"Beautiful, aren't they?" The boy could hear the medusa hiss right next to his ear from behind him as he stared. On the wall opposite to the one he was chained to, he could see rows upon rows of petrified children, all with faces that might have made them celebrities one day.

The vacation rental was small, just a one-bedroom cottage in a semi-shabby urban neighborhood, but it was renovated and even had a new roof. “All metal,” the owner told them upon check-in. “Energy efficient. Plus it makes the rain sound cool.” Which it did, but it also kept Becca

The samurai era, synonym of honor, strength and wisdom. A group of samurais were ready to start the training that would define all. Who stayed or who would leave in disgrace. It was the time, to give all, at least it was the most important time for little samurai Shi Ling.

I am a third grade teacher, a Math teacher to be precise. I love my job,I love my students, but sometimes I wish for a little change, something that makes me enjoy life a bit more

The initial first tests of the planet are beginning. Contact has been made with Excalibur. They are expected to join Orion in orbit within the next 24 to 36 hours. I’d just received the results of the planetary analysis, and have transmitted our findings back to Earth

Charlie walked the length of the east wing of the family motel, stopping to straighten any tilted picture frames, replace any dead lightbulbs. The appraiser would be by that afternoon and he couldn’t leave anything to chance. His sister would have his head.

“Could you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?” Daniel asked. “Umm,” the man in the pointed hat replied. “I think it’s about a mile that way, then on the left.” “Great, thanks!” Daniel said excitedly as he skipped in that direction.

I don’t know how it started. I wasn’t awake at the time. As it is, even after 3 days, I’m still confused

His wingspan was similar to that of a small single engine plane as he soared over Center City. He came to land atop City Hall, the tip of his wing almost brushing against the face of the William Penn statue.

I can’t decide if it was a vision or a dream. A vision in a dream? Whatever. I just know that if I don’t call off from work, something bad is going to happen. What am I going to tell them? I can’t come in to work because I had a vision? My boss already thinks I’m crazy! Oh sh@¥.

Officer Niles stood at the end of the alley which was dark, save for a dim yellow light near a side door of an old building. But that light gave just enough for her to see the silhouette of a body of to the side slumped over. Shining her flashlight into the alley, she walked

With a sledgehammer and a smile. That’s how it happened. She had thought of other ways but they cost more than her job at Mongus Music Store permitted.

About a year ago, Sally’s favorite remote work location closed. It was a coffeehouse during the day, and a beer bar at night. She took her laptop there with her at least twice a week, sipping a cinnamon latté while classic rock played. The atmosphere was dimly-lit, perfect for

The first time I saw the version of myself from an alternate universe, I was five. At the time, I merely took it for a reflection in the mirror. It was only later I realized he was an actual different person.

Equipment is being loaded onto Shuttle 01B. There are 8 of us plus the equipment. Sitting there in those hard seats, I was really missing my SUV back on Earth. I couldn’t help but think the the people back on Earth could have built these shuttles just a little more roomier.

"Hello?" It was about time that he gave up, but Bane couldn't help but click the button on the battered walkie-talkie once more. "Hello?" His hollow voice echoed amidst the crackling static. It was working, sending his greetings into the air. But there was no receiver. As always.

She woke to the sound of roaring and knew that it wasn’t the roar of wind. More like something flowing over a rigged surface, perhaps like a train rolling over the tracks. But there aren’t any train tracks nearby. She laid there listening. She isn’t dreaming is she? Or was she?

Of all the things Cale Wyler missed about Earth was the taste of Diet Coke. Here, he almost didn’t want to drink it anymore. Almost. Health-wise, he supposed that was a good thing. But having it go immediately flat after popping the top didn’t stop him from drinking it.