Mark Baxter

“Strange Counsel” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #239

Strange Counsel "You must kill him," whispered the voice in Sheila's ear, "Before it's too late." Sheila shut off the hairdryer. The warm, languid feeling of her just-completed bubble-bath was crazed like the windshield on a wrecked car by the shiver that crawled up her spine. "What?" She said to the empty bathroom. There was, of course, no reply. She shivered, then resumed...

10 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Simon” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #236

Simon Grampa and the puppy came into our house at the same time. That was the summer I turned eleven. We brought the puppy--an Australian Shepherd--home from the shelter. Grampa came to live with us from the convalescent home. After the whirlwind of getting Grampa settled and making a little home for the puppy, when I had time to sit down and think about all the strangeness, I rem...

7 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“The Ice Cream Truck” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #228

RIIIING! Lawrence growled and sat bolt upright in bed. He was covered in sweat, even though he'd been sleeping on top of the covers. The air conditioning wasn't cutting it again. A glance at his watch told him it was not even eleven in the morning, and already the outside temperature was 98 degrees. RIIING! DING DING RIIIING! "It's the ice cream man," said a small voice in his head....

6 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“The Church of the Green Comet” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #184

It was the Babylon Day party that started it all. If I hadn’t gone to Harry’s party marking five long, hard years since the events of Babylon Day, when the blackout started, I wouldn’t be writing this letter. But … But it was, after all, the fifth anniversary of the start of the blackout, w...

12 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“A Million Miles Between Us ” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #183

A Million Miles Between Us Tim lay back in the oversized tub and let out a soft moan. The warm water felt good, but he still hurt everywhere. He glanced at the clock above him. “One more time,” he thought, with a sigh of resignation. He took several deep breaths, closed his eyes and let his head fall back, slipping beneath the surface. His head hit the bottom of the tub with a sof...

5 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“My Crazy Love Life” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #181

There are certain words which, once uttered, may never be un-said. Certain words which are irrevocable. Phrases like, “I want a divorce,” or, “It’s not you, it’s me,” and “Wow, that’s an ugly baby!” … I could go on. On that particular morning, at the unholy hour of 3:00 A.M., the words that could not be un-said were, “Let’s go for a walk!” Immediately,  those words were heard, pro...

8 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Coveting ” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #157

The Coveting I am a covetous thing; a ravenous thing. Right now, I am without form or substance, composed purely of need. I hunger for all that you are. I must become you. For creatures of such allure and beauty, you are so very fragile. For all that I am, at present, nothing more than a puff of cold, slightly colder than this winter night, even I remember the roaring vastness from whence ...

12 likes 8 comments 8

Read story

“Sky's Edge” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #129

Sky’s Edge Dear Catherine, The first thing we learn, when we go on the run, is to never ask questions. Questions are, after all, doorways. Those who are running away lock those doors behind them.

9 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Tardy” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #125

"WAIT!" Robin gasped, as she ran up the steep driveway. The massive oaken doors were already swinging ponderously shut. "Wait!" Robin's book bag banged against her hip, as she sprinted the last few yards. She desperately reached for the closing door, catching the handle in a hand slick with rain and sweat.

11 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Sounds in a Vacuum” by Mark Baxter

“What’s that noise?” “What noise? Are you in or out?” I tossed my ante into the pot, and cocked my head, listening. “I don’t hear it” Kirsten replied, tossing in a chip. “Three, please.” ...

2 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Lilac Bush” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #106

Being an only child is hard. Your parents are learning on the job. There are no siblings to blame for things. Being born blind adds another dimension to the experience. Still, it’s not as hard as you might think. When you’re a child, miracles are still possible. Imagination is still the key component in determining what you b...

15 likes 1 comment 1

Read story

“Seventeen Seconds” by Mark Baxter

Submitted to Contest #105

1. “Screw you, you old fart!” Zack threw his fork across the room. It bounced off his grandfather’s glasses, landing on the floor with a sound like an alarm bell. Megan burst into tears. Zack jumped to his feet, guilt at Megan’s distress further fueling his rage. “I’m going out with my friends! I’m not staying here for another one of your dinner sermons!” He wh...

11 likes 1 comment 1

Read story