Short Fiction

You think it could never happen -- but ask yourself, did you foresee children forcibly separated from their parents? Oh, wait, that's happened in the Sixties Scoop, and at Auschwitz, long ago. How many ways can humans leave true humanity behind?

The holidays have a way of bringing out the most aggravating part of family togetherness. But a spur of the moment decision to stop by the Dark Whispers nightclub is just the thing Lilac needs to brave through Christmas dinner with her family and to admit that, in the end, her mother really does have impeccable taste. Part two of two.

We all wear masks. It's not always painful to wear one, but what happens when you forget what you look like without one?

There's a reason the demographics of the F-book are changing...

It really did happen just this way...

Joe Albanese is a writer from New Jersey. His fiction, nonfiction, and poetry can be found in publications across the U.S. and in eight other countries. Joe's novella Smash and Grab (Books to Go Now) was recently published and his novel Caina (Mockingbird Lane Press) will be published in 2018.

Looking down -- suddenly, staying put seems like the safest thing to do...

Conclusion. Susan has had her wish: she's been reunited with her former step-daughter after so many years. But can people damaged by abuse accept a hand outstretched in friendship?

Part Two of Three. After her ex-husband's death, Susan takes an obsessive interest in her former step-daughter, Erin. Does Erin return the interest?

Spots or stripes, fur or hide -- we all have one common need...

A turning point, coming late. A message, is it welcome? Part One of Three.

Such a treacherous road, and so many still -- still -- take its evil trail...

Every week, it happens. No wonder we get old so quick...

And what does "mercy" mean in the wars of politicians and their generals?

A psychologist appears to be willing to accept low fees rather than deal with insurance. However, Dr. Margaret Kale isn't who she seems to be...

You know not the day nor the hour...

"The narrator assures me that each and every word is the gospel..."

MAGA!

On April Fools' Day, it's not a good idea to accept a date unless you know what he's really like, or where his dark whispers will lead you.

Now there was some unfinished business...

Time goes by, and though some things get better, some good things are lost. Makes you wonder if anyone will find them again...

Remember that old song, "In Heaven There Is No Beer?"

Justin is caught between life and death, Trish is trying to decide if spending the night had been a mistake. Life is never simple and death rarely comes with instructions...

One in prison, but one who suffers for the crime committed...

Kim Burkhalter has lived in Wisconsin for most of his life. Most of his writing has been in a high school and a college creative writing magazine. He once got an award at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI for a story called "White Dragon." He has also finished a novel, "The Dream Machine."

Peter Barbour grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He is an avid fisherman, bicyclist, and canoer. His hobbies include drawing and carving wood. He is a retired physician, who practiced Neurology in Allentown, PA, where he still resides. He is married and has three children, and four grandchildren. He has always loved telling stories.

Nick Gerrard is originally from Birmingham but now living in Olomouc where he writes, teaches a little, and in between looks after his son, Joe. He edits and designs Jotters United Lit-zine. Nick has been at one time or another a chef, activist, union organiser, punk rocker, teacher, traveler and eco-lodge owner in Malawi and Czech.

A heart that learns mercy can make amends. A hand that reaches out can be touched. Ideally, that is...

Let this year be one of thought...

A feisty woman who doesn't expect much from the holidays is about to be surprised...