Lioness

by Jolene Dawe

It's a long while before I realize she's standing over me the way that she is. My vision is blurred, and my head is swimming, and for a time even after I open my eyes to see her, rage incarnate in a tiny body, what I'm seeing doesn't register. It comes slowly, her body held so rigidly, her arms trembling as they are held over her head, the full-size cast iron skillet ready to swing down. I find it somewhat fitting that that skillet, which was my own mother's before it was my wife's, should take my life from me. I close my eyes and wait for the killing blow. There is pride in me, and through the fog of alcohol I can feel it, that this daughter of mine has such strength in her. There is shame, as well, for this young warrior is only ten years old. Such rage is nothing one so young should feel.  Read more.

Mammoth Bones and Melanie Boothe

by Ian Healy

Her name was Melanie Boothe.  Read more.

Going to See the Witch

by Adam Jeffries Schwartz

22 April 2006
Mexico


A young woman goes to see her local witch. She's nervous (she's often nervous) but in this case it's justified, the witch has a reputation--for pith. Read more.