Brandi Yetzer

“The Unwritten Tales That Await” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #227

On a brisk evening, Mia stepped into the embrace of "Epilogues & Enchantments," a haven perfumed with the aged essence of paper and the hushed symphony of tales lingering in the air—an ideal start to her weekend. Vintage lamps, thoughtfully placed, cast a warm glow, enveloping the space in an ambiance that whispered of timeless stories patiently awaiting discovery. An eager anticipation fluttered within Mia; she couldn't wait to immerse herself in the comforting embrace of a cup of hot chocolate and a captivating story. Approaching the...

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“ The Last Harsh Winter” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #227

Trigger warning: themes of loss/miscarriage."In the chill of winter, remember: beneath the snow, hope lies dormant, ready to bloom with the warmth of spring — life's trials are but temporary freezes, leading to the beauty of new beginnings."The cold bites into Amelia as she steps out of the doctor's office. The bitter wind claws at her exposed skin, an icy predator seeking to numb the raw ache within her. She pulls at her coat tighter, but the cold sneaks in through the gaps, settling deep in her bones. "Come on, hold it together," she ...

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“The Last Cigarette” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #158

“Got any cigarettes left?” Zoe rounds the corner, her fire red curls whipping behind her as she falls to the concrete floor beside me. Before I can answer, her black nails are wrapped around the cigarette in my mouth, and pulling it to her own.After a deep drag and an exhale of relief, she’s returning the cigarette to its former position. I suck in before asking a question I don’t want the answer to, “Are they freaking out in there?”She laughs, “Of course.”“I just couldn’t think of anything real to say,” I hesitate, waiting for the right wor...

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“ONE MONSTER DOWN, MANY MORE TO GO” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #157

Ali paces back and forth, tapping small black heals against a solid wood floor, second-guessing this decision. Meanwhile, her hands are doing this bizarre thing where they're freezing cold but sweating all at once."Hi, Ali. Come on in," a silky voice breathes into the room. Ali's shoulder begins to relax, but her skepticism doesn't abate. The woman standing in front of her is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, recommended by a friend to tame her unrelenting jealousy of everyone around her.So, for her 30th birthday, this is what Ali bought her...

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“Wishing Well” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #151

Warning: a few cuss words are used.“SHIT!”I run to my closet, snapped out of the sleepy daze that had me locked into slow motion. The sun seeps through the curtains, blurring my vision. My arms swim about in front of me, searching for the clear bag covering the long gown I will soon drape over me.And no, it is not me getting married today.Today my little sister is getting married. Today, I join some of my closest friends — all of which have found their life partners — as my sister ties the knot with Liam. I’ll smile and be genuinely happy fo...

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“FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, JUST DO IT” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #146

WARNING: domestic abuse theme, and a few cuss words.If he says he won’t do it again, don’t believe him.I scroll the letters across the top of the page, biting my fingernail down until the sensitive skin is burning for me to stop. I look down at it and let out an ‘oops’ in surprise. I wipe the small bead of blood on my blue jeans.My attention moves back to the page, and I realize I haven’t addressed the letter to my future self yet. If I’m going to do it, I may as well do it right, eh?To My Future Self, I tap my pencil against the notebo...

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“Three Strikes and You're Out, Buddy” by Brandi Yetzer

“We have plenty of time,” Caroline huffed. She gave Theo her infamous side-eye and rolled it for dramatic effect. “Don’t you trust me?”It was at this point in the road trip that he should’ve put an end to it. Book their last-minute flights and sit through all the boring happenings of his sister's highly organized and meticulous wedding. But his wife was right. Although he wouldn’t admit it, they did have plenty of time, and to be honest – he was on his last strike anyway.Between late work nights to get these deals straightened out and a terr...

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“Paper Ghosts Don't Tell Stories” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #56

"Say hello to your baby boy!" a distant voice insists. My head tilts down in a drowsy slumber, exhausted from the 26 hours, 32 minutes, and 15 seconds of agonizing labor that got me to this point.My body craves sleep and a burger. It's all I can think about now that they aren't out of the realm of possibility anymore."waaaaaaa!!" The cry is what pulls me out of the numbing pain and exhaustion. My hands are grasping for the sticky red bundle and instinctively pulling him close to my chest.I know the baby is meant to be my blissful distraction...

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“A One Night Stand to Remember ” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #56

"Aaaahhh!" Kelly flails.Black coffee stains the breast area of her white blouse. Her cleavage reddens to the shade of her cheeks when she wakes from her reminiscence of wine and pleasure. Lost in thought, she missed her mouth, and instinctively rubs at the dark wet spots that appear."Mom, get your life together." Sarah teases. She bounces into the kitchen, her ponytail whipping around from cheek to cheek."Shouldn't you be at school by now?" Kelly gives her accusing motherly-tone and lifts an eyebrow."Nope. Terms almost over, so my morning cl...

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“Bloody Secret” by Brandi Yetzer

Submitted to Contest #55

Vibrant, red-stained lips consume Mayzie’s attention. They smack together before they’re moistened by the invasion of a wet tongue, leaving a trail on chapped lips. She can’t look away. It isn’t polite, she knows. Alex always told her she didn’t know how to behave appropriately in front of company. She stares too long, talks too softly, has no humor or personality.However, Alex isn’t here right now to fixate on Mayzie’s faults, so she longingly lingers on this woman’s features. Blush cheeks, pink glitter shimmering under eyelashes that are d...

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