Madeline Anthes
Hey,
I’m feeling good, and I hope you are too.
I’ll just be blunt. You deserve an explanation.
I need you with me, Maddie. I cannot do this alone.
Here’s what you told me: You have a heart bigger than the state of Montana.
Read MoreAmber Burke
We rise from the earth toward each other, aching with desire. What is allowed? The tentativeness of first touches. Tell me what you want. I take your hand and place it. My young body. Your young body. The dew on us gleaming. Inviting, teasing.
Read MoreJacqueline Parker
Months after my mother’s death, years after cancer began the long, slow mastication of her body, she’s resurrected in my toast. Golden brown and singed, she appears without warning as I’m about bite the border of her crusty skull.
Read MoreMandira Pattnaik
In the time it’d take to call you, the rains start pouring in Dubai. The TV screen turns black then blue then resumes telecast. Somebody says, “Historic event! Not comparable to anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949 – and that was before the UAE was established in 1971.” They cut to scenes of several layers of dark clouds, like the way it was dark under the blanket you and I pulled over our heads to escape Mamma’s beating.
Read MoreAbbie Doll
I confess, you rarely speak with confidence. You reply, I know. I’m terrified of traffic jams, the resulting pileups. But we all know how eloquent you can be and often are. With great eloquence comes great responsibility, you tell me, not spoiling a single syllable, not spilling an ounce of the ruby hibiscus tea you hold in your grasp.
Read MoreLuke Larkin
I know what you're thinking: But it's the middle of summer! Rum balls are a holiday thing! And that's exactly what makes these suckers so special. They just never see ‘em coming. I whipped up a trayload for my brother's Fourth of July barbecue last year and nearly got the sister in law blackout.
Read MoreJoshua Benjamin
The year is 2040. [Ever since the Great Terrible Thing that Came for Us All and Left Few Things Unobliterated and Few People Unmaimed, even the best calendars have been off by a few months, so it could still be 2039.]
Read MoreTim Hanson
“Mr. K?” I hear a child’s muffled voice say. It sounds like it’s coming from the closet. I
look around to see if everyone is here. Where’s Devin? There he is, in his seat for a change. All
present. “Where do we stop?” the voice persists.”
Jonan Pilet
His penis fell off inside of me.
It could have happened in my mouth. It nearly had.
I noticed before he did. His movements had stayed in rhythm, but the sensation had changed.
Read MoreChris DeWitt
A hunter green Oldsmobile made its way east on slick state highways across the Texas-Louisiana line. At 15, Billy could’ve driven himself, if Dad was in a fine mood and let him borrow the family car. But his band’s first show called for a family affair.
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