“Lloyd,” he says, “how can you hit on girls half your age at this watered-down version of a strip club, then quit your job on principle?” I hear his words, but they don’t register. I’m already dreaming about my lunar landing, looking for a place to plant my flag. “I don’t know, it’s my happy place, know what I mean? You just can’t piss on another man’s happy place.”… more
Category Archives: FICTION
Signs of Suffering
FICTION by AD SchweissI want to make it home sober but before I left the station tonight I made the mistake of pulling the report from that time when you called.… more
The Senior Games Pickleball Champion of Macon County
FICTION by James HannaIf we had come here a couple of centuries ago, I’d have hunted bear, chased down wolves, and maybe fought an Indian or two. But lacking the athletic challenges with which Daniel Boone was blessed, I’ve been forced to embrace the frontiersman in me by playing pickleball.… more
The Skin of It All
FICTION by Devon WellsNow in the poolhouse, with total access to the woman he craved, John pulled away, gulped back two, three mouthfuls, who was counting. “I love you, I don’t know, that’s not the point. It’s just—I’m not Des. You can’t slap a tattoo, a beard on me and, boom, I’m your husband.”… more
Think Beyond the Breakers
FICTION by Nicholas VigliettiAnother lumber-hucking workday in the yard had put a lil’ more wear on these soles. It barely covered the bills, but I had a spot in a cramped, too-many-dudes’ apartment, right on the sand; dude’s trying to become men, or men trying to remain young dudes.… more
Letting Anna Go
FICTION by Harrison KimIt was about the onesie. The onesie for the dog. And maybe about the honey on the fridge, and the whole plumber episode. I think it’s about bad brain biochemistry.… more
Black Heart
FICTION by Erik CederblomBefore, they had only seen a white-haired, old guy. Now, they see an angry man armed with an axe and are silent.… more
What Works for You
FICTION by James CallanAnnie will shoot you in the back. She will cross a galaxy if it means she will have the last laugh. But she would never sit still, parlay and hang around in orbit, even if it meant saving the day. She would sooner kill the alien that comes in peace than share her world with its people.… more
Newcomers
FICTION by Shelby RaebeckThe two brothers sat idling in the empty parking lot, sipping their beers and peering ahead to where the truck’s lights shone into the blackness.… more
Snow Globe on the Pulaski
FICTION by Jackie CorleyHail pelted the bus. Jasper could feel the bus shift with the wind, and his window rattled against the rubber casing. He was on a bridge over a hundred feet in the air, open to the elements but he felt claustrophobic. The sun had set an hour ago and he could only see a few sets of taillights bleeding out in front of him while the storm raged.… more
