This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt from September 7, 2026: Write a story about a character with a prosthetic body part. Low Brow, No Brow I woke up with my ears still ringing. The last thing I remembered was laughing as I tossed that bundle of firecrackers into the bonfire. While…
Tag: short story
The Secret in the Candles
This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt from August 3, 2026: Write a story about an obsolete piece of technology. The Secret in the Candles “May I come in?” It wasn’t a request. Evelyn stood aside numbly as the well-dressed man stepped inside the house. He did not need a uniform or…
Human Blood Worms
This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt from June 22, 2026: Write a story about trying a new food. Human Blood Worms Embassy Report 8373929-34 It is my 11th day on Earth. The inhabitants are respectful and are anxious to make me feel at home. The climate in the city where…
A Closet of Thieves
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
My House Doesn’t Trust Me
This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt of April 6, 2026: Write a story about a character breaking into their own house. My House Doesn’t Trust Me I was five steps down my front path on the way to the car when I realized I’d forgotten my keys inside the now-locked…
The First Night
This story is a response to the Muse on Monday prompt of March 23, 2026: Write a story about going to sleep. The First Night The lights die with a mechanical clunk and darkness suffocates me like a woolen shroud. I try not to move on my bunk. Every breath seems to make the metal…
The Green-Walled Treehouse 