July 25, 2024

When Things Are Not As They Seem

We had been digging with our hands, trying to free our trapped family members from beneath the collapsed building. But, finally, it seemed, help had arrived. We all cheered. I jumped to my feet, despair transformed into hope, as pickup trucks and limos came into view…
July 19, 2024

Good Versus Evil

Melting snow dripped from the leaves like tiny ice daggers onto the disgruntled trainee evil witches below. As soon as they were born, these little girls were dispatched to the camp before any chance of feeling love or appreciation of comfort or joy could tarnish them. The spells that they were taught in dank and chilly clearings were bitter with evil: how to cause pain, how to fill hearts with hatred and revenge, and how to cause sorrow through foul wickedness.
July 12, 2024

Last Night, I Walked on the Moon

He frowned and thought for a moment. “Maybe when Neil winked, told me to take a deep breath an’ hold it. I looked at Buzz. He smiled an’ gave me a thumbs up. Michael were busy wi’ summat.” His mother tutted and shrugged, glanced at the clock on the wall by the window and peered into the bubbling pan.
July 6, 2024

Even Rainbows Have Problems

Indigo, the most compassionate of the group, noticed her friend’s glum face and his detachment from the conversation bubbling around him. “What’s up, Blue?” she said. “I feel your heart isn’t with us today.” Blue shimmered. An envious green glowed around his edges for a moment as he watched Orange and Yellow joyously chattering away, vibrant and glowing under the sun beaming in from the window.
June 15, 2024

Fantasy Fiction Issue – 2024

Welcome to our first genre-themed issue: the Fantasy Fiction Issue of 2024. Find the brilliant short stories, flash fiction, and poetry from our contributors and staff themed on magic, time time travel, paranormal experiences, and pixies among the pages.
May 26, 2024

Reach the Beach

The car was quiet. Eddie listened to a radio station doing a two-hour Phil Collins set. He heard ‘In the Air Tonight’, ‘You Belong to Me’, “Sissudio’, ‘Take a Look at Me Now’ and ‘Take Me Home’ every thirty-five minutes. Everything repeated. The show was taped then looped because apparently no one wanted the late-night on-air shift. The programming kept him awake. He didn’t stop again until they reached the junction with I-10 in Lake City, Florida, just after three in the morning. Eddie had driven two-hundred-sixteen miles. The Old Man needed all fifteen gallons.
May 22, 2024

Bobbing On the Ocean

“I’m sorry. I’ve almost got it licked though. I’m never touching another drop. Going on the wagon. I’m quitting. That was it last night, I promise. I’m done,” he said.
May 10, 2024

The Long Deep Freeze, Part 1

As we walked among the pods, I stressed the level of demand and the need for absolute secrecy to protect the privacy of the famous clientele. She seemed satisfied, and we returned to my ‘consulting room’ to finalise the terms.
April 27, 2024

Doña Rosita’s Baby

Okay, Doña Rosita thought. We used to do that in India, too. Spells, bindings, amulets. Eggs circled and cracked around heads, on front steps. Coconuts smashed before front doors. l've done them all. Sandalwood sticks for Kali, coconuts for Avan, smudge for the Great Spirit. So, might as well…
April 25, 2024

I’m For You, If You’re For Me

Sure, they were real pros compared to Rex, but all they did was cover songs. Rex, though he could only strum a few chords, was a dreamer. The chords and melody came to him one night sitting alone in his apartment after a couple hits on a bong.
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