Short Fiction, Poetry and Classic Book Reviews
Through the dried spots of water and shaving cream on the bathroom mirror, an uninspiring reflection stared. Grey wisps clung feebly to a brow once adorned with flowing black locks, while the complexion and features, which years ago would have rivaled those of a Greek god, now bore more likeness to a Galapagos tortoise. How... Continue Reading →
A crowd of reporters swarmed the offices of Barney Whitsunday, who fifteen minutes earlier had resigned as a member of parliament. Barney looked through the shutters of his window (he had, when particularly stressed, the ability to see through solid objects). “Vultures,” he growled. “They all but ignore me through thirty-two years of service, now... Continue Reading →
He slid into the diner booth and stretched his aching legs beneath the table. If the floor were cleaner he would have kicked off his shoes. Outside the window the world was grey: sky, rain and misty highway. It was peaceful. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, massaging the back of his neck. The... Continue Reading →
“Mr Algiers?” “Yes, that’s me.” “Mr Conway will see you now. This way.” Mervin followed the young secretary down the hall toward the conference room. Large framed pictures of former CEOs hung at perfectly spaced intervals along the left side of the hall. Mervin glanced at one and saw his reflection in the glass. The... Continue Reading →
Clem stood on the balcony and surveyed the cornfields: tall, ripe, peaceful green, as far as he could see. Twenty-two years he had worked his farm, and this looked like the crop that would finally make him some money. All he had to do was keep his pyromania in check. Wendy came out and stood... Continue Reading →
Every December when I was young, my family would pack two suitcases into the old station wagon and make the four-hour drive west to spend Christmas with my grandparents. Grandad and Nana lived on a farm. It was small compared to the neighbouring properties, but still big enough for us kids to have some great... Continue Reading →
Frosted slopes, speckled with pines, gathered in gentle descent. Submerged beneath a sea of fog, the valley awoke from centuries of tranquil slumber. A fresh scar cut through the snow, deepening up to the crash site; scattered debris marked the unnatural intrusion. A shotgun blast roared then screamed away like a demon hound escaping the... Continue Reading →
“Good morning Ma’am.” “…Good morning.” “Oh, don’t be alarmed—I’m not here selling encyclopaedias and I’m not here to talk religion. I work for a company called Finalsleep, and I’d love to find out how our services could benefit you. I’ll just ask you a few quick questions if I may.” “Uh… Okay.” “Fantastic. My name’s... Continue Reading →
Tristan pulled up outside Edna’s house in white horse-drawn carriage. One magnificent steed, as noble and muscularly defined as Michelangelo’s David (though that’s where the anatomical similarities ended), stood harnessed beside a skinny old nag that resembled a smoked duck. The carriage itself was large and elaborately detailed, like the fancy candles Tristan’s neighbour was... Continue Reading →