our orange savior – 90/1000


They bowed to to the machine, marveling the shine of its black plastic exterior, the long cord that came out of the back.

They were particularly interested in the two metal prongs coming from the end of a cord, they were quite tasty.

Things went in light and soft and came out dark and crisp, and they didn’t even need fire to make it happen.

When the aliens came, our president told them toasters were our general currency, so when they left, we just didn’t have toast for a while.

And everyone bowed to him, for saving us from aliens.… Read the rest

easter – 89/1000


In her dream she saw everything.

She saw the baggie of loose change, the different kinds of chocolate, the rainbow of eggs spread out on the kitchen table.

Her mom filled egg after egg, and hid them easily all around the house.

Then, she took the bag of flour and dipped three fingers in, then dabbed them on the floor, one after the other, more than the eggs, she made little bunny footprints to lead the way.

It wasn’t a dream.

It was just my amazing mom doing the best she could for a daughter who loves her so much.… Read the rest

how i win – 88/1000


“What’s wrong with her? It’s almost like she doesn’t want you to be happy no matter who you’re with. She only cares about herself.”

“I know, that’s why I’m done with her.”

“You’re not going to say anything back? She said horrible things to you, she was a total bitch to you!”

“No, I’m not a confrontational person like that.”

“How can you let her get away with that? She roasted you!”

“It’s fine.”

“How can you handle being torn apart like that?

“People look at me and think they know all about me, and that is how I win.”… Read the rest

my first true story – 87/1000


This neglect has gone on far too long, the neglect of my heart, the neglect of my spirt.

It’s no one’s fault but mine, I could have changed things at any time, but I am a lazy fuck, and my own worst enemy.

This is my first true story: I am never enough.

I’m a bad friend, I’m unemployable, I’m selfish, I’m scared all the time.

I need to be the main character of my own life now, and not let anyone else get in my way.

Keep your eyes peeled, one day you might see me begin to shine.… Read the rest

missed call – 86/1000


I took my time walking to the door, because inside, the house was empty.

It was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella, but there were so few things I cared about, the wet didn’t bother me at all.

I slid the key into the lock, and when I pushed open the door the phone was ringing, but didn’t I rush to answer it. There was nothing to rush for, or towards, anymore.

The machine picked up after the beep.

“Honey, it’s me. You have to come back and get me. It’s so cold here. Am I in a coffin?”… Read the rest

bodysnatcher – 85/1000


She looked better in my body than I did. She wore the curves more comfortably, ignored the rolls of fat completely, and smiled like she knew she was the most interesting person in the room wherever she went.

She makes me see that I could have lived another life, or could I?

Wouldn’t another soul have to literally embody me to make me another me?

Wait.

Where am I? Why’s it so dark here?

I see her turning toward me and smiling, she sees me, but no one else does.

She took me, and I let her have me, happily.… Read the rest

celebration? 84/1000

Her love was gone, but her life had to move on, there was no question in that.

She was young, she was beautiful, she had plenty of time left for things to change.

Maybe they would even change here, at this wedding she was invited to; maybe she’d dance with her future husband, and not even know it.

It was hard watching the other couples twirl and kiss when she had no one to touch, or no one to touch her.

Shouldn’t she celebrate the love she wants the most?

It’s hard when you don’t have nearly what you want.… Read the rest

the ticket home – 83/1000


After the battle, he was lucky make it into the medical tent, let alone get a bed.

He guessed that’s what happens when you lose three limbs in one day; you get special treatment.

With two legs and an arm gone, he wondered whether he would ever walk again.

Nurses and Medics raced between the beds, doing the best they could, but I know a lot of people died that day.

I was one of the lucky ones out in that field, being tended to under the big gray dome of the sky, knowing eventually I’d get to go home.… Read the rest