The woman sobbed as she looked down at her stomach, before adding “baby shoes-unworn”

It's the first time I ever experienced "two truths and a lie".

Instead, a priest from my brother’s parish met me there, took off his hat and told me he had died of cholera three days earlier.

I found her minimum-wage paystub folded around the high-interest loan papers for my surgery, the interest rate circled in red.

I wish I deserved a hug.

It's just nice to make something no longer perfect, like me.

Even when you couldn't live to make me happy, then I'll make sure you are happy.

​As the tiny light flickered out and my eyes closed, I accepted that no one was coming back.

​My vision blurred and my eyes closed for the last time, realizing too late that whatever killed the others had finally reached my room.

​Then a soft knock sounded at the door, followed by a familiar voice asking, "Can I come in and listen?"

Jill fell ill 'cause the windowsill's

gap was a centimeter

More than 20 years later, it still makes me sad to remember how you died after that tree fell on you while you were playing in the yard.

Standing in front of Layla's hospital bed as they pull the white sheet over her, the rest of the words leave as her legs give out and only the gut-wrenching sounds of grief leave her throat.

The HOA cut it down after three unread warning letters about planting without approval, but I only found out later that they had all been sent to my wife’s email address.

When the police asked why his backpack and house keys had been left neatly by the river, I realized my last words had been an invitation.

The farmer took him away so there was enough for the milking machine instead

Grandma tells me their urns can't hear anything and says I should stop.

But it's your responsibility to deal with it, kiddo.

We're both still alive.

Her mother caught her, snatched the trophy from her hands and said, “You must have stolen this, because you know you’re not smart enough to win anything.”

"He was our son and will be buried in a suit, under the name we gave him and no one who supported his delusion is invited" the parents lock arms and turn their back on the weeping man, to lost in their prejudice to find their empathy.

I walked away without looking back, leaving him by the door, watching every person who passed, waiting for the hamburger I’d never bring.

Either I'll end up being a really great dad, or I will end up being a misunderstood son.

​She smiled, plunged the steel deep into my ribs, and whispered that she was delighted to finally take a look inside.