Posts Tagged ‘ Fiction ’

“Housewarming,” by PS Zhang

Apr 20th, 2023 | By

My sister Mindy recently hosted the type of party where acquaintances posing as friends compliment you while simultaneously judging your life decisions and aesthetics. The dialogue is predictably catty. “It’s so ambitious to take on a fixer. You must not be too busy at work.” “I love these floor-to-ceiling windows. What a view! Must be a nightmare to clean.”



“Men’s Rights Activists Resurrect Charles Bronson,” by Austin Wilson

Apr 20th, 2023 | By

Charles Bronson’s corpse lay at the feet of four men in the Rest-Go back room. Their chanting covered the sound of the freezer humming to keep the ice cream sandwiches from melting.



“Scrapes,” by Trevor Conway

Apr 20th, 2023 | By

I walked into a pole one sunny afternoon. It was the makings of me. Never saw the thing. One of them tall, slender, grey yokes that melt into the background if you’re not paying attention. I felt like it did something to me. Whether temporary or permanent, I wasn’t sure. But change was afoot. I could feel it. Could end up with a job by the end of the day, I reckoned. Which frightened the life out of me.



“Do Buddhist Dogs Have Fleas?” by Gail Mackenzie-Smith

Apr 20th, 2023 | By

It happens fast.

First you refuse to eat anything with a face.

Milk, eggs, and cheese soon follow.



“Dick Tea,” by Ariel Castagna

Apr 20th, 2023 | By

Anita envied the wind-chimes. Their moans taunted her as she knocked on the oak door. She needed to steady her breath, so she allowed herself to slump, back flat, against the frame of the house. She hadn’t made much progress when the door creaked open. Anita leapt off of the siding, but she didn’t see who she was expecting. “Sorry. I must have made a mistake. I—”