By K.C. Dunford A mailbox is no place for an unwrapped dessert, specifically those carelessly plopped on lined paper. But there it was—a muffin—top glistening in rusted darkness. Chocolate chunks stuck out—those tiny mysterious mounds. And after the events of late, they looked more like freshly heaped graves. I took the muffin, latched the mailbox, … Continue reading Muffin in the Mailbox
The Night Shift
By Saleah Yusuf “She approached the unfamiliar door, and nervously took the key from her pocket. She took a deep breath, unlocked the door, paused, then opened it. To her horror, she saw… Leslie with no makeup on!” Charlotte exploded into a fit of giggles, at her last statement. Her shoulders shook with every laugh. … Continue reading The Night Shift
Family Affairs
By Karen Kinley The private dining room, despite its sophisticated walnut accents and warm tones, was both stifling and somber. A fitting place for this particular family dinner. Sliding open the paneled screen, a waiter entered the small space and set a plate of edamame down on the white linen tablecloth. He then stood waiting … Continue reading Family Affairs
8 mn 20 s
By Zara Thustra “This is it,” Natalia says as she stares at two tickets on her kitchen table. Stencilled on them, in brown and sandy letters, is World Chess Championship – Lincoln Center – Sat, July 9, 2039 2:00 PM. “I’m doing it today. No more getting cold feet.” Last Friday at the coffee house, … Continue reading 8 mn 20 s
Brave Ramon
By Lewis Brett Smiler Whenever Jen sang at the nursing home, her boyfriend Ramon would forget himself and start singing along. But when Jen looked at him from the piano, he would stop immediately. His off-key voice was very distracting. Yet, seeing her dad’s old coworker Mr. Spinelli was far more unsettling. He used to … Continue reading Brave Ramon
July on the Calendar
By Mehtab Singh The house smelled the same as it had when he left it four years ago. He tried to recall his memories there, but all he could remember was his restricted childhood behind those walls. He did not cry when he buried his parents; he thought it was freedom for him. He entered … Continue reading July on the Calendar
The Burden of Integrity, The Cost of Its Absence
By Cora Tate Robyn’s older sister, Elizabeth, lay dying half a world away, in the regional hospital in Sweden where both were born. A tearful telephone conversation ten days earlier told Beth’s sibling doctors estimated Beth had five weeks to live. Despite sibling arguments and rivalry as children, the sisters enjoyed a close relationship from … Continue reading The Burden of Integrity, The Cost of Its Absence
His name was Dieter
By Khoi Pham His name was Dieter. I met him at our chess club’s annual gathering. That year, he was sixty-three, tall and slim, his silver hair was thinning and revealed a high and handsome forehead. I was the only Asian person there, and one of the few young faces in a crowd of elderly … Continue reading His name was Dieter
Scientist
By Dominik Slusarczyk I toss and turn all night. When the sun comes up enough that my room is brightly lit I give up on sleep and get out of bed. I drink three cups of coffee but I am so tired they barely help. I search my memory but find nothing. I have to … Continue reading Scientist
Like Mother, Like Daughter
By Ernesto Sanchez My father was primitive. Barely half cybernetic, a second-generation cerebral implant. Not a being fit for the 22nd century. "Laina, why don't we have lunch sometime. Please? It's been years," he used to say before the accident. I cut him off. Surgically removing the emotional pathways that caused me to miss him … Continue reading Like Mother, Like Daughter
Academy of the Heart And Mind 