Numerical Perplexity

The opened book lured him with its golden glow.

He imagined himself as a student in the day. Calculations done by mind or slide rules. No electronics to verify answers. Would he have had a good friend to ask for help? Were teachers stricter?

If it was a book of literature he would have fully appreciated it. But math? None of it made sense to him. The only value of the book, he determined, was its artistic calligraphy.

“Excuse me,” someone interjected. “Are you soon finishing your observation?”

He relaunched into the present, moving onwards to the museum’s next exhibit.

From Guest Contributor Krystyna Fedosejevs

Who Am I?

When my parents told me the news that I was adopted, it didn’t shock me. I knew that I was different. I have black hair and deep brown eyes, and both my parents have hazel eyes and blond hair. I was told I took after my grandfather who died before my time. Conveniently, no one had pictures.

I decided to track my biological parents. Now we’re meeting for the first time at their home, and I have a lot of questions.

I stood outside pondering whether to go in since I may not like the answers.

I turned and left.

From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher

Time Travel

For nearly three weeks, I found myself in a state of utter confusion. Despite using my usual login details, I was unable to access any of my accounts. It was as though I wasn't myself, like something else had taken over my body. I entertained the possibility of theft or insanity, but my motherboard's lack of responsiveness left me with more questions than answers. It reluctantly crossed my mind that I had been transported elsewhere. However, how and why I would end up there was still a mystery. These unexplainable experiences have left me feeling perplexed and uncertain. Time travel.

From Guest Contributor Clinton Siegle

First Meeting

At first glance it appears to be a normal home with a wraparound porch and swing.

The windows are open, and the curtains blow in the warm breeze. Still, I can’t seem to move. Now, I must wonder why I insisted on this meeting. My life is fine. I have a wife and two boys. I don’t need to meet my mother.

She abandoned me, yet I need answers. Even as an adult, I feel as if I’m a child not understanding.

I exit the car and walk to the front door, take a deep breath, and ring the doorbell.

From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher

Brain Changes

My mind has lost its stickiness, my thoughts are stalling out. Questions I have no answers for are good for rewiring my brain, they say, weaving it through with logic. So why did I send some drawings to my blind friend? She said, “I can’t see, remember?” “Can’t someone look at them for you?” “Their ability to see doesn’t make me less blind.” I didn’t get whatever it was she was getting at, so I hung up. Maybe I should call her back. I could tell her about the new show at the Drawing Center. She might want to come.

From Guest Contributor Cheryl Snell

Cheryl's books include several collections of poetry, and a series of novels called Bombay Trilogy. Recent work has appeared in journals from India, Ireland, UK, Canada, Greece, and the US.. Look her up on Facebook

You...Just Watch

“Do you have the time?”

I had never seen this youngster before – I would have remembered.

“Of course,” I replied. I looked at my watch and told him the exact time.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I would like to know if you have the time.”

“Well, I’m a bit ahead of schedule right now. So, yes. Sure. I can spare a few minutes. What is it you wanted to talk about?”

He shook his head and walked away slowly.

“Judging by your answers, you are not the one who has the time. You’re the one with the watch.”

From Guest Contributor Hervé Suys

Hervé Suys (°1968 – Ronse, Belgium) started writing short stories whilst recovering from a sports injury and he hasn’t stopped since. Generally he writes them hatless and barefooted.

The Gladiator

He was a Gladiator, slaying every question with his answers. Judges admired him as the Atlas lifting our team. At first, I pitied for our status, consequently he hoarded us.

I couldn’t even try to lift my head because of my shame. He slogged us into the finals. In the finals, we had partaken and led our way to the trophy till the judge asked our last question. The sound of the question holed my heart, other team was celebrating their win, already.

A voice raised from our side answering the question. That spotless answer navigated us to the trophy.

From Guest Contributor Vivek Vr

Ludere

He introduced himself to the elegant redhead, making the proper, respectful eye-contact interspersed with cheekily brazen glances beyond the pendulous necklace of green stones.

He listened to her queries, gave all the right answers, asking questions on cue, seizing each opportunity for sexual inference.

Waiting for her fiancé, she allowed herself to bask in the attention and enjoy the ancient game. She even allowed her secret smile to beam forth occasionally, assuring herself that her fidelity was as icily resolute as the emeralds about her flushed neck.

Shortly after an artful hand touched her thigh, only the emeralds kept table.

From Guest Contributor Perry McDaid

Family Portrait

I held her dainty hand, her fragile bones hidden deep within her withering skin. Her once cerulean eyes, now slate-grey from worries of not knowing, look at me longingly as if I had all the answers. Her time was slipping, and that’s what she wanted; to be with her Papa… her Mama… her Mamoo… I wish she could remember; the stories she told… her children’s names… me… I opened the photo album on my lap. She smiled down at the pictures. “What a beautiful family you have.” My eyes fixated on her, wishing she could remember… they’re her family, too.

From Guest Contributor McKenzie A. Frey

The Man Who Knew Too Much

They came from miles around to ask him questions and he always answered truly. It seemed to those visitors that he knew everything. At least, no one could ever remember a question stumping him. He was worth every penny.

It was different for those who knew him. At first, they had been amazed of course. How did he know so much? But after a while, the novelty wore off and he began to get cocky, lording it over them how much smarter he was. And really, it was just plain awkward to be around someone who knew everything about you.