By Barry Kritzberg He said he would meet her under Marshall Field’s clock. Everyone knew the clock, he said, it was a Chicago landmark, even though Marshall Field’s had become Macy’s. He said all of this quickly, for he was hoping to conceal that he was without wheels and would arrive by public transportation. He … Continue reading By the Clock
Excisions
By Kim Charles Younkin January 22 Dear Dad, I’m scared. Don’t worry, though. It’s different this time. It’s Maisie. She has this infection in her glands, the vet says. I didn’t even know dogs had these glands until Maisie started scooting on her bottom all over the yard in the snow a few weeks ago. … Continue reading Excisions
Mashed Potato
By Henry Tydeman The other children had already finished their tea and left the table. Michael sat with his short legs hanging over the edge of the chair, eating quietly, whilst his mother was leaning against the wall and speaking to her friend. Michael was concentrating on his mashed potato, and only heard snippets of … Continue reading Mashed Potato
Merchandise
By Chuck Teixeira “Yes, Alvaro, you should get as close as possible to the entrance of the Sanctuary,” Armando told his brother-in-law. “But that’s only part of the guidance I gave you. You have to get a good spot without causing trouble with other vendors. Understood? Or Jaclyn and I are not taking you with … Continue reading Merchandise
What’s the Damage?
By James Sisk “Base to C-16, over.” Stacy Murphy’s voice came across the radio’s speaker more with the high pitch of a small girl rather than one of a young woman who would be enrolling for her senior year of college in another month. The cabbie lifted the microphone out of its dashboard cradle and … Continue reading What’s the Damage?
Dawn-delion
By Susan Cleveland At daybreak, Momma flower gently rubbed the part of her midsection where her baby was beginning to grow. It wasn't a full bud yet: more like a small green nub. "Here comes the dawn, little one. I think that's a good name for you: a dandelion named Dawn. You'll be my Dawn-delion. … Continue reading Dawn-delion
Blueberry Bushes
By Dan Morrison On Sundays we’d drive across town to my grandpa’s house. He’d built it himself after some great war. There was still care there, but ever since my grandma had died things were slipping. Paint chipped, gutters leaked, and he had decided to use a broken TV as a TV stand because it … Continue reading Blueberry Bushes
Nobody Comes to the Library Anymore
By Aisha Khan Smoke hung so thick in the library’s rafters that she could read words in it. She coughed and her hand reached up to the left side of her head. Her eyes were stinging, but the curiosity made her look back up. For a nanosecond, the words darkened, becoming clearer. Only a moment … Continue reading Nobody Comes to the Library Anymore
A Timepiece Story
By Rosa Meronek The room is silent. She frowns as she steps into the foyer, turning to lock the deadbolt on the front door. The soft tick of the large clock on the wall echoes in the quiet. Tick. Tick. Tick. Her gaze falls on the dirty socks in the corner. The muddy shoes. She … Continue reading A Timepiece Story
The Broken Journey
By Susan Cleveland Trying to keep her emotions in check, Lisa Gordon removed her smock and stepped outside of the coffee shop where she worked. The boss had just given her a warning, citing a complaint that'd been made. In her defense, Lisa maintained the irritable man would have probably benefited more from drinking the … Continue reading The Broken Journey
Academy of the Heart And Mind 