james Kevin liked to dress sharp. He spent his limited funds on fine, handsomely tailored suits, silk ties, pocket swatches, and only the finest shoes, belts and undergarments. Still in high school he found most of his clothes at thrift stores, able to scour the racks for quality and occasional hand-made finery. He developed a skill … Read moreCivilized Living
The cold made Arnie want to stamp his feet to get some circulation going but knew it might spook his dog Gunther, who was crouched on four feet in the classic pose of a dog taking a shit. He was a mixed breed; some basset hound, probably some chow, maybe some terrier. Gunther was twelve, … Read moreGrowing Comfortable Together
The rocket shuddered as it inched off the launchpad. A spray of liquid fire melted the concrete, splattering molten rock in all directions. “You overloaded it with all your crap,” Dale complained from his seat pointed at the sky. “My crap? You’re the one who had to bring your motorcycle. You’re going all the way … Read moreGolfing on the Moon
The obstetrician told Gladys that her baby was too large. “Based on the scans, it’s twice the normal size. This could lead to some complications,” the doctor warned. “Like what?” a nervous Gladys asked. “The baby could be diabetic, morbidly obese, or grow so rapidly that he’ll be as tall as a man by the … Read moreStuck on You
The truck carrying Jeff hit a corner too fast, causing his would-be coffin to slam against the side of the pickup bed. The impact woke him. He was in the dark, inside what felt like a cardboard box and rattling around like loose change in a cement mixer. The truck left the pavement and turned … Read moreA Mother’s Love
“Are you sick?” the boy asked Robert. “I had an accident, so now I live in a wheelchair,” Robert replied. “Why?” the boy asked. Robert had spent years pondering that very question. Why was his neck snapped at the age of twelve? Why had his mother escaped the accident with only a broken wrist? Why … Read moreBack to Normal
Ned and Barry looked out over Ned’s backyard as the Fall leaves gradually twirled to the ground. “Why are robots replacing humans?” Ned asked. “Because they don’t get tired or sick, they don’t have kids or spouses, they don’t need insurance … the list goes on and on,” Barry replied. “So, if you could make … Read moreWhy Did The Man Cross the Line?
Roger was having a difficult time keeping the sweat out of his eyes. The helmet he wore to give his drone commands blew cool air across his scalp but it wasn’t enough. He worried the sweat would short something and the mission would fail like so many others. “Focus,” he told himself. “Be the bee.” … Read moreTo Bee Or Not To Bee
Finster Drummand was nodding off. He was on stage, awaiting the cue for his line. The so-called star of the show Edelle Priceworthy was droning on as she had for three hundred consecutive nights. A pretty face and ample bosom could unfortunately go far in this world. Finster had been in the theatre most of … Read moreA Trick of the Limelight
The name Everlasting Coals was emblazoned on Denton’s fleet of service vans. The vans were wrapped in vinyl decals portraying hot embers in a fireplace. The vans looked like they were made of molten metal, but were supposed to represent a cozy hearth. Denton’s company installed and repaired fireplaces, and the name was consistent with … Read moreWild Things and a Pure Heart