“Unforgivable”
by Joe Ducato “Unforgivable” My crime comes back when the world is still; when she’s lying next to me, quiet as snow; when darkness pounds my brain; when my hands … Continue Reading “Unforgivable”
“5th Avenue and South Second Street” and “Golden Years”
by Thomas Elson “5th Avenue and South Second Street” One evening in this dying river town on the eastern part of the state – whose biggest exports are corn … Continue Reading “5th Avenue and South Second Street” and “Golden Years”
Chionis of Barry’s Corner
by Matt Gillick Early this morning—three a.m., to be exact—the bronze statue of Chionis of Sparta that overlooks Barry’s Corner in Allston, Massachusetts steps down from his pedestal. The legendary … Continue Reading Chionis of Barry’s Corner
Monopoly Money
by Linda McMullen Lionel Price – yes, that Lionel Price – former wunderkind, current tycoon, Darrow Capital founder and CEO, and ex-husband of that actress who transformed from manic pixie … Continue Reading Monopoly Money
“Awkward Encounters of the Worst Kind”
by Catherine Moscatt “Awkward Encounters of the Worst Kind” I go to the GI with alarming frequency. I stare at the models of intestines next to latex gloves and tissues. … Continue Reading “Awkward Encounters of the Worst Kind”
Makarov Coast
by Nelly Shulman In the spring, Maxim Makarov’s dog fell ill. At first, Red tried to bark, quickly running along the coast and jumping into a flaky boat. The dog … Continue Reading Makarov Coast
“Art Bully”
by Catherine Moscatt “Art Bully” The magazine was covered in paint. It was art class after all. He had been pushing, prodding, provoking. So I took the magazine and stuck … Continue Reading “Art Bully”
“Chisato Moritaka’s Lesson #1”
by James Sullivan September heat endures the classroom’s rotating fan. Sticky warmth travels the room in coiling currents, slicking pupils’ skin against uniforms. They are bored. The teacher’s entreaties blow … Continue Reading “Chisato Moritaka’s Lesson #1”
“Learning the Hard Way”
by Felix Imonti In memory of my wife, Yukiko. She made my writing possible by managing so many of the trivial problems of life. Meeting Joyce just seemed to happen. … Continue Reading “Learning the Hard Way”
The CONN
by K.P. Taylor It was twilight in Holly Hills, and the streetlights had just come on, followed by a low, rhythmic humming. Disconcerting at first, the sound was gradually lost … Continue Reading The CONN
Return Policy
by Roberto Ontiveros Laina was not the kind of klepto that ever got caught, or rather: I was the only one who noticed the fountain pens behind her ears when … Continue Reading Return Policy
Acquaintances
by David Sapp Don’t get me wrong. I am generally content with the inhabitants of my life – those close to me. However, occasionally, I prefer the company of chance … Continue Reading Acquaintances
A Satisfying Failure
by David Sapp Every Thanksgiving morning on the Gambier farm, while the women bustled about the warm kitchen in floured aprons over flowered print dresses, hips bumping at countertops, chairs … Continue Reading A Satisfying Failure
The Marriage in Waiting
by Gregory T. Janetka Damn television sets. Three blaring away and the sun not yet up. Noxious distractions—news that’s not news, fearmongering, adverts for pills for conditions they don’t … Continue Reading The Marriage in Waiting
THE ONLY SIN IS PRIDE
by Salvatore Difalco Every time Alfonsus entered a room an unearthly glowing light suffused it. I wondered if he was religious. He typically wore a cross of gold, indicating either … Continue Reading THE ONLY SIN IS PRIDE
“Lampyridae” and “Lobatus Gigas”
by Robert Helfst Lampyridae Five years ago, your mother burst into a cloud of fireflies and disappeared into the night. Ever since, you’ve tracked the bugs in the backyard, searching … Continue Reading “Lampyridae” and “Lobatus Gigas”