By Jessica Ricks The neighborhood was alive with Christmas lights as light flurries fell from the sky and Christmas music seemed to play everywhere I went, a constant reminder that this Christmas wasn't as merry as it usually was. Our house was decorated but under our usual tree, that was covered in lights, sparkling bulbs, … Continue reading A Christmas Gift
The Experiment
By John Page I am awake. I’m in so much pain. Where am I? This isn’t my home. Let me out. Let me out. Let me out! It is dark. I’m suffocating in here. Why do I hurt so much? There is an odd smell. Wait, there is light. Loud sounds hurt. Glass breaks. I … Continue reading The Experiment
Halloween’s End
By Jessica Ricks Jacob, Chrissy, and Marcus made their way to the end of the long, winding street. It was getting late. Houses were starting to turn off their lights indicating that they were done giving out candy. The streets that were busy with kids, and some teenagers, going from door to door in their … Continue reading Halloween’s End
Thrice
By Thomas Page Everybody in town knew about the murders. You couldn’t walk down Washington Street without someone tapping you on the shoulder to confirm what they already knew. The Harrisons had lived in this little ordinary house on top of Rodham Hill about fifteen long steps away from their neighbors—the Tiffanys. Dan Tiffany was … Continue reading Thrice
Hands
By Kelli J Gavin Since I was a small child, I have been fascinated with hands. Whenever I met someone new, I looked at their hands. I judged teachers worthy of their ability to teach based on the appearance of their hands. I felt a Sunday School teacher with beautiful hands was better equipped to … Continue reading Hands
Ornamental Grasses
By Kelli J Gavin When I was a child, we didn’t travel very often. I didn’t even board a plane until I was 11 years old. We would go to cabins in the woods for a couple nights or so, but they were always within a few hours of home. My dad and mom worked … Continue reading Ornamental Grasses
Song of Songs
By Marvel Pephel Nneka is not dead, but she wishes she was. What she has just seen is unbearable. What life is doing to her, she thinks, is not fair. She wants to die, but she won't. She wishes she wasn't callous. *** Light rises on Chekwube, a young chubby girl with … Continue reading Song of Songs
Terrible Weather for June
By Jennifer Holdich JUNE “Terrible weather for June,” he said, shuffling his feet nervously and glancing at the girl, then back at his feet. “June who?” she asked “June, the month June,” he replied. “Oh, yes, of course. How silly of me!” They stood in the drizzle for a moment, then she said. “My mother’s … Continue reading Terrible Weather for June
You
By Bob McNeil You get used to the sun laughing at your inability to rise. Your clock is jocular as well, chortling between bells at you. Each annoying tintinnabular sound is there to rouse you. All of the clock’s attempts are to no avail. Coffin-lid-rigid, you continue lying on your bed. Unconcerned with the alarm, … Continue reading You
High School Contest Fiction Second Place
Delilah's Song Janie Pitner Montgomery Blair High School Rrrrrrr r r r I turned the key of the ignition 90 degrees as the rumbling of my battered, old yellow station wagon started. Skreeeeeeech As I began to backup my slanted driveway, the exhaust pipe dragged against the ground. At least the … Continue reading High School Contest Fiction Second Place
Academy of the Heart And Mind 