Uncertain Shape

Roger stepped out of the liquor store. The rain was cold and getting colder. Turning right, Roger walked for several blocks. He found a street with crawling cars. He turned left and walked in the same direction as them. Crisscrossed arms held his coat closed. Whiskey sloshed in a bottle in his inside pocket. The… — read more

Nick pulled up across from 141 Hackles St. He dropped his kickstand, leaned into it, and got off his bike. He looked at the house – he was nervous. What was he going to say to her? Would she even be here? The house was three stories, gray and old. Rotating colors pressed against the… — read more

Jeff pulled into the parking lot, hoping for a convenient spot. He found one, four rows in. Someone must have recently left. He swung in, facing the five-story, concrete daycare. It blocked the sunrise, even absorbing the pink sky. Eyes closed, Jeff took three deep breaths, venting each to the count of his heartbeat. He… — read more

Sally dug her heels into the sand. Warm, gritty. The ocean was steel blue—not the green, foamy water of the southern states. Waves broke far off; only small ones reached shore. Footprints stretched along the waterline. The tide took them as it came in. Some filled with water before they were gone. There were no… — read more

Betty sat on the ottoman and looked out the window. She had to pee. She saw a squirrel streak across the grass. She watched another one follow it. She couldn’t hold her bladder any longer. She jumped down and padded to the front door. One paw stepped in a puddle. She squatted down and peed.… — read more