This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt from June 15, 2026: Write a story where the character is trapped in a closet with a stranger. A Closet of Thieves The room smelled of death and opportunity. I crept in through the window that had been left open to air out the…
Tag: fiction
Ghost in the Machine
Ghost in the Machine “Mom, it’s not real!” “Please! Don’t shout.” “It’s not him. It’s just an AI-generated version of Dad. You can’t even talk to him.” “I miss him so much.” “And I don’t? I’m his son. But he’s dead, Mom.” “You’re cruel.” “It’s not healthy.” As soon as he left, she put on…
The Cameraman
Written as a response to the Muse on Monday prompt for June 1, 2026: Write a story about something caught on camera The Cameraman The man held the phone steady, filming the trio of thirteen-year-olds sitting in the booth across the McDonalds dining area. They were talking and laughing, completely in their own little world. He zoomed…
Tourist to the Uncanny Valley
Tourist to the Uncanny Valley The market outside the tourist attraction was crowded. “Sir, you buy postcard? Three for a dollar.” A little girl held out an assortment of postcards. There was something just off about her face and voice, the uncanny valley of 99% accuracy. I realized she was an android. She looked up…
Manly in Pink
Written as a response to the Muse on Monday prompt for May 25, 2026: Write a story where a mistake ends up being beneficial Manly in Pink “So what’s this?” my neighbor Trent asked, swaggering over from his garage to stare at the truck-sized box in my driveway. “Nothing,” I said casually, trying to keep the smugness…
One Small Step for Kid
One Small Step for Kid “I just feel weird sending our child alone into space,” Jessica said. “She’s seven,” I said. “She’s not a baby. Plus, she’s just going to the moon for a playdate. What could go wrong?” “And Tiffany’s with her.” Tiffany, the onboard AI would do all the actual driving. “Still ….
Grid Games
This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt for May 18, 2026: Write a story about a game Grid Games The chalked grid on the wall outside my door was two lines crossed with two more. A piece of chalk was wedged into a crack nearby. It was a pretty obvious tic-tac-toe setup, even…
The Human Key
The Human Key 1567 calories daily. 2059 steps. Daily measurements. This is the clockwork-like regime of a human key. We of the palace sanctum called The Ring must perpetually be the exact right size to unlock our Door when summoned. * * * A hand over my mouth. Rough hands dragging me from bed. I…
Wilson’s Flora Mortuary
Wilson’s Flora Mortuary Welcome to Wilson’s Flora Mortuary. Sorry for your loss. What was it? A cherry tree, 4 months old? A tragedy. They’re so fragile at that age. Here at Wilson’s, we handle funerals for everything from flowers to fully grown trees. Mostly houseplants, honestly. We can have the service here or outside. Did…
My Sister’s Keeper
Written as a response to the Muse on Monday prompt for May 4, 2026: Write a story that has to do with household chores My Sister’s Keeper I dip my hands into the scalding dishwater. As hot as you can stand it, my mother always said. “I’ve been taking care of her for my whole life. I…
The Green-Walled Treehouse 