I wrote these two drabbles as my entry for the Frank Darcy Award at Phoenix Convention VIII.
The Box
Ann shivered as she walked back to her desk from lunch. Even for winter, the office felt unnaturally cold, and the chicken soup she’d had for lunch had done little to warm her. She pushed through the fire doors separating the office from the canteen and looked across the room. Not surprisingly, she was...
The Statement of John Forthright
January 5th, 1823 It was the depths of nighttime when Martha and I arrived in the tiny seaside village of Innsmouth, madly in love, and despite her father’s strongest condemnation, intent on finding passage to a new life in Australia. As we reached the main street, a flicker of lightning tore across the heavens,...
No Escape
The baker’s eyes narrowed as he examined the stranger in the flickering candle-light. It was almost five o’clock, closing time, and this man would be the last customer of the day. He had an average build and height, but wore a hooded cloak which cast a shadow across his face. He also wore an...
Peter the Mouse
This is the story of a mouse who got into rather a lot of trouble. Once upon a time, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, of 23 Mousely Way, had a baby who they called Peter. “We shall name him after my father,” said Mr. Mouse, as he gazed into the crib, and Mrs. Mouse agreed...
Any Other Day
1/13 It felt damn good to drive this car, Bill thought as he turned off the slip road and sped out onto the motorway. He eased down on the accelerator with his right foot and felt the Porsche rumble beneath him, purring like a contented cat. The whole experience made him feel like a...