Virtual Heaven

[LEAH FAIRCHILD’S COMPUTER>>PROGRAM PC0.0][DATE>>12/21/2023][TIME>>02:37, PST] >>LEAH     Persistent vegetative state.     The doctors said that I had no awareness. They said I couldn’t recognize even my own husband.      They said it was a mercy to let me die.     Before administering the drugs that would kill me, Arien hovered at the edge of my bed. His white coat…

Snapshots, 090619

In the seat in front of me, a girl's voice teases upward into a laugh. Between the window and the seat, her face is framed by light and a smartphone pressed to her ear; she's talking to someone she loves. The sun is hard in its heat and soft in its rays, and swaddles me…

Rainfall

To my grandpa---I love you always. An unacknowledged fear divides us, holds us back with steel, rolled and cold, drawing the warmth of our hands every time we dare touch the edge. We keep a safe distance. We observe each other, one hand outstretched, the rain of the skies falling all around us. The rain…

Water and Storybooks

Inspired by one of my dreams, from a few days ago.  I'm honestly confused as to what exactly it means . . . Grey water, a sheen of rainbow oil threaded through it, lapped at my neck.  A cold chill nipped at my skin, but inside I was impervious to it.  The sinking ferry, yards…

Sparks

One of my dreams, from June 10th 2018. Sparks flew. They were like fireflies, little flames of orange light, there one moment and gone the next.  It could have been a trick of the eye, but I knew they were there.  I could feel it. It burned on contact and the house was engulfed completely in tongues…

Don’t Complain, Phil

A veteran goldfish recounts his life.  Based on a true story.

Guessing Wrong

I will never guess wrong. Even if the teacher sears me to death with his gaze, if I rot in my chair, or if I make a fool of myself by keeping silent, I will never guess wrong. My heart thuds beneath my ribcage, a cold sweat breaks out on my palms, and I can…