Short Fiction

Dolls Are Like People; Illustration by Newman D'Silva

Dolls Are Like People

Her joints are stiff, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s her natural condition.

The Hatter's Wife, illustration by Newman D'Silva

The Hatter’s Wife

Alice pressed her palm to the cool glass as her husband snipped away at the fabric that would form his fourth hat that week.

Invitation, illustration by Pooja Satish

Invitation

Maybe it wasn’t her love that was strange. Maybe it was Grandpa’s.

The Last Butterfly, illustration by Ria Rajan

The Last Butterfly

When she sipped from the flowers, she would make sure that her wings were stretched out and displayed properly for him.

Illustration by Kruttika Susarla

The Girl in the Leopard-Skin Brassiere

You don’t know me but I have lived a lifetime with you.

Sexy, illustration by Osheen Siva

Sexy

The man’s voice had reached where his hands couldn’t have.

Church Hill, illustration by Osheen Siva

Church Hill

Bright lights flash about her, and the city steeps in her lap for an unexpected reunion.

In Calcutta, illustration by Newman D'Silva

In Calcutta

What does her smile look like? Does she have crooked teeth like me? Do her eyes crinkle up when she smiles?

Butterfly Love

Butterfly Love

Layers upon layers of fabric, he knew, were surely hampering his beloved white butterflies from fluttering in the breeze.

Skylight, illustration by Pooja Satish

Skylight

I was always watching you but you never felt the heat of my gaze.

David, illustration by Tara Isha

David

There is nothing to be said. The hour is past, and he should leave.

Duet, illustration by Tara Isha

Duet

She felt as though she had done something terrible. But technically, she had just been singing in her own bathroom, hadn’t she?