Tag Archives: fear

DEIRDRE SMITH: Trickster

Artistic, Submissions, , , , , ,

We walk through the old cemetery, reading 19th-Century gravestones.

The ancient trees tower.

Their roots lift the pavement as if pushed up by the hands of those below.

I maneuver the stroller as she tells me stories of ravens that would swoop down and steal newborns out of their prams.

Deirdre Smith (B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.) has dabbled in writing for as long as she can remember. She has recently started back to work as a teacher and Guidance Counsellor after a decade of being a stay-at-home mom to her three young children. She resides in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

DANIEL QUILLEN: It Happened One Night

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

On a dark, lonely road between Tehachapi and Mojave,
In the back seat, he hovered, speaking gently, soothing.

She focused on the dome light, first-time nervous.

When finished, she named the wee babe after the man who delivered him: Trooper Smith.
On a dark, lonely road between Tehachapi and Mojave.

Daniel Quillen retired and lives in Castle Rock, Colorado with his wife. They enjoy visiting their seventeen grandchildren, most of which are spread coast-to-coast.

CLARE HAWKINS: No traveller returns

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

“It would be scary on your own, this tunnel.”

“Yeah, glad we can go together. Makes it almost normal.”

“I know, like we’re going for a walk. Take my hand, till we reach the light.”

“Didn’t think it’d be like this, did you?”

“No. I wish we could tell everyone.”

Clare is an enthusiastic reader and writer of historical fiction, a doting grandmother, volunteer ESOL teacher, gardener, and knitter.

BOB THURBER: Bedtime Q&A

Artistic, Submissions, Top Stories, , , , ,

What if dreams are real and ordinary life is a series of nightmares?
What if the whole world and everybody in it is sleeping in your closet?
What if your bed is actually hiding underneath the monsters
and the crooked shadows keeping you awake aren’t from the coatrack at all?

Bob Thurber is the author of six books. Regarded as a master of Flash and Micro Fiction, his work has appeared in Esquire and other magazines, been anthologized 60 times, received a long list of awards, and been utilized in schools and colleges throughout the world. He resides in Massachusetts. Visit his website at BobThurber.net.

JOREE NOVOTNY: 34 months and 3 days

Artistic, Submissions, Touching, , , ,

Nose pressed to stone, you say, “I just love watching ants.”

Your cheeks smile and I think into my drink how raising you is heavy but loving you is weightless.

“Where did the ant go?”

Unburdened, you crawl after your question. Already my beer is warm with watching you become.

Joree writes when she can with what she has.

MICHELLE WILSON: Demon’s Windfall

Artistic, Submissions, Top Stories, , , , , ,

It waited patiently
on the bedpost, backseat, produce shelf
while her parents fought
in the next room, front seat, supermarket
leaving her unattended, abandoned,
_______________________________vacant.

She held her breath, frozen,
not fearing their anger
but the demon
_______(edging closer by the minute),

misconstruing
any move she made
_______for an invitation.

Michelle Wilson’s words have appeared in Litro Magazine, The Drabble, 50-Word Stories, Literally Stories, Flash Fiction Magazine, and Mr. Beller’s Neighborhood, among others. She lives in Miami Beach, Florida. Sometimes, she can be found at medium.com/@wilsmk.

ANNA SANDERSON: Haunted

Artistic, Odd, Submissions, , ,

“I see things.” Her words send a shiver down my spine. “Mama’s red hair. Papa’s scowl.”

“Liv…”

Memories flicker in her eyes. Endless nights of quilt-cover armour and tears.

“I’m afraid they’re back.”

I glance into the hallway, where our parents’ silhouettes hover. I can’t tell her they never left.

Anna Sanderson writes about the world as she sees it (with the odd twist and turn). You can follow her story on Twitter at @annasanderson86.

RAN WALKER: Euphonic Cacophony

Adventure, Artistic, Submissions, , , , ,

The jazz trio played louder to cover the screams of the people in the streets. The doors were locked and chained. They’d be safe inside for a while. And rather than fear the inevitable, they chose to continue playing the best set of their lives, making the screams their melody.

Ran Walker is the author of 23 books, including the upcoming book Keep It 100: 100-Word Stories. He teaches creative writing at Hampton University in Virginia.

JOREE NOVOTNY: Warm to the touch and waiting

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

One day after revealing the lump beneath your gown, you’ll know to say
“Heavy,
thickened,
redness.”
One week after, waiting for results, you’ll know your
life insurance benefit
and the colors of purgatory.
Well-versed in specialists and staging,
you’ll plead
for strength,
more time,
a timely call,
easier sleep.
Grace.

Joree writes what she knows, which isn’t much, but enough for her.

ZOE J WALKER: The Birth of Hope

Artistic, Submissions, , , ,

A bright star burst into life in January. They named it Hope.

The world had devolved into chaos. Ice melted. Rising waters destroyed homes and arable land.

Mass migration overwhelmed the remaining cities.

Yet each night, millions tilted their faces upwards to marvel at the new glow in the sky.

Zoe J Walker lives between Rome and Edinburgh. She’s currently searching for representation for her novel. She won second place in November’s 2020 micro fiction competition at Retreat West. Find her at zoejwalker.com