Mama Says – by Finnian Burnett

Wedge your keys between second and first finger, Mama says,
with a thumb pressed against the back of the key.

A Bump in the Road – by Susan Duffield-Lodge

Moirin’s kerchiefed head bobbed up into view as she made her way up the metal stairs at the front of the car.

Road(kill) Trip – by Lindsey Harrington

I’ve hummed every song I can think of, twice, and almost chewed myself a new haircut.

What Will You Say? – by Andrew Shaughnessy

Should warmth be a word reserved to the world of touch? Laughter

and joy, reserved to the world of emotion?

Thoughts and Prayers – by Renee Cronley

The pungent scent of sulfur

fires out from the gangrenous fumes

of societal decay we don’t smell anymore

I Sensed It Was Beginning – I Sensed It Was Ending – by Lindsey Harrington

The burnt roast from yesterday hanging in the air,
another, in a long list of disappointments.

Stowaway – by Mel Andela

“Quick, to the bathroom.” Lena waves her hand, though I am right behind her. “Can you keep it quiet when we go by mom’s door?”

To The Alps – by Andrew Shaughnessy

“What about him?” he asked, nodding toward the stuffed toy giraffe sitting in the plush green velour chair across the table from Sarah. “Doesn’t he have a ticket?”

Tiny Smuggler – by N.E. Rule

“You’ve already searched me and found nothing,” Sam says.

I Miss the Stars – by Melissa Grace Reeve

In the summer, it’s not dark until well after he should be asleep in bed.