Although he was proud of his son for discovering his identity so early in life, Sutherland had worries. While he was fine with whatever a seven-year-old thought gay was, probably not much different than what other nine-year-olds thought of close friends, he didn’t have much faith in the youth of Polk County Public Schools. They… Continue reading Bully
Month: June 2015
Mr. Nice Guy
On his way into the grocery store, Kirk noticed a frail and elderly woman pushing her cart, and with a bow, he paused a moment to activate the automatic door for her. The poor woman had gone a bit senile, and eyes forward, face locked in permanent scowl, she rolled right past him. No thanks,… Continue reading Mr. Nice Guy
Robustness (part 11)
The echoes of their footsteps built up a rhythm that colored the moment. The techno soundtrack implied a chase scene, police officers behind them, pistols drawn. Neither he nor Leslie was athletic enough to vault over obstacles or slide under railings, and in fact their running would have more realistically been called jogging if not… Continue reading Robustness (part 11)
Drifter
He would always be an outsider in this sleepy mountain town, but he’d stay a while. The innkeeper and his daughter were keen to take his money, no matter whence it came, and no one gave him any trouble. His reputation proceeded him. Annette, who spoke a little English when she had the nerve, brought… Continue reading Drifter
Homunculus
The Phoenix Lord was in the middle of some speech when Jocelyn received the order to strike. Even though she was newest member of the right arm, she was in charge of the killing blow, a complicated manual control that required finesse. The rest of the crew stood around her console, shouting encouragements. She could… Continue reading Homunculus
New (The Fetishists – Secretary)
OBJECTIVE Though new to the working world, Melanie Blackwell is confident she exemplifies the qualities necessary to thrive as a personal secretary. Typing and organizing come as naturally to her as eating and sleeping come to others, and she has always envisioned herself working in an office, answering phones in a courteous and efficient manner.… Continue reading New (The Fetishists – Secretary)
Robustness (part 10)
As the echo of the firearm’s explosion filled the car, Ezekiel waited for some courageous bystander to tackle him and be a hero. That would have felt right. Instead, he opened his eyes and looked around. All the strangers remained inanimate. Bits of glass on the floor left him able to pull the lever whenever… Continue reading Robustness (part 10)
Mermaid
Last time she came to the surface, Meryl found what seemed like a man, but his fins were all divided and strange. For some reason, he’d resisted as she pulled him down beneath the waves, as though his gills worked in reverse, like a dolphin’s. This time seemed less eventful. Though the sun was drying… Continue reading Mermaid
Speaker
He had given enough speeches to know when he was losing the crowd. Now, for instance. While he spoke of dreams and realities, students were flirting with each other, as they do. Some teacher shushed, though hers was the voice that carried. “Now I hear you. I know what you’re thinking. Who are you, up… Continue reading Speaker
Psychic
A friend she hadn’t seen in years sat down on the bus, across the aisle. Claire knew that if they made eye contact, they would speak to each other, and she knew exactly how the conversation would go. “Claire, is that you?” “Mary Ann? I can’t believe it! How’ve you been?” And so on. Just… Continue reading Psychic
Post Modern Existential Horror 