Post Modern Existential Horror

King

As the chief legislator signed his last death warrant for the day, a wet and towel-clad King Gorgon came stumbling into his quarters. “We have to protect our citizens!” he shouted. “I want you to post a decree banning all bathtubs, showers, anything with a faucet. From now on, our government is decidedly anti-faucet.” The… Continue reading King

The suits at the conference table aren’t necessarily paying attention, but they are impressed. Not only are the charts and graphs well-proportioned and color-coordinated, but they are likely based on actual statistics. “Superlative work,” says the CEO from Germany. “You should be proud,” says another from Sweden. The young executive thanks them and politely asks… Continue reading Advertisement

Telekinesis (breasts)

When Lana gave her talks to two or three people instead of a dozen or more, she stammered. Large groups were a blur, and she could monologue about art and artifacts without interrupting herself. In smaller groups, she saw their faces. The man was leering, the woman was staring, and their eyes made her shoulders… Continue reading Telekinesis (breasts)

Sketchbook (tattoo)

Jolie wore long sleeves. Everyone would laugh if they knew she’d been working on a dragon. So far, it was just an outline. She was polishing windows when a woman in the waiting area asked her what was underneath her shirt. “Nothing,” she said. She tried to affect a blasé attitude. The woman smiled. “Let… Continue reading Sketchbook (tattoo)

Ghost

As his fiancee returned from his funeral, Arturo held her hand. She had no idea he was there, but he could feel her. Maybe she looked around for him. Maybe she sensed him. He couldn’t tell what she was feeling. Some things don’t change. As she turned on daytime television, he watched her. He’d never… Continue reading Ghost

The children are outside, playing a game of rock, paper, scissors. They say the words with great concentration as they beat their fists into their palms. The little boy wins more often than the little girl does, but is more frustrated when he loses. The girl is frightened of his emotion, and because she only… Continue reading Advertisement

Winner

Though he was early, he leered at his watch. He was only a little early, just enough to make sure he was there first. He liked to be first. Around the cafe, he saw people, though he couldn’t focus on their faces. None of them were her, and that was all he cared about right… Continue reading Winner

Robustness

As the train pulled into the station, Ezekiel thought about calling ahead, but it was best if she didn’t expect him. His plan depended on a certain amount of secrecy, if he had a plan. He noted: he was the sort who made plans. Before he talked to Leslie, he wanted to know what his… Continue reading Robustness

Relief (nurse)

Tammy took a few deep breaths before she entered room 403. “Good evening, Mr. Cartwright,” she said business-like, as polite as she could manage given the inevitable response. “Go fuck yourself, you fat cow. I’m in pain, give me morphine.” She was sure he wasn’t in as much pain as he should have been. According… Continue reading Relief (nurse)