January 19, 2026
Emma has to wash off all that dirt in the shower. Standing under the scalding jets of water, the girl scrolls through memories. She’s tired of trying to get on TV, let alone singing in the small basement club.
December 31, 2025
The fax machine sprang alive. She waited for it to finish and read the paper. “Good Evening, Ms. Li-Tybalt. My name is Victor Rolfe. I operate a business known as the ‘Order of the Dragon Theatre Troupe.’ You have been selected to participate in one of our most exciting games to be held tonight.”...She crumpled the paper and tossed it towards the shredder. The fax rang again. She just caught the words on the paper. “Ms. Tybalt, I have your son.”
December 31, 2025
A strange darkness crept into my consciousness as I sat there with the broken ornament in my hand. Even the lights on the Christmas tree seemed to dim a bit, as if portending that something ominous approached.
December 30, 2025
I stared at my cards, feeling the weight settle in on top of me. If even my friends couldn’t take a stalker seriously, how could I expect the police to?
December 25, 2025
“Don’t you think it’s too soon to talk about getting another puppy for Christmas?” I asked, stealing another piece of bacon from the plate. “No,” Carol insisted. “You know how sad Crystal’s been since Mistletoe crossed the Rainbow Bridge.” “You mean since the dog died,” I translated, not being one for euphemisms. “Yes. It’s not good for her to cry all the time. She isn’t even excited about Christmas this year,” my wife replied. “But it’s only been a few weeks…”
December 20, 2025
The scent of pine enveloped her as the tinsel on the tree shimmered in the first light of dawn peeking through the front windows.
December 18, 2025
"I need a reason to see you and Dad?"
Another knowing smile. Her head tilted and the right eyebrow went up like always. "Right. When I have to practically send your father in the sleigh after you to drag you up here once a year."
December 13, 2025
I am majestic and glorious. Those lovely evergreen candles add a nice Christmassy touch when people walk in the door. Yet, you spend all your time with that puny, insignificant tree in the other room. You ignore me and all my splendor…”
December 9, 2025
I suppose waiting until Christmas Eve was not the best of ideas. But this is when people are the most desperate and least festive, trying to make the season jolly for their loved ones while feeling inadequate to do so. That makes it the best time to find a target.
November 16, 2025
I fell in love when I first spoke with her. She sits by the window and sips a cappuccino, always in the same seat. Her regular […]
November 12, 2025
Morning. Noon. And night. The sleeves and legs ride high — a regular fit for an irregular frame. Still, it’s keen-o, he thinks. He hollers for a mirror and is obliged. Father D. should’ve seen these threads when he met me this morning.
October 27, 2025
“Forever and ever and ever. Without end. No stop.” The lead demon cackled maniacally, shaking its poker at the newcomer.