The clock moved forward, and my Casio didn’t. I told the agent I couldn’t miss the funeral, but the next flight was tomorrow.

On the way to the coffee shop, I saw cherry trees blooming. On members’ night, I stood alone in front of the Van Gogh.

She would’ve understood.

Sergii Pershyn is a Ukrainian-American writer who transitioned to fiction after more than a decade in financial public relations. He explores reality and perception through literary fiction infused with magical realism and urban surrealism.
His debut short story collection, Silent Keys, is forthcoming from Serving House Books in November 2026. His short works have appeared in The New York Times, Oroboro, Foofaraw, and other publications. Pershyn is currently working on his debut novel. See more sergiipershyn.com.