Gallows of Love

The DJ cut Rhianna off mid-sentence and announced that it was time for the first dance. Everybody in the large hall settled, twisting in their seats to see the dance floor or getting up to surround it, phones in hand and set to record. The bride, surrounded by the tufts of champagne lace he rememberedContinue reading “Gallows of Love”

First Day at a New School

I’m starting to think I should make a series of these called Things I Wish the Main Character Teenage Girl Would Say Instead of Whatever Insecure Thing Actually Comes Out of Her Mouth So far, Kate’s first day at her new high school had been going…well enough. Math was a bummer, as always, and worseContinue reading “First Day at a New School”

Modern Miserable Man

The truth, which will be difficult for some of you to hear, is that he died alone because he was an unpleasant person. It’s a hard truth, so I understand if you need to percolate on it for a bit. We’ve all been raised by movies, yeah? And movies always have those…well, if not happyContinue reading “Modern Miserable Man”

What’s in a Name

Stephanie rocked back and forth, back and forth in the chair her grandfather had carved, her eyes never leaving the baby’s in her arms. So sweet and little. So full of possibilities. He was only two days old and she already loved him so fiercely when she thought about it she wanted to break something.Continue reading “What’s in a Name”

In a Laundromat

“Hey.” Tina pushed herself up on her elbows, carefully keeping her balance as the washing machines underneath her muttered and bucked. Nestor was sitting cross-legged in one of the silver carts, the one with only one wild wheel. He had been pushing himself across the room, back and forth, reaching the bank of dryers onlyContinue reading “In a Laundromat”

Dawn in the Night

It was a little past one, middle of the night, the time Dawn liked best. Daytime, in her experience, had too much. Was too much. Too bright. Too noisy. Too filled with people, and those people too filled with emotions. Furious screaming and laying on car horns and middle finger salutes. Or worse, laughter. Big,Continue reading “Dawn in the Night”