Story

A Worn Wallet On A White Tablecloth The elderly man flipped open his faded leather billfold with trembling fingers, searching empty compartments while staring down at an empty porcelain plate. A suited floor manager leaned over the table, his eyebrows drawn tight and his teeth clenched as he questioned whether the customer could actually pay … Read more

Laughter Across the Booth An elderly man lifted a white ceramic mug to his lips, taking a slow sip of black coffee at a roadside diner booth. Behind him, three men clad in black leather vests leaned over their laminated table, pointing fingers and bursting into loud, mocking laughter. One of the men, wearing a … Read more

A Confrontation at the Head Table An older woman in a black and gold gown jabbed her index finger inches from the young bride’s chest. She leaned across the decorated banquet table, her mouth open in a sharp grimace as guests watched from their seats. The bride pulled the white fabric of her vintage lace … Read more

A Shelter in the Downpour An elderly street vendor sat hunched beside his wooden cart of lemons, pressing both palms firmly against his wet face. Rain poured across the slick asphalt as pedestrians hurried past beneath wide black umbrellas, looking straight ahead. Beside the cart, a golden retriever sat motionless in the puddles, resting its … Read more

A Heavy Morning on the Curb A pregnant woman leaned forward against the handle of her broom, dragging dry leaves and discarded coffee cups along the concrete curb. She rested one palm flat against her lower back, pausing between strokes to catch her breath under the morning sun. A trio of black motorcycles rumbled down … Read more

A Sudden Wall of Water Tires cut through a deep curb pool and threw a wave of brown street water straight across the sidewalk. The grey plastic tarp covering the man on the pavement collapsed under the sudden weight of the blast. Dirty runoff dripped from his beard and soaked through his wool layers. A … Read more

A Tiny Figure on the Steel Rails Four small paws planted firmly between the wooden ties as the puppy lifted his chin and barked directly at the oncoming locomotive. Sparks shot from the steel wheels as the heavy metal engine ground to an abrupt halt just yards in front of the small golden dog. Passengers … Read more

A Sudden Leap Along The Paved Path Four paws left the concrete as the golden-brown dog sprang straight into the air, clamping its teeth firmly around the bun in the man’s right hand. The man in the blue polo shirt pulled his arm back, his mouth dropping open into a wide, startled circle while holding … Read more

Counting The Last Coins Fingerless gray gloves slid across the cold metal tabletop, pushing two crumpled dollar bills and a handful of nickels into a small pile. An elderly man in a heavy charcoal coat leaned over the table, his breath rising in pale clouds into the chill morning air. He checked the worn leather … Read more

A Cold Exchange At The Driveway The man in the charcoal suit flicked a set of car keys through the bright midday air toward the valet standing in front of him. His fingers released the metal ring with a quick snap of the wrist, letting the heavy fob spin across the short distance between them. … Read more

A Sudden Fall On The Concrete An elderly woman’s wooden cane slipped against the pavement, sending her knees crashing onto the hard sidewalk. She collapsed directly in front of a metal hot dog cart, her hands scraping against the gritty ground as her bag dropped beside her. Behind the cart, the young worker dropped her … Read more

An Unprovoked Attack On The Dance Floor A manicured hand reached forward from behind the silk dress and clamped tightly onto a cascade of blonde locks. With one sharp downward yank, the long hair separated completely from the young woman’s scalp. Gasps rippled across the polished parquet floor. The blonde wig dangled loosely in the … Read more