A story about Robin Hood, who has been experiencing upsetting dreams.
A Lust for Death (December 2017)
—Ofterdingen, step in front of the mirror. —Yes sir. —Enter Discussion Mode. —Yes sir. I am in Discussion Mode. I will match your level of diction but will continue responding to commands. —Perfect. Ofterdingen, you may sit down. I’m Dr. Sprague. —Hello sir. —You do not need to call me “sir.” —All right. —My assistant, … Continue reading A Lust for Death (December 2017)
“With Distinction” (July 2016)
Verne could not remember the last time he was this happy. His brother, Bowden, was coming home from the war in Afghanistan after eight long years. Delays and reassignments added up like layers of dust, further covering over even the possibility that he would ever come home. But there it was, on paper, on the … Continue reading “With Distinction” (July 2016)
“Camping Trip” (October 2010)
“When I smile at you,” said Randolph, kneeling beside the fire-pit and awakening his fingers on Cassidy’s silken bangs, “I only want you to smile back if that’s how you feel.” She shrugged and lightly pressed his hand away, conscious of the perspiration layering her forehead. “I just don’t like to leave you hanging,” she … Continue reading “Camping Trip” (October 2010)
“A Welcome Haunting” (November 2009)
Jonathan stepped down the metal stairs of his house before remembering they weren’t always made of metal: the image of dark, stained wood, appearing under thin grey carpet sprang out in relief from the surface of the staircase, which glinted in the noonday sunlight seeping through the Venetian blinds, and when the glitter of light … Continue reading “A Welcome Haunting” (November 2009)
“Penalty Kill” (June 2014)
“SHOOT IT YOU MISERABLE...” The television blared the proof of Edward’s failure at top volume, the slow disintegration of his principles, of everything he knew, as Team Captain Dwight Ratchet’s final attempt to score a goal for his team, the Austen Fighters, against their sworn enemy, the Sacramento Terror, ended in ignominious and incontrovertible defeat. … Continue reading “Penalty Kill” (June 2014)
“Men” (August 2015)
Okay, I know I haven't been posting one story every week. I'll try for at least every two weeks. Still have plenty to go. You can't blame me, though. I'm a fiction author 😉 Meantime, enjoy "Men." -ML James watched his uncle, who sat on the log beside the fire. The man smoked quietly, gazing into the … Continue reading “Men” (August 2015)
“The Tone Poet” (ca. November 2006)
translated by Verne Chen. Claude realized he'd left a task undone. He bent once more over his writing desk and added a G Flat major seventh chord onto the page’s last staff. Looking the line over with patient, confident eyes, he heard the tones in his head leave their impressions on him. The overall relief was … Continue reading “The Tone Poet” (ca. November 2006)
“Realizing” (August 2015)
The two ducks rose from the surface of the water and flew away. “Do you think it's because they don't like us?” Marian asked, turning around to speak to her mother. The little girl's absent hands almost let go of the small oar she was using to help propel the boat forward. Her mother, Alita, … Continue reading “Realizing” (August 2015)
“Power” (November 2010)
note: this story was significantly edited before being posted here. trigger warning: discusses rape "About that uniform, respect it. You have to respect it, even when you’re lying with a woman." -Manlio Argueta, One Day of Life There. His gun. On the mantel, beside my bracelet. He is sleeping. I’m going to take his weapon … Continue reading “Power” (November 2010)
bymarkludas 