I love to help people — My name is Bradley Hendrich, and I love to help people. I think one of the most rewarding things in my life is to improve the lives of others. And I think I am misunderstood much of the time, especially by my wife. You see, she doesn’t trust me. She’s…

Truths a wig couldn’t cover — The wig still sat upon the styrofoam head, right where mother left it. No one dared touch the wig in fear that her spirit might still dwell there. I assume that’s why they left it there as the house slowly crumbled. Mother had beautiful hair, so deep as midnight with…

What it’s like to walk in my paws — “So, you hate cats?” The bitter twang hung at the back of my throat. The pleasure I felt from before was gone and the look in your eyes proclaimed you knew that something turned behind my eyes. It was the last shred of hope for your humanity. You see, I…

The darkness we battle every day — “Listen, you’re a good person. You know deep down inside you’re good enough.” “Yeah, I think so.” “You are.” “But here’s the thing, my life is a mess. When I look back at all the things I’ve done, it’s horrible. My children are leaving, my marriage is a mess, and…

She was dead before our next scheduled session. The night before, to be exact. It was snowing and cold as hell that night. Pyra set the fire that ended her own life. How strange that some infernos continue during a blizzard. I’ve seen cars incinerate during rainstorms too. And how…

Raven and the gift Dark Cloud watched her aunt work. Magpie’s fingers moved underneath and over the strands so fast that her niece's eyes couldn’t plot their route of travel. Her digits were lightning fast, pulling colors into chevrons and diamonds in deep ink black and algae green. Dark Cloud…

within the secret garden It was my sister Lucretia’s secret garden now, not mine. I woke every morning at sunrise and watched her walk to the garden, alone. It was while the dew lingered still on the rose petals, I’d imagined. Ever since spring arrived, she’d go. It was chilly…

and his stinking flask of whiskey — “The moon is full tonight, Linda.” Tommy leaned forward, without his seatbelt of course, and glanced up at the night sky. He took a deep gulp from his silver flask and smacked his lips. Linda saw him point upwards from her peripheral vision. “You know, some people claim you can…

Why his pain should not be forgotten — Disclaimer: This story contains information about abuse and PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder) which may be triggering to some. Please be advised. Healing is a complicated thing, and it doesn’t just involve you. Even when the trauma was yours, you held it in your own heart and bleeding hands, other people need…