Joshua Potts

“The Fetchers” by Joshua Potts

I. “There are so many of them!”  “Not for long,” laughed Sprice, turning his ray-pen up to five. Each time he pointed it at a human, the body would sparkle for a moment and then it would be gone. “They’re in the ether now.”  “Hey! Slow down, new guy. We hadn't searched those yet. Start on the pile over there.” Sprice grumbled but headed further away. Anthull watched him walk to the pile of naked humans outside the ruins of a dwelling place. He knew that if she had been anyone else, he would have told him to shut up and zap...

0 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“A Wobbly End to the Year” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #74

December 31st. 10PM.  Gerald stood at the edge of the rooftop above the City Central Stock Exchange. The wind blew through his hair. His suit felt loose no matter how many times he adjusted it. He tapped the rope with his foot. It felt much slacker than it had when he had fastened it a few hours ago. It was dark now, and he could not see further than a few yards of rope, never mind the sister skyscraper that the other end was fastened to.   “You can do it, Gerald,” cheered a voice from behind him. Gerald didn’t loo...

5 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“A Good Cup of Coffee is Worth Anything” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #63

The Sweet Treats Coffee Shop is known far and wide for its unique syrups. The Christmas cinnamon lattes are a big treat. The summertime smoothies are yummy. But if you want a real treat, you need to see what they offer in the autumn.  The manager, a handsome young man called Quinn, guards his recipes fiercely. They, as he knows, are the root of his success and regard, and he would never sacrifice that by telling anyone.  But I know.  And I would tell you, if you promised to keep it a secret.  Can you keep a secret?  ...

3 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Almost Perfect” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #35

Winters were harsh in Underbrook, which is why the town celebrated so wildly when the springtime arrived. On the first day of April, as though someone had flipped a switch, the snow stopped and all the flowers began to bloom. Those who had spent months daring not to leave their homes for the harsh weather were suddenly forced into their gardens to tend the multitude of bushes, roses, weeds and towering fruit trees that sprang up in abundance. The social isolation that was borne of a deadly cold turned overnight into a fierce interest in each...

7 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Net” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #32

Part 1: Salty Popcorn “Monday afternoons are a quiet affair here at the Flix. Except for school holidays I suppose. And kids do come in occasionally when they should be at school.”  “Do we serve them?”  “We’re not supposed to. It depends who’s on, I guess. More often than you’d expect, they’re with a parent.” “So, they’re skiving off school?”  “Usually they’re off sick. I don’t know. Personally, my mum always said if you were too sick to go to school, you were too sick for anything else. But don’t bother ar...

4 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Three Different Chats” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #29

My tea was still hot and I blew on it. Dad was already refilling the kettle. He always drank his coffee quick. It was why he drank so much. I could see his fingers shaking as he measured out the coffee granules. He swore under his breath when he spilt it on the counter.  “Do you want me to get that?”  “No!” he shouted, gripping his mug to stable himself. He knocked the coffee onto the linoleum floor with the side of his hand.  “I’ll sweep it later,” he said. “Just sit down. I’ll be through in a second.” Dad...

5 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Let the Beast Off the Reins” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #25

Unclogging Your Life. Get Out of Your Own Way. Build Your Own Rainbow. None of these books could help Steven to help himself. He wasn’t the flowery kind. He was efficient. He had a severe haircut and a sharp suit. With a disappointed curl of the lip, he put the paperbacks back on their original shelves and made to leave. As he did, a fluffy salesperson stopped him. Oh no, he thought. I’ve been spotted. I knew I shouldn’t have come in here.  “Didn’t you find what you were looking for, sir?”  “I was just...

4 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Winter Deliverance” by Joshua Potts

Submitted to Contest #23

Winters were harsh in the Wooded Mountains of the North Eastern kingdom. Up in the highest peaks of the continent, the mountains received heavy boulders of snow which blocked out the light on their way down to the usually muddy roads. Villagers would take these roads during summer time with no small degree of comfort. In fact, during most of the year’s months, the roads of the North Eastern Kingdom were the home of much hustle and bustle. Traders, butchers, bakers and even common thieves and ruffians would cross up and down in a seemingly en...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story