Category: Fiction
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You had to be there
I was starting to get rather peeved, but this person was my guest, the only one to actually show up. Finishing their introduction with a clear warning, he said, “This was a lovely party, but I must be returning now, and I trust you’ll tell the public the right thing come tomorrow.”. He settled back…
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Help is on the way
[Connecting…] [A licensed medical professional will answer your questions in a moment. Thank you for your patience.] [Connecting…] [You are connected to Dr. Eliza Smith. Please state your medical inquiry in plain English.] > My rash is whispering to me [I am sorry. Would you like a referral for an over-the-counter remedy? Please answer YES…
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Onward
Peter paid for his coffee during the morning rush, like he always did these days. He occasionally wondered whether the drink he purchased here held any power over his stay, but ordering what he wanted never seemed to change anything. People stuck in places like this always got out by becoming a better person, or…
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The Narrator
It was just after dawn on the coast of California, but the kitchen staff on the first floor of the main house were already busy. The kitchens shared the same wall of glass windows as the business offices and living quarters in the floors above, with commanding views of steep cliffs leading down to sandy…
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Stirred sounds better than Shaken. That one?
He wore sunglasses with lenses so small that they made it hard to focus on anything not immediately in front of his face. To any casual observer, this would seem to be a clearly useless affectation, really. His Majesty’s Special Agent hoped to prove them wrong someday, when the time came. As it was, he…
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The Knife
Tony thought the night was going well. The kids had pretty much settled down now and seemed to be conking out. Sweet. He had been a regular visitor here more than a few times over the years, but it was a different story to be in an aquarium after hours. At least the penguins also…
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I can get it for you, whole soul
The hooded figure waited under the light of the waning moon, next to a wooden placard on a long metal pole off to one side of the town square. Its message was clear enough, rendered in a lazy hand with blue paint. Ye Meeting Pointe. The hooded figure looked to the clock tower. 12:07. “Crap,”…
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“When you miss us, just look to the heavens”
The sole person at the western gate guardpost looked up and silently watched as the young colony administrator approached on foot. The guard saluted when the man reached his window and signed out one of the armored rovers. The big boss saluted perfunctorily as he turned and climbed into the driver’s seat, obviously lost in…
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A Blessed Engagement
Her mother answered the front door and let the nice young man in. They exchanged pleasantries, and he was invited to wait in the family room. He selected a corner of the sectional sofa, sat down, and folded his hands in his lap. Her mother said, “Dinner will be ready in a moment. I’ll let…
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She Said, He Said, Meow
“… so anyway, it was that sort of day at the office.” “I believe it. Hey, don’t forget to stir that.” “Am I cooking, or are you?” “Fine, I’ll feed the little monster, then.” “No need, babe. I did that when I got home.” “Cool. Hey, did you hear the new song released today by…