Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Psyche.

Two years in the rearview mirror
On February 28th, 2019, my son turned six. I was living in a rural coastal town in Oregon, and it was raining off and on. That day should have been a celebration, but instead, it was a nightmare. I spent most of the day filled with such a deep disgust of myself and a never-ending pit within me that I felt as though I needed to leave my child and never come back. It was not one of my finer moments. To admit that I believed at the time that I did not deserve to be a mother and that my children were both better off if I were out of their life permanently is one of the greatest moments of shame I have ever felt in my life.
By Starshine5 years ago in Psyche
Globes Within Globes
And her life was a collection of snow globes, some shattered, some shining, some stolen from souvenir shops and others gifted by gentle hands. Cheap plastic and expensive glass and everything in between cast translucent shadows on the walls around her and she felt like she finally understood.
By Greta Luns5 years ago in Psyche
The Dancing Girl
This morning I danced again. For the first time in a year, I let my feet carry me across the pavement. I tilted my head towards the sun, letting the warmth breathe life back into my body and I spun, twisted, and turned—my feet and arms seeming to make movements of their own accord. The feeling felt so familiar, like coming home after being away for a long time. I leapt towards the sky, my body moving in time with the wind. After months of letting the harshness of the world drown me in such sorrow and despair, dancing on this pavement felt like coming up for air.
By Samaria Becker5 years ago in Psyche
Lady Luck
Stepping into the betting shop, the familiar scent of cheap carpet and despair didn't stand a chance to the renewed hope that had come to inhabit Jasper. He couldn't help but think that this was a sign. This was his chance to turn things around, why else would that had happened? Earlier in the day he had received an email from Laura in accounting informing him that payroll had made a mistake and that he had been paid £20,000 this month instead of his regular £2,000. She had apologised for the inconvenience and assured him that this would be corrected on Monday morning. It had always been easy for Jasper to see connections and patterns in anything that supported his urges. Gambling was one of them. Growing up in a family that ran a horse breeding business hadn't created the healthiest environment for his disposition, however even then, Jasper was convinced that it had all been for a reason.
By Maria Vulfovitch5 years ago in Psyche
Lights in The Darkness
Lights in The Darkness “I put the last box on the truck dad!” Its summer 2015. We were all exhilarated about “The Big Move. You see, my dad had finally gotten the promotion of his dreams. He was promoted president over a major scientific research firm. With this big promotion, came big changes for my family. My father, mother, brother Max and I; We’re all packed up leaving our family home in Rochester New York, moving to a new home in sunny Southern California. Only minutes away from the beach; Hollywood lights, movie stars, and great weather enthralling for a 15-year-old boy such as myself. We slowly settled in our new home.
By DeSha Jackson5 years ago in Psyche
Levi
Levi Wallace sat in furniture with an unwarranted ease and grace. He never entered a room that didn’t miss him when he left or moved past a doorway that didn’t resent him for not entering. An air of loyalty followed Levi throughout his life and this was by some considered to be his greatest gift. Levi had a strange calmness to him. He wasn’t strange by nature, it was simply strange to others how absolutely and infinitely cool he was.
By Kyle V5 years ago in Psyche
Scruples
I was perched on an old wooden bench, facing away from a dried-up fountain, staring down in disbelief at the new entry in the little black book. The words that spelled out the next sinister proposition stared back at me, each letter accusatory and taunting.
By Suzie Wargo Lockhart5 years ago in Psyche
The End of the Rainbow
Hands are the most revealing of all body parts: they might not leak with emotion, like one’s eyes; they might not melt into grey and fall with age, like one’s hair. In contrast, they are a reflection of every moment in one’s life, holding memories of dances and fights, affection and war, love and labour.
By Alfie Saunders5 years ago in Psyche
Somewhere Along the Colorado River
I am sitting at the kitchen table four feet from the sink. It is early morning, and I am the only person present. It is quiet in a loose sense. The only sounds I hear are that of the windbreaker I am wearing, brushing against itself, and the bottom of my coffee cup meeting the table. An attachment begins to form between the sounds and me.
By Ana Martinovic5 years ago in Psyche
Juniper Leaves
It’s 5:37 in the morning — Juniper rocks to her left side and rolls onto the hardwood floor on all fours. Juniper is a staunch minimalist:
By Savanna Angeline5 years ago in Psyche
Globes Within Globes
And her life was a collection of snow globes, some shattered, some shining, some stolen from souvenir shops and others gifted by gentle hands. Cheap plastic and expensive glass and everything in between cast translucent shadows on the walls around her and she felt like she finally understood.
By Greta Luns5 years ago in Psyche
This Time, Four Days In
Vertigo. Stomach upset. Lightheadedness. And a feeling that I’m stuck in a “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” mode. I haven't “enjoyed” my usual nightly schooners of wine in four days. I decided that I want to take a break. Note, I didn’t say “quit,” as I only set myself up for failure when I make such pronouncements. I’m hoping some of you understand this.
By Sherry McGuinn5 years ago in Psyche