Friday Fictioneers

#FF — Shattered Impasse

Shattered Impasse Each night it’s the same dream. I’m at a crossroads, where options are presented with faded, though legible signs. Just as in waking life, I’m paralyzed, unable to make a decision. “Get your fat ass out of bed and make my breakfast!!!!!” His roar from the kitchen rouses me. My warm feet feel…

#FF — The Prisoner

The Prisoner Lines and brick, what does it mean? She sees them when she closes her eyes at lights-out. She palpates her temples, feeling deep grooves from electrodes’ repeat scarring. Her jaws clench and she shudders in sympathetic memory of cold metal tables and burly, hairy arms holding her down. Her fetal curl tightens. She…

#FF — Collector (warning: dark)

Collector It began when three-year-old Jerry watched Father drop Mother to her knees by raising an eyebrow. His developing personhood vibrated knowing that Father could exert domain over Mother so easily. Jerry’s being glows watching Father’s sway over his congregants. He notices it is only over females — and children. He spies through the peephole,…

#FF — Practice Makes Perfect

Practice Makes Perfect Born traveling, son of Ivan the Strongman and Sirena, the only Mermaid in captivity, Eggbert finally asked Mr. Barnum for permission to start his own act. After hearing the pitch, Mr. Barnum agreed, but only if he performed under Mystical Umbrella with Tatiana, the Tarot Card Reader and Indica, the Snake Charmer….

#FF — The Hotel Frederick

The Hotel Frederick It’s where old writers go to die. Stone steps welcome. Stable arches affirm. Windows manifest transparency. Moon-light guides through unlockable doors. Pietra, Librarian and Hostess, greets you with her Bodhisattva smile and shows you to your room, #317. Belle, in #318, hears your vintage Royal tapping through the wall. Soon her tap…

#FF — The Temple

The Temple I meet Jeremy at a political rally. He’s selling buttons that are pinned to his white robe. Jeremy looks like a young George Harrison. He mesmerizes me with his smile and soothing tones. On the back of my purchased “Clean Water for MI” button, I notice contact information for The Temple. “What’s the…

#FF — Idyll

Idyll Lines and curves, shadows and light plaid themselves along the water. It’s an idyll I settled into after selling my home: seven-hundred square feet; one pet allowed; in-unit washer and dryer; roomy basement storage sections; and no H.O.A. fee! I rise early, drink cuppajoe, and head out on my bicycle to CoffeeCat to sip,…