A short story about race, violence, and popcorn — Tommy takes off his bag, placing it for the belt to scan. He walks through the security gate as the machine beeps, “Sir, please take off any metal you have.” Tommy flicks his patient’s wrist at the ticket counter, “Oh, sorry, sir,” The machine says back. …

A short story about finding your way — Yef stares down at the town as the wind picks up from his side. His uncle is there. Yef thinks of how to apologize. His wheelchair feels stiff as Yef’s hands clench down on the rim. He drags himself beside his uncle, who’s watching an ant hole begin. “You know,”…

A short story about feigned fortitude in times of crisis — “Where is he?” “He’s on the lawn. But Je, he’s not doing alright.” “Why?” “You’ll see.” Je walks through the marble halls of the house and zigzags his way down to the lawn. He spots Todor curling around the house hound. “Mr. President?” Je calls from afar. Todor doesn’t look…

A short story about media portrayals, balances of power, and locusts post-COVID19. — A car speeds down a road. The prime minister hunches over her laptop, typing some more. “It’s amazing what you did in your country,” says her regional aide. “You employed millions by asking them to draft future propositions.” The prime minister smiles, catching sight of the tall grass fields outside…

A short story about the truths a mother hides. — A chair stands between Mel and her computer. But a friend sits on the chair. I guess Mel’s doing alright. “I can’t believe we’re leaving.” “Please, Mel. You couldn’t wait to say goodbye.” “But, my moms…” “Oh, quit yapping. Load your vaccine history to the portal, and we’re done.” Mel…

A short story about a vaccine researcher who thinks he’s going to die. — Ailek jerks up. He’s breathing fast. He calms down. Fluid clings to his sheets. Sweat, he tells himself. Human, what a wonderful world. Ailek hangs his lab coat and greets Leta. “Are you okay?” she asks. “You don’t look like yourself. You had a tough night?” He shakes his head…

A short story on co-living spaces, friendship, and lies. — The snow clings to the trees as the train scrapes through the land. The rumble frees the flakes, releasing a powder of reflective glass. Jaicomo lowers the seat’s desk as the train enters the tunnel. He turns on his phone and scrolls the company’s Instagram-Snapchat infused work-channel. “Good job this…

A short story on crafting the next Bible. — The artist lights a match, melting the paint, so it’s no longer dry. The kids look at the empty canvas waiting for the brush. The village is quiet: it’s Sunday, so only the kids are awake. The artist begins to charter the history of what became. “Once upon a time…

A short story on balancing work and family life. — “You look ridiculous,” Musak tells his mother as she dons her white scrubs. “Old habits die hard?” “But we’re in the house, and the pharmacy is closed.” “But I’m doing my job, and lab coats make the patients feel warm.” He takes a bite of his apple. …