A Valentine’s Day Miracle

A Valentine’s Day Miracle I was hiking the glacier when I saw a woman lying below the surface of the ice, eyes closed. I chipped the ice until her bluish-white skin was exposed. Suddenly she breathed in and opened her eyes. “Thank you, sir,” she said as I helped her up. “I got lost in…

Got a Light?

Got a Light? Quintus just needed to melt the ice to get a drink. He felt in his pockets for a dragon. He pulled out a pygmy griffon that yawned and curled up in his palm. He swore he had a dragon. Maybe in his other jacket. Even a chimera would do. A shadow fell…

The Flame that Burns on in the Darkness

The Flame that Burns on in the Darkness Flame wars were harder after the Internet disappeared. James pulled the paper off the raven’s leg. “Ur a idiot and ur political ideas r stupid!” he read. James growled and grabbed some paper. “takes 1 to no 1,” he wrote and attached it to the bird’s leg….

Luddite Philanthropy

Luddite Philanthropy People whispered about the creepy house because that is what people do. It had hundreds of shoes hanging from one outside wall. People said that they were trophies from the owner’s victims. Gossip leads to accusations, then to investigations, so the police stopped by. Mrs. Hodges, 92 and half blind, sat while the…

Shoppers from Elsewhere

Shoppers from Elsewhere Our tables were ready when the Others stepped through the Door, otherworldly eyes wide and curious. They circulated the flea market, buying goods before returning to wherever they came from. No one knew. Or cared. They liked plastic, and they paid in platinum, making every 37th day a jackpot. A woman (probably)…

You Can’t Miss It

You Can’t Miss It “Stop! That’s the one.” “He said it had a green door.” “That is green.” “You sure? Looks yellow. I think it’s just a greenish light.” “Well, he said it’s the house with the green door, said we couldn’t miss it.” “You wanna go knock?” “Go up and ask if this is…

Bore of the Worlds

Bore of the Worlds When the lights came to Earth, displaying powers beyond anyone’s comprehension, everyone just assumed they’d take over the world. Instead, they ran for city council in Sudbury, Ontario. They ran on a platform of public parks and fixing infrastructure instantly through cosmic rays. They won. As years passed, world leaders flew…

The Window

The Window The cabin was small, but the window faced the beach. He spent hours standing there, just looking out. The wind probably felt cool and smelled briny. Maybe I’ll take a walk. For the 5725th day in a row, he decided not to. Maybe tomorrow. The light flickered. The projection screen died. In poured…

Yarns for Science

Yarns for Science “Be creative,” Mom said. “But not too creative,” Dad said. “80 skeins of yarn, please,” Travis said. “That’ll be $220,” the shopkeeper said. “Plus tax.” “I hope coins are okay,” Shane said. *         *         * “We received a complaint,” the cop said. “About this.” He pointed to the yarn contraption. “It’s a…

Maid My Skin Crawl

Maid My Skin Crawl “You killed her!” Janice said. We stood regarding the prone figure on the floor. “I’m sorry!” I protested. “I came out of the bathroom and saw a doll with glowing eyes.” Matt picked up the doll. “Well, they’re not glowing anymore. What did you do?” “Exorcism . . . I panicked.”…