Daniela glared at the machinery. “Shut it down Ted.” “It’s over?” “That’s science, sometimes right, sometimes wrong. Shame it took thirty-nine years.” “What now?” “Scrap the lot.” Empty freeway, Chicago’s lights fading behind. Four billion people will never know I’ve tried. She turned the radio up, headlights swaying with Benny Goodman. I need a … Continue reading Wood For The Trees
Author: Ishmael A Soledad
A pen pusher by day and frustrated author by night I live in Brisbane with my long-suffering wife and psychotic cat.
Recall
“A thousand bucks.” Dave knows his marks. Ratface doesn’t flinch. “Cash?” “Always.” “Done deal. How long?” “Two hours.” Dave turns to me as ratface walks away. “Go get started, I’ll back the truck up.” I do a quick inventory, the bedsit isn’t big but it's worth more. So much for respecting the elderly. A … Continue reading Recall
Going the Whole Nine Yards
I was catching ball, building Tina’s arm for her high school softball team. I’d sent one down to land with a satisfying smack in her glove; her return felt like I’d been hit by a wet tissue. “C’mon Tina, you throw like a chick.” She hurled her mitt at me, a much better effort; but … Continue reading Going the Whole Nine Yards
Out of Africa
He came into the world when she was thirteen, alone and friendless, the midwife hurriedly turning her back on the mud walled hut. She held him scared and nervous as the last light filtered through the open plains of the delta, serenaded by the hyena’s call and thrashing legs through grass. She thought his face … Continue reading Out of Africa
Glass Half Overfull
It was a warm, bright morning, Yannis’ clicking hooves and swaying cart conspiring against Orestes, calling him back to a sleep he had barely risen from. It was harder getting up these days, never mind doing what needed to be done, winter mornings enticing him to lie in nestled against the mild chill, summer mornings … Continue reading Glass Half Overfull
Call Me
The technician squints his pale blue eyes, twists a screwdriver to slot home a coupling. Frank Garrity was running late as he stepped outside and checked his mobile. The taxi ranks were empty but there were a few Uber rides around. It was a rushed trip and in all the hurry at the building … Continue reading Call Me
Hot Dog
“What line of business are you in Mr. Patheson?” Ugly fucking hairy ape-woman, what do you know of business? Just rent me the space and be done with it. You’ll find out my business soon enough. “Entertainment Cindii, a little import export on the side.” “I see.” No you don’t, none of your ugly symmetrical … Continue reading Hot Dog
Lesson
Jake Yancy’s parents were like all parents, happy and scared when their small bundle of joy popped out. They did their best as best they could, squeezing him into their busy lives between work, sleep, friends and Netflix. Like most they won some and lost some, like us all they didn’t know which was which. … Continue reading Lesson
Sex and the Single Cosmonaut
The clouds of Jupiter beckon, endless shifting coffee cream swirls of gas and dust folding and unwrapping in melting deep rivers, soaring mountains of colour. I want to reach in, dig down and clutch my hands drawing up tendrils of the floss, wisps falling from my fingers, misty cascades of super chilled gas insanely, killingly … Continue reading Sex and the Single Cosmonaut
Echoes
The man at immigration inspected my documents, my bags and my very person in minute detail. Although disconcerting it was expected. I was their first. “It all seems in order. Welcome to Earth.” “Thank you.” “I saw the newscasts. Terrible tragedy.” “It’s regrettable dying so far from home and kin.” “That’s what I meant.” *** … Continue reading Echoes
