Stories

After a long period of emotional distance and self-reflection, Jim, a middle-aged man recovering from a divorce, is learning how to navigate life and fatherhood. When he meets Jon, a younger, confident man with whom he shares a mutual interest in fitness and running, Jim feels a spark he hasn’t felt in years. What begins as a casual friendship soon develops into something more, but Jim’s hesitations and fears about his age, his past, and his responsibilities as a father complicate his emotions.

“Taking Teddy Home” follows Carter on a cross-Canada journey to fulfill a promise to his late husband, Teddy. Along the way, memories of their love, struggles, and dreams unfold. A chance encounter with a kind stranger in Newfoundland brings Carter closer to letting go, as he prepares to scatter Teddy’s ashes in the Atlantic—a final act of love and closure.

In His Image is a short, introspective story about Ronald, a young man in his mid-20s, struggling with his faith, identity, and feelings for a male co-worker, Chris. Raised in a conservative religious family, Ronald faces confusion and shame as he grapples with his desires and beliefs. As his friendship with Chris deepens, he experiences a pivotal moment of emotional and physical intimacy, marking the start of his self-acceptance. The story ends with Ronald’s breakthrough, leaving the outcome open-ended for readers to imagine.

Michael Evans destroyed lives. He shattered trust and never once owned up to his wrongs. Instead, he chose to run, believing that escaping was the solution. But the past doesn’t stay buried, no matter how far you run—it always finds a way to resurface, and when it does, it’s far more unforgiving. This is a continuation of the story, Straightening Affairs from Michael Evans point-of-view.

When a delayed flight strands two strangers at the airport, Jake Landers and Tony Hess find themselves unexpectedly drawn to one another. What begins as casual conversation over a drink soon deepens into something neither man anticipated. Against the backdrop of airport terminals and fleeting moments, they discover that chance encounters can spark life-changing connections. As the hours pass, their chemistry grows, leading to decisions that could redefine what they thought they wanted—and needed.

Robby, estranged from his brother Tanner after coming out as gay, builds a life with his husband Manny, marked by love, resilience, and family. Over the years, Tanner sends cards for milestones—graduation, birthdays, even Robby’s children’s births—but never bridges the gap in person. Haunted by past betrayals and unwilling to risk his hard-won happiness, Robby wrestles with the meaning of family, forgiveness, and whether some wounds can ever truly heal.

Jeremy, a gay high school senior, moves to a new city with his family, struggling to fit in and process his father’s death. He befriends Cal, a charismatic skater, whose playful hints leave Jeremy questioning Cal’s feelings. As their friendship deepens, Jeremy battles self-doubt while Cal, inspired by his own past, takes the leap to confess his feelings. A kiss seals their connection, marking the start of something new. Amid family struggles, Jeremy finds hope, love, and belonging.

Michael appears to have it all—a successful career, a loving family, and a picture-perfect life. But beneath the surface lies a world of hidden truths and forbidden desires, threatening to shatter everything he’s built. As tension mounts and the weight of his secrets grows unbearable, Michael must navigate a dangerous path where every decision has consequences. Straightening Affairs is a gripping exploration of identity, deception, and the lengths one man will go to protect the life he’s desperately trying to hold together.

In The Dreamer, Mason and Robert navigate life’s trials, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a society not always ready to accept them. Starting in college, their connection deepens as they face family rejections, identity struggles, and career pressures. Together, they build a life marked by resilience and unwavering love. Over time, they marry, have children, and create a lasting family legacy. As they grow old, the enduring symbol of their bond—a ring forged from a meteorite—becomes a reminder to their children and grandchildren of a love that reached beyond time, built on courage, devotion, and unity.

Esperanza, a descendant of curanderas, grapples with her identity and unspoken love for Lucía. As the Day of the Dead approaches, mysterious disappearances unsettle their town and deepen Esperanza’s inner conflict. During the parade, a lost soul seeks her help, uncovering hidden truths of love and loss long forgotten. Torn between family traditions and her true self, Esperanza must choose whether to embrace her ancestral powers and feelings for Lucía, helping lost souls while finding her own voice.

This is a short story, part of a flash fiction collection inspired by images or prompts.