Tall Tales

Of Bricks and Mortar
The world went still. Then a roar broke through the silence, rattling the corrugated iron of the shelter. Tilly thought her ears might burst. There was a loud, stuttering whine, as if a hundred engines had stalled, then the explosions began again.

Read the full story here: https://www.suddenlyandwithoutwarning.com/of-bricks-and-mortar/

Marissa’s Disappearing Act Marissa’s hands were the first things to disappear. She walked along the cobweb-infested hallway, trying not to sneeze into the casserole as dust tickled her sinuses. She couldn’t wait to put the dish down so she could scratch her nose, but when she glanced hopefully at her hands they weren’t there. 

Read the full story here: https://www.suddenlyandwithoutwarning.com/marissas-disappearing-act/

Penny Royal Four months went by and the baby grew as babies do. Iris had picked mangoes to satisfy her cravings, leaning over the sink as she bit into the succulent flesh, sweet juice dripping onto the enamel. It had been summer as her stomach rounded, the heat seeping into her bones, no amount of ice on her neck or wrists able to ease the fire. 

Read the full story here: https://tclj.toasted-cheese.com/tag/josephine-queen/

Instructions on How to Grieve There’s not much inside, maybe one piece of paper folded in three, but it’s as heavy as a lifetime. 

Read the full story here (2nd place story in the NYCM inaugural 500-word-challenge): https://www.nycmidnight.com/stories/instructions-on-how-to-grieve

Defying Gravity And it will be the sight of the empty vase and the faint smell of perfume that still lingers that will bring gravity rushing down on you, and only your husband’s and daughter’s arms will keep you from sinking through the floor.

Read the full piece here: https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/downloads/printable/105-FE1-Q42022EssayContest-Kay-Bowman.html