A.M. Douglas

“Cafe Haven” by A.M. Douglas

Submitted to Contest #239

The bell above the door tinkled as I pushed into the convenience store. I needed a few snacks and to pay for the gas. I couldn’t get over how here in the West people still had to go into the store to pay for gas. So much of this trip had felt like a step back in time. I grabbed the healthiest things I could and was surprised that there was fresh fruit in a basket. The price was nice, too. There was also a little stand of “freshly pressed” juices. How fresh could it be? But it did have a local farm sign next to it, so I grabbed a bottle. ...

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“Family Curse” by A.M. Douglas

Submitted to Contest #235

Jacques let the screen door slam shut as he ran out the house. Even though he couldn’t hear the whispered words, he knew what his father was telling his back. “You can’t run forever.” Just long enough to escape this place, Jacques thought, not for the first time. So far, he hadn’t found a way out. He just seemed to prolong the inevitable. Same argument. Different night. Jacques bounced his truck down the old, rutted lane that snaked its way around the family property. Judging by the poor condition of their house and their lack of cas...

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“Snow Day” by A.M. Douglas

Snow Day. Those words had never meant anything to Hope. Growing up in the Deep South, hurricanes got them out of school. Hurricanes, however, are tracked for days and getting out of school was not a surprise. But there was the happy surprise on her phone. A text from the district. Due to last night’s snowstorm, all schools in the County are closed for the day to allow crews to clear the roads for emergency vehicles. Everyone is encouraged to stay home and safe. Hope’s mind immediately began making a list of all of the things she coul...

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“Lost Hope” by A.M. Douglas

Submitted to Contest #233

  Asher leaned into the brutal north wind as he made his way slowly up the street. Slow was the only pace the cold wind allowed. Cold, like my soul, he thought. Asher desperately wanted a drink, but every establishment he passed just wouldn’t do. Too rich for me, he thought as he passed the windowfront of the lounge in a five-star hotel. Too hip at another. Too young. Too crowded, he thought as he watched a group of friends celebrate a birthday. “Bah,” he grumbled as he watched another group celebrate someone’s promotion....

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“Prepared for the Future” by A.M. Douglas

Submitted to Contest #232

Maggie bounced on her toes as she waited by the door, surprised she was ready first. It felt like a celebration, a celebration Maggie had been planning for years. She knew it was a funeral, but still... They had all been planning for this. They knew this day would come, plans were made and carried out, calculations were quadruple checked. They were ready. Yes, it was time to say goodbye; but it was also time to be proud of all that they had accomplished. Up in the bathroom, Joshua yanked at his tie knot. Damn thing wasn’t right…again. Gripp...

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