Short Story
They Whispered of Mangoes
"Celeste..." Yes, I hear you. Where are you? The alabaster sand is hot, like the moment you pull out laundry from the dryer—that snuggling, soothing warmth. The sand is so soft that it feels like silk against my soles. Free of grit and cigarette butts—pristine.
By Meredith Bell3 years ago in Fiction
The Top Five Reasons Your Date Was A Disaster
1. You That’s right. You. Because you went ahead and joined a dating site for the first time, knowing full well that you’ve spent years telling your friends how much better it is to meet people in person — through work, clubs, classes, bars. But you did it. You did it because you needed to face the fact that this theory has been failing you. Everyone you meet at work or in bars seems to be uninterested or taken. And clubs and classes are just no longer something that is in your life. Maybe you needed a more direct approach.
By Owen Schaefer3 years ago in Fiction
Unfixable
She says, “I’m pregnant.” He had been working in the garage, cleaning the drawers of his toolbox. Wrenches and drill bits and a hammer that had been his uncle’s, given to him on the day his father passed away, lay around him, caked in the dust of the far back corner of the garage where his toolbox has sat, unattended, for months. Maybe years. But yesterday, when the handle of the silverware drawer had become just a little too loose he had decided to fix it, and so found himself faced with the task of finding the appropriate tool within the mess of this box. But, while the drawer handle in the kitchen remained just slightly loose, he had set out on the journey to clean out and reorganize the box. And it is at the point that he has reached the far back corner of the bottom section and rubbed out the last little oily spot that she says, “I’m pregnant”. He pauses, first looking at his warped reflection in the polished chrome handle and then up at her. The glow of the yellow garage light casts pale shadows across her face. He searches her eyes for a clue as to what his reaction is supposed to be and comes up blank.
By Megan Clancy3 years ago in Fiction
Free to Roam
Collin stares out at the sea, transfixed by the transition taking place before him. Half of what he can see is stormy, choppy, and clear of ships, while the other is still bright and various ships crowd the view as they race to shore. Over them, blue skies dotted with wispy clouds beckon safety. One cloud looks like a sailed ship, following the fleet inland. He watches as it passes behind the distant lighthouse, unsurprised as the storm front reaches him with the first wind-born raindrops. His attention turns to the black clouds gathering above him, with lightning flashing miles off and booming thunder drawing near. Beside him, his hosts' horse begins to show signs of distress.
By Megan Baker (Left Vocal in 2023)3 years ago in Fiction
Widow's Walk
Holly led me up the stairs to the widow’s walk on top of her house. It was our place to get away… or at least as far away as a pair of ninth graders were going to get. We liked to come up to the little structure built on top of the old house to sit. We would hold hands, sometimes kiss… knowing any moment her father or her mother could climb the steps and see us.
By L. Lane Bailey3 years ago in Fiction
What I've Become
Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Courage is acting not in the absence of fear, but in spite of it. So why is it that I can feel so courageous in the face of almost anything, but when it comes to how I’m feeling and thinking, I run away with my tail between my legs?
By Megan Stewart3 years ago in Fiction
What a Glass of Merlot Can Hold
Always in her head, she struggles to focus on the moment more times than not, but tonight Cynthia is making an extra effort to connect her mind with her body. It feels important to stay present. After all, James seems to be a promising candidate for her attention. Over the months spent sharing pleasant conversations in the office, they are finally taking a chance to get to know each other in a different setting.
By Calista Marchand-Nazzaro3 years ago in Fiction
Twitterpated
A flash of gray whizzed by. This was it—she had arrived. Sid was so nervous that he teetered, almost losing his footing. He took a breath, steadied himself, and looked up. She wasn't his typical type and almost twice his size, but he had agreed to this blind date to get himself out there, dive into the dating pool. It was summer, after all, and he still didn't have a girlfriend—he was desperate to couple up. But she was beautiful with large stunning eyes staring back at him. A sunflower seed dangled from her beak.
By Meredith Bell3 years ago in Fiction
Museum Musings
“You really don’t mind that our first date is at your workplace?” I ask hesitantly as my date unlocks and opens the doors. His name is Henry. Average in height, he looks presentable in a well-worn suit and is the curator of the local museum, which I suggested be our first date before I knew of his job here. He responds as he indicates that I walk in before him.
By Megan Baker (Left Vocal in 2023)3 years ago in Fiction
Mistress of the House of Books. V+ Fiction Award Winner.
On the east side of the John Adams Building, facing Third Street, was an entrance. It used to feature three pairs of bronze doors. Sculpted upon these doors were the names and standing forms of heroes and gods. The same six figures for the pairs on either side, with a different half-dozen for the middle pair. Twelve unique figures in all. Hope, perhaps, in an astrological nod?
By Matthew Daniels3 years ago in Fiction