Ian Matonti

“Bloodline” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #162

“That’s not what I’m saying at all.” “Then what are you saying?” “We should've stayed near the river.” “What river?” Lightning stretched and cracked above, illuminating the forest glen. Carl stared at his brother. He always did this. Saying things with supreme authority. It infuriated Carl. Thunder boomed. Loud enough to shake the ground. Carl felt it in his chest. Strangely, it calmed him. Knowing there is something more powerful than his brother Avery in the world. “Avery, are we lost?" "Does it matter if we're lost?” ...

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“The Paradoxical Effect” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #161

George flipped on the television. The cathode ray tube set hummed and the picture came into focus.  “The coronavirus has spread to every major city in the United States. Governor Huard issued a state of emergency. Lockdowns go into effect at midnight tonight. If you need to go to a store you must wear a mask—“  George stared at the screen in a mixture of horror and disbelief. His cheek twitched as he watched; a tic he acquired a decade earlier. His doctor said it was from nerves. That was a ridiculous diagnosis. George didn't s...

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“Bitter” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #160

Day 780 11:20 PM Norman from up the way told me it might rain today. I always liked Norman. It’s too bad. Of all the people that decided to stay, he was my favorite. I thought he was stronger. If I’m being honest, I believed him to be the strongest amongst the remnant. Now he’s going the way of everyone else. Letting his mind sink into a slow delirium. Dumb bastard. Now, what am I going to do? I was counting on him to fix my pump. The water is too bitter.  3:30 PM First Norman and now Peter down in the valley. He said a caravan rolled...

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“The Camel” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #160

“Hey don’t drink it all!” The camel blinked and stared at me. I wasn’t sure how to answer the animal. I raised the bottle back to my lips.“Save a little for later!”By this time I’m drunk. I’m sure of it. It’s the only way I can explain a camel asking me questions in a bar. Wait a minute…“You’re not in a bar. You’re in a “barn”. A twinge of panic courses through my veins. “Are you narrating your thoughts?”Sheer bloody panic mode. I need to get out of here. The camel grabs the bottle out of my hand with its mouth. It places...

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“Creekside Diner” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #159

Sandra adjusted her loose ponytail. A nervous tic she carried from childhood. Some chew their fingernails or tug their ears when uncomfortable. Sandy played with her ponytail. She glanced over at Mike; manager for less than a week and he already was making a name for himself. Not in a good way.  Mike sat in an empty booth and glared at Sandy. Her hands shook as she cleared a table of dishes and glasses. She looked back at Mike, who motioned with his eyes toward the back of the diner. Sandy knew she had to do something. Not because she...

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“Burnt Toast” by Ian Matonti

Submitted to Contest #157

Henry Feir finished his steak and mopped up the last of the runny eggs with a bit of burnt toast. He liked burnt toast and had to ask for it specifically every morning. Clyde, the well-intentioned cook insisted on feeding his boss only the best he had to offer. Yet, Henry insisted that his toast be blackened and crisp.  “Just like my mother used to make it,” Henry would say with a smile and Clyde would shake his head and walk back into the kitchen.  Henry peered back into the past with relish. Back when we lived by the river in...

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“Burnt Toast” by Ian Matonti

Henry Feir finished his steak and mopped up the last of the runny eggs with a bit of burnt toast. He liked burnt toast and had to ask for it specifically every morning. Clyde, the well intentioned cook insisted on feeding his boss only the best he had to offer. Yet, Henry insisted that his toast be blackened and crisp.  “Just like my mother used to make it,” Henry would say with a smile and Clyde would shake his head and walk back into the kitchen.  Henry peered back into the past with relish. Back when we lived by the river in...

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