Bianca J. Cook

A Harsh Rejection at the Desk Mark Hail brought his heavy wooden stamp down onto the paper folder, slamming red ink across the medical claim form. He pushed the folder back across the polished wooden desk toward Martha Carter. Martha stood in her faded blue janitor uniform, clutching a thin manila envelope against her waist. … Read more

An Unjust Claim A man in a beige button-down shirt snatched a written paper check directly from a waitress’s open hand. He gripped the slip of paper firmly while standing beside the register counter, his voice rising in anger. The waitress, seven months pregnant and dressed in a light blue uniform apron, reached outward to … Read more

A Sudden Drop On The Curb A heavy black trash bag flew out of the open driver-side window and hit the dark asphalt with a dull thud. The dark SUV slowed along the edge of the residential street, its engine humming quietly near the sidewalk. Inside the vehicle, a young man in a black leather … Read more

A Cold Reception at the Counter The bank teller pointed his finger toward the double doors and demanded that the security guard escort the older man out of the lobby. The visitor stood near the marble counter wearing a tattered blue henley shirt torn at the shoulders and faded dark trousers tucked into dusty work … Read more

A Sudden Struggle on the Asphalt A dark, sharp-toothed polecat lunged forward and sank its jaws toward the female mallard’s wing right along the edge of the pavement. Feathers scattered across the grey stone as the male mallard stepped squarely between them, spreading his wings wide to shield his mate. A passing motorcycle slowed to … Read more

An Unwelcome Visitor A cook in a crisp white uniform lowered a dinner plate with a freshly made burger onto the table in front of a man wearing a dirt-stained work jacket. The man looked down at the hot food, picking up his fork while the chef offered a warm smile. Before he could take … Read more

Cruel Dismissal On The Sidewalk A red-haired store employee gripped the rubber handles of a wheelchair and pushed an elderly woman through the glass double doors into the rain. The red-haired woman stepped back into the doorway, her black suit fitted tightly against her frame, and called out across the pavement that people like her … Read more

An Awkward Confrontation at the Dining Table An older man with graying hair sits quietly at a white-clothed table, holding open a dinner menu. He wears a brown suede jacket with a frayed shoulder seam and a plain collared shirt beneath it. A waiter wearing a sharp black tuxedo steps beside the table and leans … Read more

A Confrontation At Thirty Thousand Feet A flight attendant marched down the aisle of the airplane, her gaze locked on an elderly woman resting in a first-class seat. “Ma’am, excuse me, you need to move,” the attendant barked, resting her hands on her hips. “This is first class.” The seated passenger, clutching a leather handbag … Read more

A Confrontation in the Lobby The bank employee extended his arm and stepped directly into the path of the older man. He shoved his chest forward, cutting off access to the main counter behind him. The older gentleman stopped in his tracks, adjusting his suit jacket as he looked at the employee. He stated his … Read more

A Shadow in the Dust A small beige puppy pawed at the smooth plastic wall of the clear container trapped over its head. Its tiny body lay flat against the dry, dirt-covered ground near the tree line. Dust stirred beneath its scratching claws as its chest rose and fell in rapid, shallow breaths. A white … Read more

A Cold Reception The older man rested his hand on the dark metallic paint of the luxury SUV while the salesman crossed his arms. Standing in his tailored grey suit, the young salesman looked down at the customer’s brown tweed jacket and dark trousers. He shook his head slowly, taking a small step back. “Sir, … Read more