Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Fiction.
The Last Letter on the Shelf
I never meant to leave it there. The old wooden shelf in the corner of the living room, stacked with books that smelled faintly of dust and sunlight, had always been my mother’s domain. She used it like a shrine—little trinkets, half-finished novels, pressed flowers, and, most importantly, letters. So many letters. Some she’d kept from decades ago, tied with ribbon, their paper edges soft and worn. Others were more recent, hastily scribbled notes of gratitude, apology, or love.
By Salman Writes11 days ago in Fiction
How to Not Become the Woman Everyone Warns the New Hires About
I wrote this manual because I have seen this behavior too many times to pretend it is rare. In many production jobs, toxic behavior is treated as normal, especially when it comes from older Hispanic women who have been there longer. They think they run the place. They mock new hires when they mess up. They give dirty looks instead of help. They laugh, whisper, and call it experience.
By Diani Alvarenga11 days ago in Fiction
Love's Circumstances
Gargoyles were always her favorite and she brought three of hers from home to college. They sat prominently on her desk in her off-campus apartment. This bright March morning, Susan walked across the quad and headed for the student union. Wilmont College was a beautiful place with a beautiful campus. Student union, library, class buildings and administration buildings all built with Gothic architectural influence. She had loved it when she first arrived here for her freshman year and after she had met Dennis, it was paradise. She joked about love at first sight with him, but truly believed that was what happened. “Hey Susan,” Jason yelled at her as he ran to catch up. “Hold your horses. Going to breakfast?” he asked. Susan tried not to let Jason see the tears in her eyes. “I’ll go with you if that’s ok.” Jason was hoping Susan was nearing the capacity to move on with her life and could he continue to be a friend?
By Barbara Gode Wiles11 days ago in Fiction
The Mediation, Friday, November 9th, 2012
Anton sat at the large oak table in the mediation services office. He had already been there for twenty minutes. He was fifteen minutes early and eager to get this over with. He already knew that she wasn’t going to agree to anything. If Karin thought he killed it at the first court date, wait until she sees what’s about happen here.
By Anton Mathias Heft 11 days ago in Fiction
Thank You for Your Patience
The first announcement thanked us for our patience. It explained that there had been a minor incident and that emergency services were responding accordingly. We were advised to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and continue normal activities where possible.
By Courtney Jones11 days ago in Fiction
