By Oliver Hickman Raindrops pecked at window sills. Streaks ran down the glass— channels between clinging mist. The clouds had slumped low, visiting the ground in person rather than by gift of drizzle. They hugged the roads, the hills, the gradual moor, laying a blindfold on the town of Teatrees. The views and vistas which … Continue reading No Place for Rain
A View From My Window
By Leslie Selbst It is snowing heavily, and the flurry at the bird feeder gives credence to the fruitless search for food. The birds are hungry, and the fluttering and chirping grow louder as each struggles to maintain ownership of the seed pile. Their techniques vary, for size is not a predictor of control as … Continue reading A View From My Window
Cloudy Day for a Run
By Megan Nicholson I have felt consciously, emotionally asleep, wanting to stay awake for some unknown purpose other than to be away on these last couple of Saturday nights into Sunday mornings, and not let another day pass to further the timeline of distance between the last time I saw you until the unknown day … Continue reading Cloudy Day for a Run
After Your Funeral
By Mike Zimmerman The five of us promised your mother we would clear out the apartment. Grief-stricken, she’d tried her best, but left us with whatever she couldn’t take or toss. So, we’d divorced ourselves into two cars, and Jessie made an appointment with a disposal company. We had until 8 pm tonight to sort … Continue reading After Your Funeral
My Lost Diary
By Mubita Joseph Mubita I sat at my usual table in a coffee shop, my fingers dancing nimbly over the keyboard of my laptop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries, and the buzz of conversation from other customers provided a soothing background noise. As I typed … Continue reading My Lost Diary
The Bird
By Shirina Lee Edwin Elicia Burton settled into her regular spot at The Union Cafe, a corner table that offered an unobstructed view of the busy street in front of her. It was impossible for her to forego her daily journey to The Union. As a produce buyer at Whole Foods across town, it was … Continue reading The Bird
From Yonder Comes
By Joe Ducato Lopez dragged his cello case down the sidewalk. He passed some boys running through gushing water from a fire hydrant then the aroma shop where the calico cat was on the fence, its tail swaying like the pendulum of a grandfather’s clock. Not so far away sunlight blanketed the side of the … Continue reading From Yonder Comes
A Day In The Life
By Hailey Huber 3 a.m.: She cries. A sound that breaks the bubble of the world, so soft and delicate. 4 a.m.: She wakes. The blanket closes around her as she twists and turns. The wooden bars melt away as hands come down from the sky. 5 a.m.: She walks. Cameras capture her from every … Continue reading A Day In The Life
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
Academy of the Heart And Mind 