall A young blonde guy wearing expensive wireless earbuds failed to rise from his back squat. I looked over from the adjacent half-rack, not sure whether or how to help. His shirt was neon green and his face was young and smooth. He dumped the bar on the safety arms—he was in a … Continue reading A Little Boost
Slingshot
By Jim Bates He was quiet that fall. Withdrawn. He’d started classes in a new grade at a new school. Old friends were drifting away. He couldn’t help it, but he felt sad much of the time. He didn’t know why. He took to walking in the nearby woods after school. He found, surprisingly, that … Continue reading Slingshot
Curse Upon a Star
By Zuha Masood A merchant was fleeting through the desert under a starry night. The dust specked wind howled past him while the stars twinkled above his head. The man shielded his face with a head scarf and staggered on the sandy plains along with his camel. As he was toiling to find safety for … Continue reading Curse Upon a Star
The Promise of Another Day
By Vanja Malathy “Today I have to speak.” He said to himself, amidst million thoughts that were revolving around his mind. “ Does a light blue or green striped shirt look good on me?” He disproved a dozen shirts which lay collected in a pile on the floor. ‘I shall walk to her place. This … Continue reading The Promise of Another Day
The Photo
By Chris Vrountas Harry just got off the boat. Already dark in the Port of Piraeus when he stepped down the gangway with his old duffel bag from the Army and a picture in his pocket. Feeling the photo in his hand, her image hung in his head. Dark hair, smooth skin, and big dark … Continue reading The Photo
Entre Familia
By Eduardo Jáuregui Martínez Situated in the lush hill countryside of northern Guanajuato, hidden in the peripheries of the peripheral municipality of Xichu, there stood Matusalén de Jiménez. It was not much bigger than your average small town, centered around the towering red-brick walls of the church, a bronze bell, paid by the remittances from … Continue reading Entre Familia
Four Roses
By Neil Brosnan ‘You’ll be more comfortable down here; in your favourite room.’ So typical of Lillie: ever the pragmatist. She is right, of course. This has always been my favourite room, and I will be more comfortable here. Not only does the bay window offer a triptych view of my flower garden, but I … Continue reading Four Roses
Dear Amar Singh
By Tristan Fernandes Dear Amar Singh I 1916 Boots seeped in muck. Rain from above. The scream of shells piercing the sky. Tiny soldiers hovering in their mud holes. No man’s land is a sea of barbed wires and pockmarked shell holes. Sunrays peaked from the misty sky and dawn was yet to arrive. For … Continue reading Dear Amar Singh
Pink Skates and Flashing Signs
By Nancy Machlis Rechtman Zoe parked near the back door of the thrift shop. The key felt like a burning coal against her chest, but she had made a promise. Her roommate Jenna had left it for her, pleading with her to run over to the store and grab the bag she had left in … Continue reading Pink Skates and Flashing Signs
Passing Through
By Reeve Chudd The dining room was filled with the familiar scents of roast turkey and Mrs. Carter’s heavy perfume as Blanche sat down for her monthly dinner at her parents’ home. The oversized chandelier bathed the dining room in almost blinding light, and the black marble inserts in the redwood dining table shimmered with … Continue reading Passing Through
Academy of the Heart And Mind 