The Rumpus Prize in Fiction, First Place: Aimee LaBrie
The first part went as expected: the countback with the anesthesiologist, the prepping of the surgical area, the instruments arranged just so.
Fiction
232 posts
Rumpus Original Fiction: Ronny James
“What is that?” your mother said, taking another drag from her cigarette.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Second of April
On the third fools’ day, Ma was shrinking downward and I was floating upward.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Dead Man Sink
Bennie knew her mother wasn’t beautiful. She knew this because her mother wouldn’t swim.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Find Me in the Light
I can never figure out the right rhythm and I’m always off beat—interrupting at the wrong moment, letting the silence hang for far too long.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Casserole
He trusted her. He loved her. He was waiting for her to provide.
Rumpus Original Fiction: The Sun Never Sets on the Sunrise Highway
With so little going on, we get to talking. Talk about the past, chitchat to pass the time.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Twinsies
Whatever happened to that one secretary from your job? The one who likes talking about murders instead of doing any work? I bet she already knows more about Aida than I do.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Two Flash Stories by Hyo Jin Ha
Often, they sit in a neat circle around my mug and take turns spitting in it, rubbing their thin hands.
Rumpus Original Fiction: Tuesday Morning, Downtown
I’m going to quit, I said. For you. I’ll quit.
Rumpus Original Fiction: For the Love of a Body
Conversation was playful; he was charming, I was witty. Our humor bounced off each other seamlessly, smiles and laughs came easy as breathing.
Rumpus Original Fiction: We Tremble
I want them to say, wow look at Griselda now, thinking her shit doesn’t stink. And I’ll say back to them, it doesn’t 'cause I’m classy now!