Threaded
By Ally Gregory of Chicago, IL
The thread attached to her at the point where her right hip met her back. It was taut but did not pull…
Rules of Deception
By Zoë Crowest of Western Australia
People’s eyes glow golden when they lie; it’s quite beautiful. Sometimes only a brief flash, other times a lingering enchantment that intensifies as the deception grows…
The Rules
By J.McAuley of Nelson, BC, Canada
… He leaned against the barn door, half in, half out. Deciding. On the barn door was a hand-carved sign: no smoking, no open fire, no alcohol. He had crossed an ocean to escape them, but rules awaited wherever he went. …
Breathing Fire
By Ed McManis of Denver, Colorado
It was more cute than ferocious, the science teachers agreed, sniggering as they peeked into the basement lab where the 8th graders had barricaded themselves two days before, stacking the desks against the door.
Night Rules
By Paula Snow of Nelson, BC, Canada
One thing she is sure of: if there are rules, she is going to break them. Simple. Easy as a long drink in a dark bar.
The Boy Down The Hall
By Zoë Crowest of Beeliar, Australia
It is liberating to be anonymous. My past can be anything I want it to be; no one sees me through informed eyes, and greetings are refreshingly empty….
On the Comforts of American Goodness
The urge to acquire more and more luxuries consumes countless Americans in these modern days,luxuries far exceeding the judicious want of a well-crafted couch, that staple of American Goodness…
The Office
A is for anxiety, the creeping kind that climbs up your limbs, grabs your hair, while you’re clearing a jam in the printer, tosses you across the office, and makes you whine, What am I doing with my life?
The News
Billie was at work, working at the usual things. The work was piling up and she was doing more and more of it, but it kept on piling. She was frustrated. The phone rang…
The Wages of Misogyny
… After intercourse, Victor and Pepper went their separate ways…Victor said goodbye while Pepper assumed the play bow position and shared the results of her Quick Scan: “You’re a virile lover, Victor. I have fissures in my polymers.” …