Ron’s birth was unlike any the midwives had seen before. His mother, Verdella, said the contractions felt more like firm hugs instead of bands of barbed wire roping around her abdomen. When the baby crowned, light burst from her vagina. As the birth went on the light grew brighter and brighter until the midwives were … Read moreThe Messiah and The Peanut
Space Corps never forgave him for suffering a mutiny.
Louise dragged an old roller luggage bag diagonally across a vacant lot scattered with chunks of crushed asphalt, the bag jerking and twisting as she went. She was unfazed by the jagged terrain poking into her thinly protected feet. Louise was mostly torso. She had no neck and pencil-thin limbs which gave her the appearance … Read morePlaying Possum
Tim stepped on the foot pump as quickly as he could. A river raft was wedged under the safe in the CEO’s office where he worked as a night janitor. Days earlier Tim had seen Mr. Downing busily stuffing it full of bags that appeared to be filled with cash. “Oh, hey Tim. Could you … Read moreOne Man’s Treasure
Janice and Jenny had pistols strapped to their chests, each with silencers. Formerly employed by drug cartels in Central America, they traveled the world murdering gangsters, politicians, and bankers “You know, in England, they call those crisps,” Jenny said. Janice and Jenny rode side by side on the ski lift. Janice was finishing a bag … Read moreThe Sweeter They Fall
George and Merrick made their way down a narrow, poorly lit staircase. “This looks promising,” Merrick said. “Nothing like a dank basement for quality finds,” George replied. Worming their way through an estate sale at a hundred-year-old house, George and Merrick hoped to find some treasures. The owners who built it lived there until it … Read moreFalling Far From the Tree
John was driving faster than he should, trying to make time. “Easy on the corners dumbass,” Susan complained. “Quit your bitching. We’re late because of you and that stupid foster kid.” “He’s not stupid,” Susan corrected, “he’s got brain damage—that’s why they pay us extra for him. You got a better idea of how to … Read moreCherry Coke
Trent was fumbling with his keys as he tried to unlock the door to his apartment. The paint around the keyhole was scratched away from years of similar struggles. “Focus,” he said to himself. He closed his eyes and took a long, slow breath but became dizzy and fell against the wall in the narrow … Read moreBones and Bears
Moonsmear whizzed the shuttle through his loom at breakneck speed, clacking the heddles until they nearly hummed. “Easy brother, you’ll stretch the thread, and then where will you be?” “I have a date tonight, and I need to wash my neck before.” “Who’s the lucky lady?” “Moonblossom.” “Ah yes, a very lovely girl. And hardworking. … Read morePhases of the Moon
“Just put your fingers in it,” Simon said. “No. I’m not doing that,” Tucker replied. “That’s how it works. You have to,” Simon explained. “I’ll just hold it with two hands and give it a toss, like a big rock.” “They won’t let you play like a five-year old. You have to put your fingers … Read moreBrotherly Love