Category: Short Story
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The Landscape Artist by S.T. Otlowski
The painter sighed as he surveyed his newest project through the dusty windshield of his battered truck. This job, he thought, was going to take a lot longer than his original estimate. He reminded himself to never take another commission without first walking the ground. The area was mostly rolling…
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The Queen Firefly by Dave Gregory
One summer night on the family farm, in 1975, a lightning bug followed us inside. My mother switched off the overhead light so my two brothers and I could see the firefly better. Mesmerized, we crouched to watch the insect walk across the brown carpet as the tip of its…
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Mountain Cometh by Stuart Christianson
We like Autumn, Winter, and Spring. We like the way in Autumn it feels like each tree has its own fireplace, licks of flame dancing on the branches before they float down to the ground. We like the harshness of Winter, the cozy comfort of tucking ourselves away as the…
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Off the Menu by Jeffrey Hantover
Tell Gerardo he makes one fine salad. I don’t care if he gets it out of a jar, it’s the best creamy Italian in San Francisco. You’re new, aren’t you? I’ve been coming to Pinecrest for twenty-odd years. Nowadays you gals come and go. Always looking for something better. Don’t…
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Lazy Sunday by Laurentiu Stehan
A Lazy Sunday stroll by the lake turned into an epic adventure when Willy was attacked by an Ice Dragon near the Medieval Castle.
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Smoke and Ashes by Stephen Spotte
My father’s cigar-smoking, or rather its imminent threat, had caused our banishment to the porch. After supper, Dad had taken a cigar from his shirt pocket with the practiced deliberation of an actor. Mom, recognizing the cue as hers, stood and began clearing the dishes. “Marcel,” she said, “you’re…
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A Different Kind of Game By Loren Meza
Right now I’m sitting alone in my favorite bistro. A cocktail or two, some delicious comfort food, and possibilities, all lie in waiting. Nights like this call for red lipstick. Nights where, no one you already know can make up for the crappy day you’ve had. The ones where existential…
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Kaleidoscope By Susan Cornford
“I’m going to throw up. I’m going to throw up. I’m going to throw up all over my wedding dress!” I said. “Breathe,” my friend, Monica, replied. I breathed. I didn’t throw up. It was past the time of morning sickness so something else was wrong. The woman in the mirror in…
