BOB THURBER: In The Custody of The King

Adventure, Submissions, ,

Since I was a small child, my friend Merlin, having experienced his life backwards, would recite stories of my future, relating events he had witnessed, advising me accordingly. I miss Merlin’s insights. These days he barely speaks, being just a toddler, soon to be an infant, and then who knows.

Over the years Bob Thurber’s work has received a long list of awards and prizes. His most recent book is a collection of brief stories titled “Nothing But Trouble.” His first novel, “Paperboy: A Dysfunctional Novel,” was recently rereleased. Visit BobThurber.net.

ALEX MARKOVICH: Just Friends

Submissions, Touching, , , , ,

You were the tomboy next door. We played children’s games: raced, wrestled, bickered. One day, suddenly, you were grown up. Poised, complicated, spellbinding.

You left for the city. Texted me that you were in love.

I suppose we’d known each other too long and too well ever to be lovers.

Alex’s story is what it is.

CLAUDIA RAMALHO: A Holiday Romance

Amusing, Submissions, , , ,

She couldn’t help thinking about the delicious taste in her mouth, the soft touch on her lips, the unparalleled, penetrating smell that consumed her senses and overshadowed her reason. She’d never be the same after this avid vacation in Paris.

Her passion for macarons had increased her weight a lot.

Claudia Ramalho lives in Maceio, Brazil, with her husband and their two daughters. She works as a legal analyst. She loves reading, travelling, cooking, and studying foreign languages.

FILLIP VERDUN: Here Comes the Bride

Amusing, Submissions, , , , , ,

“We are the best couple-matching agency in the entire country, Mr. Jones.”

“I have heard of your sterling reputation.”

“Ninety percent of the couples that we match marry.”

“That’s really impressive.”

“It is. Consider this woman that you have been admiring. This is her fourth time here in five years!”

Fillip Verdun has published numerous articles and a history book. Recently, he has completed a novel that is under consideration by a publisher.

DM DAY: Remember When

Adventure, Submissions, ,

“I remember when we met. You told me I was beautiful. You only had eyes for me. Should’ve known it wouldn’t last forever. But her, of all people. My sister! How could you do that to me? Answer me!”

Malcolm stayed silent, the pool of blood around his head growing.

D M Day writes flash, science and fantasy fiction, and poetry. Her work can be read on her blog Musings and Daydreams. She loves cooking and being by the sea. She lives in Liverpool, England.

JOAN TRUEMAN: Hide and Seek

Adventure, Amusing, Submissions, , ,

“Three. Two. One. Coming, ready or nooot!”

She wriggled between the farthest packing crates, held her breath, and squeezed her eyes closed.

The truck doors shut.

Pitch black.

Slowly, the wheels beneath her moved.

“Oh, they’ll never find me now,” she giggled. “This is the best hiding place ever.”

Joan is an educator in Australia.

DANIEL SLATEN: Downsizing

Adventure, Submissions, , ,

Everyone in the faded photograph on the hallway wall was dead, except for him, the lonely child sitting in the left corner.

“So why are you selling the house so cheaply?”

He smiled and felt every fiber of his face ache with the effort. “It’s simply time to move on.”

Daniel Slaten writes short stories and poetry in small notebooks and on sticky notes.

FEE JOHNSTONE: The Salty Smell of Success

Amusing, Submissions, , ,

I swam frantically towards the abandoned boat, determined to be captain, but a forceful shove from a big-boned assailant thwarted my claim to the tiny, inflatable dinghy.

My dismay dissipated when it capsized, catapulting him into the gaggle of sharp-tongued grannies whose lackadaisical lengths he’d disturbed.

Victory was chlorine flavoured.

Fee Johnstone is a managing editor of a medical journal who favours cats, craft beer, and cheese over most other things.

MARK FARLEY: Five minutes until ‘I do’

Artistic, Submissions, Top Stories, ,

“Ready?” I ask my brother.

Uncomfortable in his tail suit, he fiddles with his collar.

He took me fishing, once. The fish ignored his line but leapt into the air for a fly. They jumped thoughtlessly into a strange world, confident of falling back safe to where they could breathe.

Mark Farley is attempting to write 1,000,000 words in 2016. Please wish him luck!

EMILIANO COSENZA: Never Again

Amusing, Submissions, , ,

Here we are in the middle of the tribune. The music sucks and the noisy fans bother us. Chayanne’s dancing; we can actually see his sweat.

What are we doing here? Oh yes, the tickets were free and we’re so young.

“It’s supposed to be fun, isn’t it?” I say.

Emiliano is a journalist who designs user experience. Fan of jazz and hard-boiled stories. Hardworking, loving husband and daddy-to-be.