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    This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction
    This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction
    This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction
    Ebook46 pages45 minutes

    This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction

    By Petal Pusher Press

    ()

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    About this ebook

    This unique anthology features a collection of stories ranging from 250-1000 words, each written by a talented female author. The book is divided into two sections, each with stories arranged by their corresponding emotional themes.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPetal Pusher Press
    Release dateJul 28, 2010
    ISBN9781452357171
    This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction

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      Book preview

      This Human Condition - Petal Pusher Press

      This Human Condition: A Collection of Flash and Micro Fiction

      Various Authors

      Published by

      Petal Pusher Press

      Smashwords Edition

      © Copyright 2010

      All rights reserved. Copyright for each story included within this anthology remains the sole possession of the individual contributor. No part of this book may be reproduced without prior written permission from the author, with the exception of brief quotes used for purposes of reviews.

      * * * * *

      This book is dedicated to the talented members of SheWrites.com, where it all began.

      Special thanks to Kathy Tarbox, Victoria Donaldson and the entire staff of Petal Pusher Press.

      A note from the editor:

      If you enjoy the stories you find within this book, please take the time to visit the author websites and let them know.

      * * * * *

      Part One

      * * * * *

      LOVE

      When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

      Kahlil Gibran

      * * * * *

      May I Help You? – Bridgid Gallagher

      If I wasn’t so pissed at my Dad, I wouldn’t have minded watching his coffee house.

      Sure, I’m stuck in the Rainy City--alone, broke and one step above unemployment; but I prefer to look on the sunny side. Some girls have dads who pick up 25-year olds and red convertibles. Instead, my Dad disappears without a trace for two months, leaving me in charge of a derelict house he likes to call a café.

      That’s better, isn’t it?

      It all started two months ago, when I got The Call from my wayward father. Gran handed me the phone straight away. She’s drawn the line when it comes to her son, and I can hardly blame her.

      After less than two seconds of pleasantries, Dad got right down to it: Janey, I need you to cover the shop.

      I gave the usual protests: I have job already, I love Florida, you’re crazy, blah, blah blah. He wasn’t in a listening mood.

      You’re the only one who can help me. Can’t you do this for your old Dad? It’ll be a breeze, just like when you worked at Kendra’s café.

      That was a deli, Dad. And I didn’t run the café, I worked there.

      Then this will be an opportunity for you to use your imagination.

      Dad’s approach to life involved liberal amounts of imagination. So far, his creative ways have caused Gran to banish him from Florida and Mom to run off with a straight-laced accountant. Come on, Janey. It’ll be fun. Just give me one week. Only one. Please?

      At this point in the conversation, Gran rolled her eyes and mouthed something foul about Dad’s tendency to use me. I ignored her. I know that dad uses me, but what can I do? No matter what he does, he’s still my dad.

      When my boss asked why I needed the time off, I told her that it was a family emergency. And it was. Some people’s parents get sick, my Dad gets ideas. It’s the same thing, really.

      That was two months ago. Not the week Dad promised me, but two months. I tried to explain it to my boss, but she fired me over the phone. Turns out, the holiday season is not the best time to go AWOL.

      So, here I am, stuck in a rainy Seattle winter with no friends, no

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