Bianca J. Cook

A Slammed Fist on the Desk The man’s clenched fist slammed flat against the wooden counter, rattling the white document resting beneath his knuckles. His face twisted into a hard grimace as he leaned forward over the counter, teeth bared. “The decision is final,” he barked, driving his fist down one more time onto the … Read more

Tearing the Records The senior officer gripped the manila envelope, ripped the papers inside clean down the center, and dropped the shredded pieces into the gray plastic bin beside the desk. He dusted his palms together above the counter. His brass ribbons caught the glare of the fluorescent ceiling lights as he straightened the cuffs … Read more

Hands on the Metal The soldier rested both palms against the smooth top of the steel toolbox, eyes fixed forward as the timer began. Across from her, an instructor in camouflage held a clipboard, his thumb poised over a stopwatch while another recruit stood with crossed arms, smirking. The words of mockery lingered in the … Read more

The Heavy Black Bag The dark zipper pulled open across the black nylon bag, uncovering a dull metal receiver. Staff Sergeant Travis Kane shifted his weight on the bleachers, his mouth stretching wide as he called across the concrete divider. His head tilted back while his shoulders stayed squared in his desert fatigues. A row … Read more

A Tattered Binder On Polished Marble An elderly woman placed a worn, fraying leather folder onto the pristine marble counter of a busy downtown bank. Her knuckles were weathered, and the hem of her dark skirt bore smudges of street dust beneath an unraveling teal cardigan. Behind the glass partition, a uniformed security officer leaned … Read more

A Sudden Rejection at the Desk The agent slapped her open palm against the counter and shoved the faded canvas duffel bag back toward the passenger’s chest. Her voice cut through the airport terminal as she pointed toward the exit. She told him the area was for ticketed check-ins, not a charity shelter. The older … Read more

Turn Away From The Counter Victor gripped the older man’s elbow and shoved him back toward the row of plastic lobby chairs. The man’s frayed brown coat shifted under the grip, revealing tears along the shoulder seams and faded gray cotton beneath. “Your appointment is canceled,” Victor said, his fingers tightening around the folder resting … Read more

A Sudden Interruption at Table Seven The waiter slammed the leather-bound menu flat onto the white tablecloth, rattling the polished silver forks. An older man with gray hair and a weathered brown jacket sat quietly, his worn boots resting flat against the parquet flooring. His fingers gripped a frayed, cloth-bound notebook resting on his lap … Read more

A Public Betrayal In Front Of A Room Of Guests Grant Harlow raised a flute of sparkling champagne and curled his arm around a younger woman in a shimmering gold gown. Across the linen-draped table, his wife Danielle sat motionless with both hands resting flat against the tablecloth. A large banner behind them displayed congratulations … Read more

A Cruel Joke In The Lunchroom A manicured hand reached across the cafeteria table and snatched a single slice of dry white bread from a brown paper sack. Zuri sat motionless, her braided hair falling forward as her gaze remained fixed on the plastic cup of tap water in front of her. The girl in … Read more

Turned Away at the Door A waitress pushed open the glass front door of the diner and thrust an empty serving tray forward, ordering a young man in a worn hooded sweatshirt to stop blocking the entrance. The young man lowered his eyes, pressed his lips tight, and turned toward the empty sidewalk without uttering … Read more

Cast Out In The Downpour Both of the man’s hands slammed into her shoulders, driving her backward onto the soaked grass. Water splashed across her dark jacket as she hit the mud, her palms sliding through the drenched turf. He turned his back immediately and walked into the gray haze of the park without turning … Read more