'My First Fifteen-Worder!' by Rathin Bhattacharjee

“15-worders? Nope, beyond me!” I fumed. 

When the magazine’s released, my story justified its inclusion! 

'Note to self' by Lucienne Cummings

Note to self:

Never wear a white dress to a friend’s wedding if the groom is your ex.

'Telling Time' by Scott MacLeod

All you need to know about Edward is he says quarter past rather than 3:15.

 

 

 

'Meet the family' by Birgit K. Gaiser

 

“Velika? That’s unusual. Are you foreign?”

“I –"

“She’s a doctor, mum. And I love her.”

'Ex Factor' by Anna Peter

Dear Jack,

 

Met Tilly. Had drinks together. Lovely girl. Keep her. 

 

Cheers, 

your now ex.

'Regret' by Elisa Dominique Rivera

A heaviness bomb-dropped in my solar plexus. My “Go, away!” still ringing. She’d already gone.

'Quinceañera' by Lisa Williams

Celebrations with a new crowd after her big family party makes this birthday her last.

'My New Companion' by Abida Akram

I am never alone. My new constant friend is very noisy. Right ear -Tinnitus diagnosis.

'Letting Go' by Pam Makin

 “Fifteen is almost an adult,” she mutters, slipping out of the window to disappear forever.

'Another Nightmare Romance' by Jean Feingold

Hazel Duncan thought she had met the man of her dreams. She was wrong again.

'Sugar, Sugar' by Willow Woo

My wife, diagnosed with a sugar allergy, banned my baking devotion. I left with cake.

'Vacation Road Trip' by Melissa Flores Anderson

In the wayback, we sit with the callous boyfriend who will become the absent father.

'Stories are good — what’s yours?' by David Lewis

 Dad says he’s Elvis. I say Presley’s dead. "Fake news," Dad drawls, imitating a President.

'Head Chef Required' by Emily Macdonald

The notice is pasted alongside sample tasting menus at the restaurant booked 9 months ahead.

'By The Lake' by Emily Hall

A splash. Herons scattering. Feet pounding. Cattails parting. Cries.

The doe keeps her fawns close.

'Nico Makes a Decision' by Sonya Oldwin

Nico floats.
Swimming?
So. Much. Effort.
She looks toward the shore.
Nah, not worth it.

'Summertime' by Rubi Kleinjans

Trembling aspen leaves, blue sky. Waiting. Babbling birdsong breaks the quivering silence. Life flows on.

'The rain pummeled the ground too quickly to be absorbed' by Allison Renner

We floated on the lazy river wondering where we’d land once the sun came out.

'Nearly Time To Say Goodbye' by Madeleine Armstrong

The bridge was shut so we went the long way, enjoying the extra moments together.

'Supplementing Schools Fees When the Rains Fail' by Rachel Burrows

The child’s broom indicated her availability. She swept the Trillionaire headline out with the dust.