Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Fiction.
Neighbors
Jerome was slowly descending the side of what apparently was a mountain, or at least seemed that way. He had started this journey from his front porch about ten minutes ago. “Find something that shows the power of nature, and take a picture of it.” Mr. Smith, his science teacher, had given out the assignment as they were leaving yesterday.
By Josh Mallernee3 years ago in Fiction
Bad Coffee
Kira twirled her index finger repeatedly around the metal utensil submerged in her caramel latte. She despised the waiting game as much as she despised the beverage, but she remained content. It was her who showed up twenty minutes earlier than she and Sarah scheduled. At her fifth observation of the time, it read 10:54am. She had six minutes left to prepare as much of her speech as possible, be it Sarah would give her a chance to speak.
By Monai the Poet 3 years ago in Fiction
Neighbors
It seemed like days had passed, but it was beginning to get late in the afternoon and they had been talking for hours. Mr. Radke still hadn’t come home, and he knew that he was going to have to go home soon. He had no desire to leave, but he knew that he couldn’t stay forever. “I don’t know what to do. I really need this picture and he still hasn't come home yet.” She looked at him for a minute before replying, “Wait, what about my yard! Jumping up she took off running towards the fence. Matt continued to swing and had still not said a word. Jerome knew shy, but he had never seen someone so quiet before. He wondered momentarily if the child might have something wrong with him. “Over here!” The angelic voice of Misty came across the yard.
By Josh Mallernee3 years ago in Fiction
The Shadowstalker of Zastava
Anyone staring down the dirt road would have been hard pressed to glimpse the shadowy form approaching past the rows upon rows of wheat in the deepening night. Had their eyes been sharp they would have seen the thin, delicate shadows of the tall stalks bending towards the figure moving through their midst. Passers-by might have tried to reassure themselves that it was the evening breeze up to its usual tricks, but the air remained still and the wheat itself remained straight. Only the shadows moved.
By Charles Beuck3 years ago in Fiction
One last Cig
Opening the door, reality hits him in the face. The fantasy of reuniting with his wife and son to move into the unknown died the moment his eyes met the street. Pulling up were 3 purification patrols. There was no use in hoping they were looking for someone else. There was no hope of talking his way out of it. An empty house, a packed bag, and dressed like a Glitch. He was fucked and he knew it.
By E.D. Nonam3 years ago in Fiction
"Him"
Whoever you are. Dia was scavenging in a dumpster when I found her. It had been years since I had seen a child her age. At first, I didn't know if she was real. The Blight had wiped out the reproductive organs of virtually every man on earth. Oddly, she looked at me the same way. As if to say "what are you?"
By E.D. Nonam3 years ago in Fiction
Holocaust
Before he knew it had happened Sabrina was asleep on his lap and he was still watching the news. It seemed like another world. He couldn't believe all this had happened almost overnight or so it seemed. He really didn't watch the news that much. Always seemed to be too depressing and his life was depressing enough these days. The loss of his wife still fresh in his mind all he had now was his beautiful baby girl. She was his ray of sunshine now, and the only thing that meant anything anymore. His eyes were growing heavy and he decided it was time for bed. Rather than make Sabrina get up he decided to just sleep on the couch. "Goodnight baby" he whispered as he made himself comfortable. He fell asleep with the TV on.
By Josh Mallernee3 years ago in Fiction
Holocaust
Chapter 1 The morning air was still and the sound of birds was about all you could hear when he woke from his night's sleep. Jonathan sat in his bed remembering his wife who he had just recently lost to a battle with cancer. He still remembered the tears that had been shed when the news was given. Their daughter Sabrina was only 8 and her mother was dying. How do you tell an 8 yr old that everything she knew was about to change?
By Josh Mallernee3 years ago in Fiction
Accidentally Famous
Inspiration/context: Our subconscious minds combine items in unexpected, sometimes whimsical ways. Set a timer for twenty minutes and use at least three of these words in your draft. Write without stopping: a red scarf, windshield wiper, chrome, doily, blowtorch, spatula, CD-ROM, postage stamp, frittering, static cling, radio silence, kismet, calamity, heartburn, bandage.
By Katie Johns3 years ago in Fiction