Author: Karl — Fiction Writer

Part One: The Surrender “Why are you surrendering a senior dog?” the worker asked, her eyes narrowing as she took the leash. “I’m moving to an apartment that doesn’t allow …

Kennel 42 Read More

Part One: The Lie “I can pay for the brake pads,” the woman said quietly. “But if it needs anything else, I’ll have to come back next month.” Ruben Castillo …

The Warranty Read More

Part One: The Note “Is that about me?” Dennis Vail stood beside the register with two dollars pinched between his fingers. Across the counter, the diner owner held a slip …

The Note in the Suggestion Box Read More

Part One: The Secret I thought my grumpy neighbor’s aggressive rescue dog was attacking my teenage son, but busting through the fence revealed a heartbreaking secret that changed our family …

The Training Read More

Part One: The Notebook “Put the eggs back.” The elderly woman said it so softly that Raymond Bell almost pretended he hadn’t heard her. She stood at his register with …

The Neighbor Fund Read More

Part One: The Theft “Put it back on the counter, son.” Fifteen-year-old Noah froze near the front door, one hand still buried inside his winter coat. Russell Tate had worked …

The Broom Read More

Part One: The Empty Envelope I had six dollars tucked inside a graduation card when I decided to take them back out. Three wrinkled bills. I smoothed each one against …

The Card Read More

Part One: The Bat I was ready to beat a scarred, terrifying stray dog with a baseball bat to protect my daughter, until I saw what the dog was actually …

The Perimeter Read More

Part One: The Calls “Dad, answer me!” My daughter hit the front door with the flat of her hand so hard the little brass number rattled. I was six feet …

The Saved Voice Read More

Part One: The Classroom Mr. Caldwell crumpled the drawing into a tight ball and dropped it straight into the garbage. “A hospital is a sterile environment, Leo,” the teacher announced …

The Drawing Read More