“Silent Creatures” by Doris Dulfer

The computer screen lights the room around me. I stare at the blinking line on the white blank page that mocks me. It knows I’ve run out of ideas; it knows I won’t write tonight. I turn the speakers on, and European pop streams out. The heavy melodies and emotional voices normally help me write, especially the melodramatic English bands. Still nothing. Should my new story be about a single man? Should I try a detective novel this time? Did anyone really care about stories that don’t have vampires? I can’t do the undead; I don’t have the patience for immortal sagas. Continue reading →

“Poker Face” – Roos Fopma

I was foolish enough to get myself into this table tonight. There are four of us remaining, but I think Ol’ Bill let the others join the table so that it wouldn’t be just us two. The Sicilian is looking at me now. It’s my turn. The others are looking down the table. I’m trying to stay as still as I can, as I end their game.

My father’s tell was rubbing his palm on his knee when he had a good hand. I learned that two days after Continue reading →