J Stephens

“Homecoming” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #164

“Yeah Bowie, it’s now coming back to me. This is where it all started,” Sanford Thomas explained to his pup while strolling down Main Street.  “Oh my! Can you smell that? There’s no mistaking the glorious aroma of Millie’s Bakeshop. It’s as if she’s baking those pies out in the street. The richness of the blueberry filling. The sweetness of her magnificent crumb topping... Wash that down with an Arnold Palmer and you’re close enough to heaven to tickle God’s feet!”  Bowie howled. His owner chuckled.  “Sorry my friend. No pi...

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“The Monster Beneath Downtown Memorial ” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #163

Thirteen-year-old Dora Veras arrived home from the second day of school with what she considered a most interesting assignment. With the September 11th holiday a week away, her history teacher requested each student interview their parents and if possible, a few co-workers, regarding their whereabouts and activities on September 11, 2001. Mr. Johnston enthusiastically explained in class, “This was tragically our generation’s JFK assassination. I guarantee they’ll immediately have a significant story to tell!”   The Veras family li...

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“Too many cooks...” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #162

Long before he passed through the entryway of Downtown Memorial, Matthew Wexler instantly regretted many of his decisions from the prior evening. While he would’ve paid any price for the right to call out and climb back into bed, he knew the optics weren’t in his favor considering his less than subtle appearance at the annual Neurology Department Gala. And while the details remained fuzzy, his friend’s social media post of him grinding on the dance floor with one of the attendings told Matthew everything he needed to know.  “Late night...

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“Soulless Deception” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #161

Warning: contains attempted suicide, rape, drug use, profanity “Oh no... Something isn’t right,” Crystal McGuinn thought to herself while attempting to find her bearings.   “What’s going on? I definitely took more than enough. Or did I?” she continued to question before making a most unsettling discovery.  “Wait a second... Oh crap, I can’t move my arms or legs... Why can’t I move my arms and legs? What the hell’s going on? What have I done?”  Though unable to blink her eyes or manipulate her mouth to call for help, ...

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“Lower Level Three” by J Stephens

“Mr. Nassar, Dr. Tepper will see you now,” announced the administrator’s assistant from behind his computer.  “Oh, thank you,” replied Salim Nassar who anxiously stood up from his seat and slowly paced toward the doctor’s office. He continued to ponder why he, a volunteer, had been summoned by such a high-ranking hospital official. Salim’s sweaty hand reached for the doorknob and he entered the large office. To his right were numerous shiny plaques and awards furnished in a large glass display and to the left was a massive picture windo...

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“Blood Oath” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #159

“Please Dr. Tepper, I’m not sure I can do this,” the distressed medical student explained while considering her options.  Surprised by her level of resistance, the esteemed chairman and hospital administrator reasoned, “Ms. Gaines, I don’t believe you fully understand the situation before us. That boy wasn’t going to survive either way.”   “You may be right, but we both know he didn’t die from his wounds. He was given the wrong blood. I overheard the nurse tell the ER doc she mixed up the two patients...” Helen Gaines clarif...

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“Privilege” by J Stephens

Submitted to Contest #158

Angeline Lovelie Laguerre was born on Christmas day, 2019. She was a blessing who arrived magically, four weeks before her mother, Marie, was due. Four weeks before her father considered his daughter would make her first appearance. As such, while Marie Laguerre delivered a healthy, baby girl at a hospital near their new home on Long Island, Louis Laguerre was stuck waiting on a subway platform in downtown Manhattan.    Having taken a position at one of the city’s preeminent medical centers only a month prior to provide medic...

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