Noel Haynes II

The Prom Queen’s Legacy

The rain hit my bedroom window like a handful of gravel, throwing distorted shadows across the walls. It was just past midnight. The four of us—Caitlyn, Jade, Serena, and I—were huddled together in a fortress of blankets and pillows on my floor. My parents were away for the weekend, leaving […]

The Prom Queen’s Legacy Read More »

The Best Father’s Day Catch

The campfire crackled, sending orange sparks up into the heavy canopy of pines. The night was thick and dark, smelling of pine needles, river mud, and burnt marshmallows. Five boys sat on rotting log benches, huddled close to the heat. They were deep in the woods at Camp Whispering Shadows—a

The Best Father’s Day Catch Read More »

The Oakridge Field Trip

The leather chair in Dr. Mitchell’s office always squeaked when I shifted my weight. I stared at the geometric patterns on his rug, trying to find the words. “It’s the same dream, Dr. Mitchell.” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Every single night. It always starts the same way.”

The Oakridge Field Trip Read More »

The Mother of the Mojave

The sun was a jagged, bleeding wound on the horizon as Miles and Sarah pushed through the Mojave. Their old Jeep Wrangler rumbled with a comforting rhythm, the air conditioner fighting a losing battle against the dry, oppressive heat of the Nevada desert. They were happy. More than happy—they were

The Mother of the Mojave Read More »

Riley, My Haunted Halloween Doll

My name is Lydia. I’m 30 years old, and I love celebrating Halloween with my best friend, Martha. Martha and I have been best friends ever since we were ten years old. We do everything together, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. You see, when I

Riley, My Haunted Halloween Doll Read More »

A nightmare of cockroaches

A Nightmare of Cockroaches

I hate bugs. I hate all kinds of insects, such as flies, bees, even mosquitoes; but the one insect that I hate most of all is the common cockroach. To me, a cockroach is the scariest and most disgusting insect of them all. Ever since I was a kid, and

A Nightmare of Cockroaches Read More »

Scroll to Top