“Ignorant girl,” they spat. That hurt worse than their slaps and pinches. So she snuck into their unused library and began devouring their books, tasting the sweetness of Shakespeare, the bitterness of Plath. Parts of the Bible were hard to digest, but she chewed every word save for the front matter, which she fed to…
The Fast and the Furriest
By Kim Moes
Hiding from the hairy monster, little Lucy crouches behind the gazebo. Only twenty-two steps to the back door. Freedom! But the beast is fast. And hungry for the chase. Lucy scampers along the fence toward the house. This time, she makes it to the old oak. But the crackling leaves betray her, forcing Lucy back…
A Lil’ Bootlegging in Speakeasy City
By Russ Lockwood
Wheelman Wally ran a finger over the front fender. “Nice car you got here.” “1928 Ford Model A Extra Special,” Bootlegger Bob replied. “Interested in driving? No questions asked?” “Yeah,” Wally said, calculating costs. “Pity if something happened to it.” “Whaddaya mean?” “Tires might get flat. Can’t move the moonshine,” Wally explained. “Brakes might fail.…
Spotted
By Ian Willey
I was in the basement, gloves gripping the bar. Dad had just gone out. With no one spotting me, I knew this was stupid, but I could do it! ‘The Final Countdown’ was playing. I pushed up, exhaled, as two hundred pounds slammed down. One. Two. No three. I was spent. The bar pressed down…
Sleepwalker
By Ryan Wilson
He’s up again. I can hear his heavy footsteps cross the floors as I lie awake. His fingernail scratches the wall as he drags his hand along, finding his way in the dark. As he descends the stairs, his footsteps disappear into the carpet. Seconds later, the garage door opens. He’s never gone that far…
Brain Fog
By Mehrnaz Tiv
The doctor told her a tiny green goblin named Brain Fog wipes his big green butt all over her brain every time she doomscrolls on her phone. So, she read very smart articles and watched very informative videos on her phone all about phone addiction, limiting screen time, and how perfect her life will be…
Their Time Is Not My Time
By Cole Beauchamp
After writhing rain twists the motorway into a black eel. After prophetic rain heralds the doorbell. After the grandfather clock metronomes your absence. After windows weep and black bins swallow unwanted casseroles. It’s then that the stories begin. You’re at work, you’re on a trip, you’re visiting friends. Still, the cedar-and-pine scent of your shirts…