Stories related to children

Crush

He was the school hunk. She mined beneath his desk for chewing gum. If she believed it hard enough, she was kissing him for real.

Missed

One hand on her womb, she scrolls through for his number, pushes “Send,” then stops it before the call can register. Repeat.

Carousel

The children squealed with delight. The grandparents wheezed and thanked their lucky stars to be alive. They paid a token for one more ride.

The stuff of dreams

When it rains like this the gutter is full of stardust. Adults don’t notice it but children put it in their pockets to dream about at night.

You Don’t Know Me

30 years ago you threw me down the stairs after the last beating. Still you find my phone number. Leave a message for who you think I am.