They call you the “Flying Squirrel.” It’s a stupid moniker, one you used to try to drop. Back when you cared about those kinds of things. You used to care about a lot of things you’ve sacrificed over the years, along with your pride, your relationship with your son, and plenty of your brain cells.… more
Author Archives: Ben Drevlow
The Scent of Daffodils
FLASH FICTION by Catherine RobertsTo confront your suspicions, go to paragraph 4. To trust this is just paranoia and finish breakfast with your family, go to paragraph 5.… more
Ray
FLASH FICTION by Linda M. BayleyI knew about dreams. I knew they could cost you what you already had, if you weren’t paying attention. If you spent too long keeping your eye on the wrong prize. They could cost you your wife, your house, your kid. If those things didn’t cost you your dreams first. I never figured out which cost me which.… more
Shock and Awe ’03
FLASH FICTION by Karen CrawfordOutside, the sky is island blue. No clouds. No wind. No hint of the dormant volcano below.… more
The 99 Days of Hell
FICTION by Stuart M. RossThe couple said, “it will get better.” They said, “let’s do that tomorrow.” They said, “we got through today and it could’ve been worse.” They said, “God willing,” and they said, “from your mouth to God’s ears.” The husband said, “that’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul,” and death rattled inside him.… more
Stacking Napkins
FICTION by Maya JohnsonWorking somewhere as temporary and replaceable as a fast food restaurant, you can pick a new identity and try it on for a season. I become obedient, quiet. It’s easier that way.… more
Two Shorties
FLASH FICTION by Tyler DempseyI woke up on a podcast—the host asking, “What do you think about the plight of zebras?” I tried remembering their plight. Zebras? Zebras? Had I recently seen something? On my feed? I’d search Twitter, but my iPhone was in my purse. This whole time I sat thinking, I tried keeping a neutral but slightly pensive look. “Spinach,” I said.… more
The Last King of the Skinheads
FICTION by Adam J. Galanski-De LeónThey drank to the good times, and then drank the good times away. It wasn’t two years in until she stabbed him in the gut in the middle of the night after catching him messaging multiple other girls on his burner phone.… more
Visit Clearwater Beach!
CREATIVE NONFICTION by Bailey SimsDon’t blame yourself that you expected the bartender’s age to equate to maturity. It’s not your fault that your dad died four months ago and he never showed you an example of a good man anyway. It’s not your fault that you’re the worst kind of cliche now.… more
PRACTICE
FICTION by Jack SullivanMonday night, judo class. Ishaan is on top of me, struggling with his grip. Though sensei Frank just demonstrated the choke for us, slowly, thoroughly, Ishaan’s already forgotten the hand work. His thin fingers grasp and re-grasp on my lapels, his knuckles grazing my face.… more
