Innocent young lady Stories

It had been a long time coming, given the long work hours and family obligations, but an open Friday night finally arrived, and I was excited to catch up and hang out with my good friend Dave. Dave and I shared many mutual interests, had similar career paths, similarly aged kids, and an equal disparity in work-life balance. The night out began as a typical night would for two men catching up who rarely see the outside of...

New York in February was unkind. Cold slipped past scarves, soaked shoes in slush, and turned every gust of wind into a dare. But for Yuki Nakamura, that first breath of frigid air did not feel cruel. It felt earned. She stepped out of JFK with her scarf snug, suitcase rattling over cracked pavement, heart pounding with the quiet thrill of what she’d done. Twenty-seven. No boyfriend. No plans. No job tying her down. She h...

‘Someone might be in trouble,’ I lied to myself. ‘Better check it out and make sure everyone’s safe.’ Had I been legitimately concerned about the strange noises coming from the depths of Pussycat Park, I would have called the police. The primal part of me knew the faint sounds of moans and the occasional muffled scream were not the noises made by someone who needed help. Yet I convinced myself that following the siren cal...

Tucksford, The Laxton Arms, May 27th — We had no need to cast lots yester-eve to choose who should entertain after supper tonight. Almost as soon as the Cook had finished his tale of the Devil and the Lady, the widow Dame Elizabeth called out above the hubbub and general hilarity. "Dear friends," she said, "for that is what I must perforce call you now, there being none of my family left alive. The cook has regaled us wit...