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…
Tag: fiction
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…
2001: A Taste Odyssey
2001: A Taste Odyssey “The best part of space exploration is setting down on an unknown planet, shooting the first thing you meet and roasting it over a charcoal fire. Sitting back under alien stars and digging into some interstellar brisket, now that’s pure heaven. “Sure, sometimes you accidentally bag a sentient, maybe even a…
History is in the Eye of the Beholder
Written as a response to the Muse on Monday prompt: Write a story based around a death or funeral History is in the Eye of the Beholder The king was dead, finally. The blessedly-late Kale XXVIII had white-knuckled onto life for 116 years until he had finally meandered away from his mortal coil. Now the…
Probably a Phase
Probably a Phase “It’s a dreamcatcher,” his son said. “Ah,” Tim said, staring at the artistic horror. “Why are there chicken guts in it?” “Because it’s an evil dreamcatcher. To curse people.” It’s a phase, Tim thought. He’s going through a phase. “Cool . . .” he said aloud. “How?” “It uses a person’s possession…
A Year in Abeyance
A Year in Abeyance I decided to take 2026 off. No social media; no media at all: just me and my sailboat meandering around the Pacific. I left San Diego on December 31, 2025. “Call if you need anything,” I told my brother as I left. I’d left my phone at home. 365 days. Warm…
The Green-Walled Treehouse 