Uncertain Shape

George walked into the church. “Where do you want to sit?” he asked his wife. She was quiet. He made his way to where they usually sat. Third pew back and halfway in. The best angle to watch the organ. He sat down, leaned back, and crossed his ankles. “Do you mind if we sit… — read more

Mary walked down the hall to the bedroom, passing Rudy on the way. After she changed into her pajamas, she made the kissing noise that would summon him. She climbed under the covers and turned off her lamp. Rudy had still not come. She smooched again. She did not hear his collar jingle. Concerned, Mary… — read more

Andrew stepped out of the carriage. Snow crunched underneath his feet. The air was sharp on his throat, and the breeze tickled his mustache. He surveyed the landscape. Here was the place — he was back. He stepped out of the way of the door and shut it behind him. He gave it two good… — read more

Arlen finished his spreadsheet and shut the laptop. It was an hour past quitting time, but he had achieved an advantageous position for tomorrow. He sat back and rubbed his eyes. Grainy. He gazed at the ornate bookcase across the room — oak with scrollwork — a gift from his mother. The first shelf held… — read more

Emma was typing up an email to her department when she got the notification. She glanced at her watch and saw that it was her coffee rewards app. Curious, she pulled out her phone. “You’ve reached enough points to qualify for a BOGO coffee. Come on in before Friday to claim your reward!” Emma saved… — read more

Nora was dusting the keys of the piano with her fingers. A descending scale of noise filled the room. She looked around, self-consciously, to see if she had an audience. Up front, near the door, sat Jenny. She was in the perfect position to run, but her body was trembling. Another night, and Jenny cried.… — read more

The timer went off; Dana dismissed it. In the kitchen, she took the bag out of the tea. Earl Grey. About to take a sip, she paused and said, “No, it’s gloomy. Let’s have honey tonight.” She grabbed a jar from the cupboard. It was the best thing for tea. She tried to twist the… — read more

She looked up. The street lamp was flickering. She moved closer. Freezing rain was falling on her head, and now there was a possibility that she would have to endure it in the dark. Another step towards the lamp. She prayed it wouldn’t go out. She heard a door shut behind her. Turning to look,… — read more

Jared stood within the limits of the lantern and watched the dark. The room was cold. His sweater was threadbare; it let in the chill. He sat down near the lantern, warm. His shadow cast onto the edge of light. The lantern’s reach edged away from the dark. His head whipped up. Jared couldn’t remember… — read more

Doctor Hansel came into the waiting room. The lights were dim, and the chairs were vacant. Across the street, through the front window, he watched an old couple walking a small, orange dog. They each wore yellow rain slickers. Their hoods were down. The elder man bent down to tie his shoe, but the woman… — read more