“The Seeds You Plant” by Christian Aguiar
What other parents spent on music academies and study trips to New Zealand, she had spent on this little packet . . .
Tag: flash fiction
“The Importance of Being Naked” by Samuel Murphy
As a father, I don’t believe I have yet had my finest hour—and as a father of four little girls, I doubt I ever will. It’s not that I haven’t gently wiped away a tear or two, or bandaged a skinned knee, or made my share of macaroni and cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. I have. But it’s out in public where I mostly fall down . . .
“On the Way to the Clinic” by Randolph Splitter
On the platform between the subway tracks, a young woman was playing the violin. A few dollar bills and coins were scattered over the inside of her case. She played semiclassical versions of pop tunes that Maria couldn’t quite recognize. The music was nice, and the young woman had a sweet, pleasant face, but as soon as she got onto the crowded subway car Maria knew that she had made a mistake. It was a simple procedure, they had said, but not that simple . . .
“A Night at Storytime Hamlet” by Richard Klin
As Chessy slowly approached Thomas’s house, he offered up his usual fervent litany: that Thomas’s mother or father wouldn’t answer the door, and if they did, the strained, obligatory small talk would somehow be less excruciating than usual. But fortune was smiling on him this evening—Thomas was perched right outside. For now, at least, the parents could be avoided . . .
“Cup Check” by Carolyn Smuts
Rule 1.17 Athletic Supporter & Catching Gear Requirements:
All male players must wear athletic supporters; metal, fiber, or plastic type cups are acceptable. Cups must be worn at all times and not removed during breaks or between innings . . .
“Revenant” by Gerri Brightwell
The stink of Thames mud woke me and I knew he was back . . .
“A Sleight of Mouth” by Steve Loring
My brother looked at me. Looked right through me, in fact. An empty Klonopin bottle sat at his feet. Drugs—no big deal. I’d been here before . . .
“Inspiration” by C. Mundie
“Will you stop swearing?” yelled the father . . .