Evan Jackson

“Epiphany” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #243

Eight Years Ago….He thought the argument was over and she’d gotten it out of her system. Eric was in the shower washing the blood out of his hair, where his wife had struck him with a cast-iron skillet. This time he’d passed out and hadn’t felt the kicks to his abdomen. Not while they were happening, anyway. He’d learned from last time and kept his stomach empty so as not to vomit on her shoes and the floor, which would’ve just pissed her off even more. She hadn’t always been like this. There used to be love in this marriage, and now there w...

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“Muse” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #242

It was 1:15 am when I got the call from him. I’ve been his lawyer since he released his second major collection in New Jamestown. That was 35 years ago when both of us were young and strong enough to dream. Currently, I haven’t spoken to Gregory in over two weeks. Ever since his cancer diagnosis, he’s been pushing everyone away. Afraid of being pitied and having his friends watch him wither away. I get it, but hurtful words hurt more when they come from someone you admire and cherish. Gregory’s anger was also a confession of fear and love. H...

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“Memory Lane” by Evan Jackson

I woke up to the sound of slamming against my bedroom wall. My heart raced as a blinding flash of light next to the house set fear in my bones. They were raining fire upon our precious neighborhood. Somehow I pulled myself away from the war outside my window, walking the hallway to my parents’ room two doors away. Horror coalesced with fear at the sight of them engulfed in flames. Vomiting on the floor outside their bedroom is the only moment of grief I can allow. If I don’t get out of this house, I’m going to die. My only solace was that th...

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“The Last Of Us” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #117

Everything was ready for the ritual. Elijah had been up all morning checking and double checking the preparations they made for this night. It was just after sundown when he woke her up. " Are you sure about this?” Elijah asks his wife. " I’m sure” Miriam yawns, still waking up. She searches her husband’s face in the failing candlelight. He looks afraid even though he’s trying not to. She reaches a hand up to caress his worried face. He responds by kissing her hand and then her forehead. He pulls her into an embrace and says. " Well I’m not ...

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“Panic Attack” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #109

“ Hey, Luke. Go home man. I can run the store today. This is the last place you need to be.” “ Thank you.” Luke says hugging Nathan hard. He pulls away before his tears betray him. But, Nathan knew. He watched his friend with unmet needs leave the store. He hoped that he made it home. *** Earlier*** His skeleton ached beneath his flesh. This round of depression hit Luke especially hard. He stared at himself in the mirror of his bathroom. He didn’t recognize his own face. When had his handsome young flesh been replaced with all of these lines...

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“Night Spot” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #109

The world is a different place when the sun goes down. Certain creatures are exclusively nocturnal. Especially some species of humans. The freaks, as they have been so aptly named. I guess you could say that I am of the freakish persuasion myself. Why else would I always be working at night? For all of its chaos. I actually find the night to be more peaceful than the day. Or perhaps I just feel more like myself under the moon. I’ve worked the night shift ever since my very first promotion. I was seventeen and working as the night manager for...

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“The Kiss” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #108

There was an ache inside of me. I was touch starved and I didn’t want to admit it. There were apps and places you could go for that sort of thing. But, I wasn’t looking for sex and I felt weird about paying someone to touch me. I have a terrible desire to belong. A need to connect deeply with other people. I have no deep connections. I have had very few real friends over my lifetime and I’ve never been in love. The ties that bind us have been cut from my grasp. I’m left holding the severed ends of the red strings that were once attached to m...

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“Son” by Evan Jackson

Submitted to Contest #108

There were a million stars out tonight. The air was sweet and warm. Insects sang to each other from the forest. Lillian, stargazing with her fiance Harold. Stares blissfully into the night sky; savoring a feeling of love and security. When a flash blazes across the sky. A shooting star? She didn’t have time to find out. Lillian was going into labor. Harold scrambles to get her up and into the car. They grab the bags they prepacked for the hospital. Thankfully the roads aren’t too busy at this hour. They arrive at Bellmonte Creek Hospital and...

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