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
The Red Oak
By Matias Travieso-Diaz An oak tree is an oak tree. That is all it has to do. If an oak tree is less than an oak tree, then we are all in trouble. Nhat Hanh A majestic red oak (Quercus rubra) stood alone atop a hillock. It was almost a hundred feet tall and had … Continue reading The Red Oak
Every Münchner Knows
By Rhea Karty Every Münchner knows that on Sundays, as you stroll down Theresienstraße, it's wise to keep your head down and your money tucked away. Yet, all too often, the dazzling spectacle of jams, honey, paintings, postcards, books, and the intoxicating scents sailing from succulent foods prove too potent—too enticing to simply pass by. … Continue reading Every Münchner Knows
Friends
By Don Cummings I haven’t seen Jim since college in—it must be—twenty years; Meryl, nineteen or twenty; Gabe, sixteen; Robyn—Jesus—the same. Jim lives in Burlington, Vermont—the last time I checked. Meryl—Connecticut. Gabe moved, somebody said, to St. Louis from Ann Arbor…. And Robyn’s somewhere—Laguna Hills? Laguna Beach? in Southern California. Burlington’s near the border. Connecticut’s … Continue reading Friends
Libby
By Cynthia Li During recess, my friend Libby asked me if I would like to fly to Saturn with her. She spread her color pencils in front of my desk, leaning over with her legs open. “How are you going to make this happen?” I asked. Libby rolled her eyes and said: “Go to bed … Continue reading Libby
Our class president is a vampire hunter?!
By A. R. Tivadar For once in her life, Olguța was not running late to class. She saw professor Dumitrașcu at the other end of the wing where the classroom was located, but blessed be all gods in the sky, he was stopped by Miss Gorun for a morning chat. She slipped into the classroom … Continue reading Our class president is a vampire hunter?!
The Very Best
By Colin Payton Bruno was listening to the 8AM BBC News as he drove along. The main news item over the past few weeks had been about the disappearance of Josh O’Connor, a violent, career criminal awaiting trial on multiple charges. He had disappeared without a trace, without sightings at airports, train stations, ferry terminals, … Continue reading The Very Best
12 Days of the Holidays: “The Card” by Denise Diehl
It was after midnight and very dark. In the low light, no one on the quiet, well-groomed cul-de-sac saw the giant shadow stop before number three and hover at its letterbox because the neighbours were all sleeping in their beds. The apparition was a huge man dressed in the attire of a Viking from a … Continue reading 12 Days of the Holidays: “The Card” by Denise Diehl
Academy of the Heart And Mind 