Jin-sun jolted awake to the sound of the phone ringing. “Meet me in Seoul,” his sister said. “It is time.” The Gwangkang market in Seoul was abuzz with life. Traditional dishes were served at food stalls and shops that were handed down from one family member to another. Jin-sun and his sister entered the pork dumpling shop where…
The Baker wished for a fairytale version of life. One that did not include lies and deceit. He had a gift, but rarely used it. Growing tired of the world as it was, he placed inside his cookie dough a small amount of magic. When someone took a bite of a cookie, their face would appear brilliant red to…
He led her by the hand deep inside the forest. Sitting beneath the shade of an ancient banyan tree, its branches reached to the ground and embraced her. A serene expression fluttered across her face, and then she was gone. No one in the village believed him when he said, “The tree took her.” Years passed. He was…
The quiet of the morning replaced the soothing sounds of the night. The tide had pulled away from the shore, taking with it the gentle rushing waves. I stood as the sun rose and looked to the horizon. What waited for me? Did it matter? My mother had sold me to a stranger, a much older man. Warm breath…
The door to the apartment building stands open. The dingy hallway beyond is anything but inviting. But, I made a promise. I peek through the slot into the mailbox. It is empty. She is already at home. I follow the man who entered the building before me. He was back to finish the job. As we climb the stairs together, the…
Ambrosia had been trapped for centuries. She scratched the name Silas on the walls of her prison. He had buried her deep, planted roses atop her grave. The day finally arrived. The ground moved. She knew she was free. Sensing it was daytime, she waited until night before pushing open the lid to her coffin and digging upwards. She broke the surface. The…
“Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah…” Natalie sang softly. Her husband called from the other room, “What?” “Strumming on the old banjo,” she finished before calling back. “It’s a song my grandmother used to sing.” Natalie smiled sadly as a pang of nostalgia shivered through her. ~~ Adeline opened the door to a delivery boy of the…
I stand on the platform and wait. Some trains speed through the station, and I do not have the chance to board. When a train slows down, I ask myself, do I get on or let it pass? Others give advice. But, I must choose for myself. There are times, as a train leaves the station, doubt assails me. I ask…
When Elena finished reading the news, she sighed and leaned back in her chair. Oy, why do I read this stuff? Her mind traveled backward in time. She stood as a little girl in the middle of her elementary school’s playground, watching the happenings around her. The push and shove of the schoolyard scraps, the bullies taunting…
Bathed in the warm glow of the spotlight, she bowed to the applause of the patrons calling for more. She sat at the baby grand. The music flowed from her soul. A harsh voice burst the bubble of her dream. “Get back to work!” Rising slowly, she brushed at her stained tunic, grabbed her broom, and limped toward…
The use of computers and the introduction of the internet rendered office supplies nearly obsolete. But, still, every business had a room full. I took off my lab coat and donned a cheap suit. I bought as much of the unwanted stock as possible. People were happy to rid themselves of their unnecessary junk. At least, that was before the…
Clémence was the spirit of mercy, kindness, gentleness. She looked around the world, and found very little of it. Gone was goodwill toward a fellow-sojourner in life, love for a neighbor of a different sort, and good cheer for a holiday season. As Clémence journeyed, she fell into despair. She petitioned the Highest to change her essence. It was granted, and she…
