Short Stories
The "73 Words in the 732" contest seeks original short stories that contain seventy-three words or fewer. Stories can be on any theme or topic, and a panel of library staff will select the best short stories, which will appear on the library's website.
The contest is open through the month of May every year. All ages are welcome to participate and East Brunswick residency is not required.
Cowbirds
Maeve thought about cowbirds as her eyes traced the clear tubing leading from her teenage daughter’s arm to the IV bag, plump with fluids meant to quell the storm created when a virus collides...
Tessa James
Creek
With my knees in the icy creek, I put my hand to the back of my head, finding it sticky with blood.
My sister was running towards me when I realized something wasn’t right. If she had...
Veronica Sudia
Memento
A pink cosmetic bag held a lipstick and a folded sheet of paper; a packing list, revealing her personal daily necessities. I felt like I was invading her privacy, delving into drawers that were...
Karen L. Famiglietti
Untitled
They send cards and texts and messages on Facebook. I know they are thinking of me. But we don't talk. We just exchange written pleasantries. This way of communicating is strange; yes, it is nice...
Barbara Keegan
Untitled
Alone. Inside. Post surgery. The house is quiet and dark, and so are my thoughts. Dreadful depressing loneliness closes in on me.
Deep breath. Step out onto the front porch. The...
Barbara Keegan
Grandma’s “Dieagreedies”
Grandma’s got “Dieagreedies”
Hey little one slow down. It’s called diabetes but I like your novel word better.
I am greedy and greedy eating is really a better explanation of what...
Elayne Risley
Gertrude’s Bigger Problem
Gertrude had had it with her husband hogging the bed. One dark night, she snuck out and checked into a fine hotel. She just wanted a good night’s sleep!
She floated, languorous, centered,...
David Klotzkin
A Simple Tribute
He was not feeling 100%. He scheduled a doctor’s appointment and looked forward to celebrating his birthday with his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. They shared ice cream and...
Cecelia Regan
What the Nanny Said
I rise early in our weather-beaten house on Cranbury Road, listen to a blackbird sing. We had moved in last week and are finally unpacked. My daughter sleepily rambles in, asks if I believe in...
Nickie Shah
Ronin's Wallet
A bloody wallet lays on the banks of the river. A praying mantis takes something out of the wallet and dances, swaying, like a pendulum. Flashback 3 days ago; a lone Ronin walks into the post...
Alan M
The Gunman
“Do you think he really means it?”
“Yes,” she texted back.
The twins hid under a covered display table. A gunman had quietly slipped into their classroom locking the door. He ordered...
Alice H. Brown
A Honeymoon on the French Riveria
A HONEYMOON ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA
""Can you call the front desk for the time"" my husband asked? "" You can speak French"", he added confidently. I willingly picked up the phone and...