by Karen Thrower The door to my cabana crashed open, I screamed as a man ran inside backwards, dragging a body through the sand. “What the hell!” “We need to hide!” He whispered harshly and slammed the cabana door shut. The smell of blood hit my nose, and I realised the body in the […]
by David D. West Wave after wave of the pink-feathered birds fell as the group held out, but the onslaught continued. “How many more of these damned birds am I going to have to kill?” the nun shouted, voice wavering. Beside her, Toto bared his teeth and lashed out at a flamingo. The bird […]
by Pauline Yates Oblivious to my predicament, Bob casts his fishing line into the marsh. “Did you hear about that dodgy cosmetics factory,” he says. “They trialled a new hair colour on flamingos, but the birds reacted to the red dye and killed everyone. Then the birds escaped, can you believe it?” “Ah, Bob?” […]
by Kimberly Rei War between neighbouring nations had been raging for years. No one alive remembered why it started, they only knew their armies were demolished and they were desperate. They turned to their animals for salvation. Technology would win the day, they prayed as they outfitted farm beasts for battle. “Incoming! Take cover!” […]
by N.E. Rule Elle stares in wonder at the profusion of bright clothing draped throughout the forest. “Jamie, who dresses trees?” Some trunks were wrapped in shreds, others were more freshly clad. “Check out this!” A sapling grew straight through a pale pink onesie. Twigs sprouted from the armhole in a cheerful wave. But […]
by Steven Holding Skid Row: rock bottom of the barrel and the bottle. A place where every kind of bad dream has been and gone. Here, the dregs dredge up their sins; beg to escape the pain of sadness, seeking absolution from a damned mad god that’s seen all a man is capable of. […]
by Gully Novaro The sand castle occupied a vast area. Twisted towers, ornate walls, a deep moat. Hard to believe this architectural wonder came from a non-verbal five-year-old. Andy didn’t need words, the beach communicated through thoughts and feelings. Those had always been enough. Anger approached them; the beach grew alert. Andy sent a […]
by Andrew Anderson Evie always walked alone in the twilight woods. She would walk the trails, litter-picking and marvelling at the sounds of the evening. This was an ancient place, one she cared for, which in turn respected her wish for solitude. Not tonight, though. It had allowed someone else into her private domain—a […]
by Eric Clayton They light their fires in a circle, an old wives’ tale ward to keep away they-know-not-what. But in the darkness, the flames illuminate my sky, warm my back, reveal the presence of those who trespass upon my sacred temple. Every twig that snaps under their ill-fitting boots I deem a sacrilege. […]
by Kai Delmas The girl crashed through the forest shrubbery seeking aid, refuge, salvation. Her fear tingled my leaves and thrummed through the earth into my roots. Her gods were not going to save her, but I could. I opened my trunk to let her slip inside. I absorbed her tears and hushed her […]