By Jim Bates My daughter hands me the soapy wand and says, "Here, Mom, your turn." I take it from her and dip it in the solution before whipping it through the air. Allie watches mesmerized as the bubbles form and begin to float away. Then she's all motion as she bolts from my side, … Continue reading Soap Bubbles
Truth Box
By Aanika Gajendragad They say you cause drama the most when you’re between the ages 11 to 16. We refused to believe that then, but it is true. I used to stay in a boarding school, and God, now that I think of it, I did have a lot of people I disliked. We had … Continue reading Truth Box
Thunder and Lighting
By Ann Christine Tabaka Thunder echoed through the night, as lightning streaked the sky, illuminating the heavens. The rain fell so hard that the sound of it kept Valerie awake. She pulled the covers over her head to block out the bright flashes and sound. Curling up, she hugged the pillow tightly. She remembered hugging … Continue reading Thunder and Lighting
Review of Brothers, Fathers, and Others by Mitchell Waldman
Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers: Short Stories By Mitchell Waldman Release Date: September 27, 2021 Review by Thomas Page The relationships we have with others impact us in many ways that we may not be aware of on the surface. Although most of our interactions will fade into the recesses of our subconscious, Mitchell Waldman’s … Continue reading Review of Brothers, Fathers, and Others by Mitchell Waldman
End of the World Sale
By Mitchell Waldman That's what the sign says: END OF THE WORLD SALE. Right on the front door of this little variety shop called "Nick's and Knacks," squeezed between a laundromat and a pharmacy on the strip at the edge of the continent, in Cocoa Beach. Jack and Dana walk in, thinking it’s a joke. … Continue reading End of the World Sale
The Old House
By Gretchen Keefer A sound startled the old house awake from its long slumber. A familiar sound, but he couldn’t quite place it. It was not like the steady stream of cars on the highway that consistently lulled him to sleep. Thinking about the sound, he realized there was indeed a vehicle involved, but it … Continue reading The Old House
Mia’s Tree
By William Kitcher A sapling sprouted between the asphalt of the driveway and a wooden beam that was the border of a flower garden left to grow wild. The only person who noticed it was Mia, who was four years old. Naturally, she didn’t know much about trees – not many people do – but … Continue reading Mia’s Tree
Little Dom’s
By Niles Reddick Christina and I got engaged at Griffith Observatory overlooking Los Angeles at sunset. We had done most pre-marriage necessities--met each other’s dysfunctional families, shared about previous relationships, and agreed on future goals. We paid the fee to park, walked to the edge of the cliff nearest the Hollywood sign, and stood breathing … Continue reading Little Dom’s
For Harmony
By A.L.F. Fagan My nursing shift at the hospital was finally ending. I’d lost track of time, and my boss, Karen Baker, had to inform me that it was almost time to go home. “Frank,” she says, “Tina just arrived to take over for you. Once you and her have completed the change-of-shift, you can … Continue reading For Harmony
Sydney’s Missing Eye
By Luke Beling Sydney had one eye. I used to ask him, when he’d drive me to school, what happened to the other one. He'd tell me a different story every day then laugh through a set of crooked, stained teeth. I marveled at how he'd reverse our big car down the steep driveway. It … Continue reading Sydney’s Missing Eye
Academy of the Heart And Mind 