The short fiction of j hardy carroll
The woman at the desk greeted me with the muted enthusiasm of a person working long hours. “She’ll be so happy to see you. She doesn’t get many visitors.” “I’ve been busy,” I said. “You know how it is.” She stood. “Let me show you to her room.” “No need. I think I can find…
When I woke, the windows were translucent from the dried salt spray. I went downstairs to make coffee. The power was out, but the gas range was working. I was searching for the kettle when I heard the door. She came in, hair splendidly tousled across her tan, lovely face. “You won’t recognize the beach,”…
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Truth or Dare.” One day she just knew. There was no epiphany, no moment of truth. It was a simple knowledge, like remembering it is your grandmother’s birthday. Embarrassment? Certainly, but embarrassment of a private sort, embarrassment more akin to shame. This was the first change wrought…
It’s been a long time since I posted anything that wasn’t part of some prompt or other. My girlfriend says I’m addicted. Maybe so. There is something refreshing about flash fiction. I’d never done it before on any regular basis. In fact, I used to make fun of it. I’ve changed my mind recently. It’s…
“What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” “What a crock.” I kicked the side of the treehouse. “It doesn’t even make sense.” Teddy tossed the book into the corner. “It’s full of that stuff. Maxims and shit. My aunt gave it to me when I was little.” “What are maxims?” He…