Short Stories

Making AmendsPenstricken, October 2025 (scroll to page 36)

Gianna gets the opportunity to revisit three moments in her life–to experience missed opportunities and repair relationships, but her third decision could change more than expected.




Everywhere and EverywhenGreen Silk Journal, October 2025

Alone in the woods, Alyce finds the hull of an old ship–a strange discovery so far from the ocean. Afterward, life keeps moving, but she feels out of step with the rest of the world.




Two Pieces of IDDown in the Dirt, September 2025

A dreary life of going through the motions at work and scraping by at home. Blaine finds himself wishing for a different life–is it possible just to start over?




The Golden ChildHalfway Down the Stairs, September 2025

A third-generation judo champion makes a hasty sacrifice, unaware of the impact on his family’s legacy.





9.5 SecondsThe Quasar Review, August 2025

A world-class sprinter captivates the world. Everyone is excited to see him attain the unthinkable…well, almost everyone.




Down HereBright Flash Literary Review, July 2025

An innocent game leads Alicia to discover a dark secret about her future. Will she choose to avoid the pain, and at what cost?




The Final ThreadsJanuary House Literary Journal, June 2025

When Sloan’s car breaks down, he’s grateful for a ride, but something doesn’t feel right. What secret is this stranger hiding?




Restore or Quit?Moonday Mag, October 2024

What if life was more like a video game? Wouldn’t it be nice to return to those crucial decision points and try again?





Against the HouseWinged Penny Review, July 2024

Patrick faces even more challenges–a baby on the way, his girlfriend’s vindictive father, community service, and love.

A spiritual successor to “Song of Fortune” (see below), to be read together or individually.



The Dance EternalKaidankai: Ghost & Supernatural Stories, July 2024

The music of the dance eternal, pulsing for many, heard by only a single living soul.

The story was also released on a podcast here.



Song of FortuneUmbrella Factory, February 2024

A mysterious gift, a series of blessings–has Patrick’s life finally turned around?





Behind the Red DoorThe Whisky Blot, April 2022

A couple is offered the gift of a lifetime, but their anniversary celebration may not last if they don’t consider all possible outcomes.




Fish FoodBindweed Magazine, October 2020

“Would you like to watch me feed my fish?” Is there something more sinister behind this seemingly innocent invitation?




Hands-Off ManagementTrouvaille Review, August 2020

He’s the greatest boss his employees have ever known, but nobody has ever guessed his incredible secret.





The Void – The Magnolia Review, April 2020

The object of a man’s obsession is tantalizingly close–how far is he willing to go?

From the themed issue “A Day that Changed Me”




BlockedPotato Soup Journal, April 2019

A family vacation–only 25 cents away from perfection.





Advance WarningTheme of Absence, October 2018

With some technological assistance, Abraham and his tow truck have won the town’s admiration, but knowing the future comes with a price.

The site also published an author interview along with the story.



SurrenderGhost Parachute, April 2017

A firefighter faces an impossible decision–time is running out, and he will live with his choice for the rest of his life.

This story was also included in the 2021 anthology Ghost Parachute: 105 Flash Fiction Stories.




All images in the public domain except: Cards image courtesy of VictiniFan360 [Write space cropped, border added] (licensed under CC-BY 2.5 AR); Coin image courtesy of Nicu Buculei, Barn image courtesy of Brian Snelson, Tollbooth image courtesy of Philip Halling, and Tow truck image courtesy of KOMU News [Flickr upload–image cropped, and identifying information on vehicles blurred] (all licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0); Bingo card image courtesy of Sara (licensed under CC-BY-ND 2.0).