Uncertain Shape

On his way back to the bar, Mark saw his previous stool was free. Crawling onto it again, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, observing a glass spiderweb overlaying his face. He laughed for no one, then raised his hand, beckoning the bartender. She smiled back. Steepling fingers in front of his chin,… — read more

Robert was lost in the chair. Twelve years of use had caused everything to sink. The back was loose and barely hung on. The cushions smelled human, and the carpet under his shoes was stained beige. His front window was dirty, and the sun turned it white. It was Thursday. Thursday was boring. The ottoman… — read more

She pulled up to pump 5. The seat leather stuck to the back of her thighs. The cracked leather scratched her legs. She opened the door and slipped down to the ground. Moving around to the far side, she looked at the interface. It took her a moment, but she selected cash. She selected fifty,… — read more

Colors Alex sat in a large wooden chair. The camp was quiet, and he saw no movement outside the tent flap. He knew the moon was tall in the sky because the grass was silver. He sipped German brandy. It was a nighttime treat that became a habit. It was good brandy. “What did that… — read more

Inside a cramped cockpit sat two aliens. What they looked like is still the subject of national security. The pilot we’ll call Don. The navigator was Horace. They muttered to themselves in short bursts and made minimal hand gestures. The control panel in front of Horace suddenly lit up, blinking blue. He pushed back in… — read more

The music from the house speakers was loud. John could feel the bass notes in his chest. He stepped out of the way of the incoming humans. He surveyed the room. The bartender looked like she was twelve years old, which was why she worked here. She cultivated a crop of red hair, which she… — read more

Vipers Laura stood in front of the dresser. It was waist-high, and she leaned against it, hands on top. Her head hung, relaxed. On the dresser was a jewelry box. Piled neatly in front of it was a silver necklace with a silver cross. She picked it up, letting the chain slip through her fingers.… — read more

Nathan was underneath. He looked down the length of her. Smooth. She was so smooth, except for two small mounds that hung towards him. The backs of his hands were on the floor by his ears. Laura had her hands on his forearms, and she squeezed them. He had been holding his breath, afraid to… — read more

Matt brought the package with him back to the car. The lady he had encountered was pretty rough. She acted like she’d seen his face a hundred times and had never approved once. Matt put her out of his mind. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he dialed his employer. “This is Joanne. Who’s… — read more

Happy Faces A joke was made at a politician’s expense. “Ha!” shouted Ilia. “Such a bastard.” The corner of the bar where she sat was quiet. Peter leaned forward and absorbed the bouquet of his beer. Anne leaned back and put her hands on her lap. “Well? Isn’t he?” asked Ilia. A cheery grin sat… — read more