Short Stories

Photo by David Lezcano

All short stories published on The Quick and the Dead are linked below. Happy reading!


  • Overcome: Chapter 5

    (Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.) It is 4:02. Anna is nowhere in sight as she walks into the coffee shop. She has expected this though. Anna is not usually on time. She should have known to come at 4:15, but she had to get out of the house. She left… Continue reading


  • Overcome: Chapter 4

    (Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.)                It is 11:17. She glances at the clock as she puts the car into park. Jesse has driven separately, and parks his Taurus next to her. The boys tumble from the backseat. She will need a new car in a few months, maybe even… Continue reading


  • Overcome: Chapter 3

                (Find previous chapters and a description of the project here.)   It is Sunday. Her boys sit with her in their normal spot, fourth pew, left side. She takes the middle so no one has to ask her to scoot in. She passes Brett and Finn peppermints. They are too old now to be bribed this… Continue reading


  • Overcome: Chapter 2

    (Find chapter 1 and a description of the project here.) It is 1:07 am and she cannot sleep. Her body is begging for rest, but her thoughts will not turn down the volume. When she closes her eyes, all she can see is the dark blue cross in the test result window. So, she keeps… Continue reading


  • Overcome: Chapter 1

    (Before reading this chapter, you may want to read a description of the project here.) It is Tuesday. Tuesday is when he comes to see her. She has opened the front door, leaving only the glass storm door between her anticipation and his arrival. When he comes, she knows he will not knock. He will… Continue reading