It was called Oak-something – Oakwood? Oakdale? – Diner. Waitresses, dressed as for mourning in all black, moved through the maze of tables and booths with the dull resignation of fish in an aquarium....

The pressure was excruciating; a hammer beating against my eyelids. I had headaches before, but this was bad enough to send chills down my body and put me in bed. All I could think about was how I wou...

Rayette answered the early morning cellphone call from Ralph. “Look out your window, Rayette.” They lived close to one another in Northeast Philadelphia and shared pretty much the same view of t...

Hey everyone, Sorry this message was late in coming but I’m out of town for ten days in Alaska. I meant to let people know there wouldn’t be any new stories before I left and just ran out of time....

David kept asking, “Whose funeral is it?” His daughter replied, “Mom's.” Minutes later he said, “Whose funeral is it?” “Mom's.” Each reply earned the same quiet nod. When the service ended...

Odysseus is a sad boy. He has been away from his wife and son for a long time. A beautiful goddess forced him to have sex with her for seven years. He really didn't like it. Then he met a beautiful wi...

He didn't ask. He just slid on the shoe, and that was that. Granted, it was all a huge improvement from my previous position – a dizzying improvement. I had to keep reminding myself that everyth...

The jewels felt heavy on his body, the golden necklace pressing against his throat. The servants applied the rouge to the corners of his eyes before handing him a piece of mulberry paper. He presse...

Literature In Tiny Bursts

I still smelled the floral scent of my wife’s perfume and dreamed of her laughing, a soft cackle that used to bring a smile to my face. Her beautiful complexion used to turn heads wherever we went. Sh...

The doors automatically lock as we settle into the Waymo self-driving car riding to the restaurant from the hotel. It’s strange riding without a driver. The Waymo jolts to a stop in the middle of the ...

Remembering Lou Reed + Andy Warhol

“Give me $50,” said the spider to the fly. “That’s not how this scene usually starts,” said the fly. “I know; I’m trying something new here.” “Okay, sorry. Start again?” “Give me $50,” sai...

Cast my ashes into an Atlantic gust alongside pelagic birds soaring, sleeping. Watch them disappear over rogue waves. Mourn me with salt-stung eyes and encyclopedias of words left unspoken. C...

Last night wasn't enough. I wanna take her robe off and enjoy her all over again on the table after breakfast. Fuck work! I'll call off to touch her all over again all day. I'll no-call-no-show to tas...

Spillwords.com presents: April in Paris, micro fiction by Tony Covatta, a retired English teacher, current caregiver, writer ...

While Burt created a wedding cake, the radio crackled. “Evacuate, citizens!” a voice shouted. “An asteroid will hit us in ninety minutes and could flatten the town!” “I’ve never let a bride down,” ...

Sir Robert, during his quest for the Holy Grail, was struck by a spectacular vision. The images were so overwhelmingly realistic he felt compelled to document everything he had seen as a testament for...

To celebrate the new website, and the arrival of summer, I thought we could start with a community writing prompt. And we're going to take our cue from the incomparable Fran Lebowitz, seen below in a ...

My sister thrives on sunshine. She says it lifts her spirits and gives her hope. I try to avoid the sun, or any bright light. The other day a flickering light spun my head. I screamed uncontroll...

The buildings stood empty, monoliths etched by lichen and rust, each one a decaying monument to a forsaken past. Dr. Niemann and his team surveyed the remains from the safety of their hazmat suits...

After finishing his breakfast, Frodo sat by the kitchen recliner, begging for some of Ralph's. Any closer, and the Labrador would've been in his owner's lap. Ralph wondered if the dog considered him a...

A rainbow fills the sky with blue, yellow and red colors, the vibrancy a sign it’s going to be a beautiful day. The birds chirp and soar above, their wings spread, adding to the calm of the setting. ...

The village of Walter's Blessing has been abandoned for more than two decades, ever since The Fade. No one talks about The Fade. Occasionally, out-of-towners in the vicinity will visit with all ki...

He tempted her with a single scarlet rose. Enchanted by its silky petals, she fell in love. When a thorn pricked her finger, she shied away. He tempted her with ripe raspberries. Delighted by tart nec...

The legendary director, ever the taskmaster, berated the gaffer, the grip, and the unfortunate production assistant who just happened to be nearby. "There's still light leaking in. Should I send e...

Anyone who builds an Ark can expect complaints, and not just from the animals. “This’s your stupidest idea yet, Noah.” She got right to the point. Not only was his wife seasick after 40 days ...

Sam found the devil's words to be persuasive. "Where do I sign?" "Right here, fine sir." As he put pen to paper, Sam paused. "I almost feel bad. It's just too good to be true." "I assure you ...

I'm not scared of ghosts,” Sue says. “Me too,” I reply with a smile. “But I’d like to become one,” she continues. “Why?” I am amused. “Because ghosts can travel anywhere, overhear people a...