Debt to be Paid

Radiation reached his skin through UV-resistant clothes. "Four-hundred-thirteen billion credits for today's contestant! If he survives..." A hidden crowd cheered. He retrieved his only permitted secret ingredient with a blistered hand. "What's today's contestant chosen for us?" Blinding light. The crowd gasped. The glare receded and he staggered forward, balancing a platter, alien delicacies piled... Continue Reading →

September 10, 2021 28

Returning

She and her brothers spent many summers out by the rusted cattle shed, before the sunburns became too much. They thought it was haunted. "Pantry and freezer are stocked, should do you all till we get back," their parents would say. Then they wouldn't hear from them for weeks. At first it was exciting, then... Continue Reading →