“Say, Ana,” Lyn says. “Give me a word for ordinary.” “Why?” “Just do it.” We are tucked under our seatbelts, en route to Williams, Pennsylvania. My feet graze the floor; Lyn’s feet do not. She is shorter than me and likes to fog the car glass with her breath. She thinks it is unique and… Read More “Collector of Words” by Cathleen Balid
He shows up at my door on a Friday night, reeking of rum. I almost don’t recognize him—overgrown hair, bushy beard—but there’s no mistaking those gold-flecked eyes. He was out with some friends, he says, when a song came on that made him think of me. Of those long drives the two of us used… Read More “Bygones” by Lori Cramer
Things were getting worse. We pretended we didn’t notice. One day he brought home a goldfish. We took turns sprinkling colorful pellets into the water. A few weeks later, I found the fish floating on top. He started staying out late. I started going to bed early. One night I awoke in tears. I reached… Read More “Loss” by Lori Cramer
I’ve got tickets for tonight’s O’s game. Care to join me? Thanks for making dinner last night. Best lasagna ever! Can’t find my red tie. Is it at your place? You’re the best! Love you. I hate to cancel, but I’m swamped at work. Raincheck? Working late again. It’s not what you think. On my… Read More “Our Entire Relationship Summed Up in 10 Texts He Sent Me” by Lori Cramer
The first thing my sister said when I opened the door was: “God, your flat is a mess.” It almost certainly was, compared to hers. Pina lived in a loft with big windows. She stepped over my scattered clothes, flung the curtains open, and sat on the edge of the sofa. I asked if she… Read More “Scented Product” by Daniele Zurbruegg
Our finger glides along the screen, pulling images upward and into view. The Millers and their kids laugh in organic bliss beside a pool. We can’t believe it’s already summer vacation. We send a heart to the status. Tyler in Charleston pulls a delicious pie fresh from the oven.Save a slice for me! We absently… Read More “The Cactus House” by Adam Chamy
There are dogs next door, in the house to the right of Carol Anne’s. And not just one or two. She’s tried counting them based on the different barks, but she always loses track. When a siren whines down the road, they all start howling, almost screaming. It’s as if they’re mourning something, perhaps their… Read More “Carol Anne” by Kelly Curran
Who’s to say what makes a moment. Is it to be found in the glow or graying plumes reaching out to caress absence or air?[…]… Read More “Piano Forte” by Lisa Croce
It is awake in the chill morning air, dripping cold rainwater off of its snout to the cement below. It sees the stretch of parked cars, the fence ringing The Building which breaks only to force visitors past its stony paws, the sway of trees in the distance — all of this is discernible within… Read More “Yang” by Helen Doremus
