Really short stories

This year’s micro-fiction contest went really short—six-words short. Other than the number of words and the absence of titles, the same rules as Fiction 59 applied. The category was open to all age divisions (congrats to high-schoolers Jasmine Kinsler, Elijah Michael Karicas and Miranda Taylor on joining the adults to be chosen), and our judges picked their 15 faves from the hundreds of submissions.

Six-word stories

Wanted: Peace on Earth. Inquire within.
Sharon DeMeyer
Chico

It’s bubble-wrap! Couldn’t help myself.
Jedidiah Woodard
Chico

Don’t eat the burritos from 7-11.
Jasmine Kinsler
Quincy

Smokey Bear, just meditate for PTSD.
Jenny McCutcheon
Chico

November obituary: Redwoods, forty rings old.
Jenny McCutcheon
Chico

Found! Selfie stick left at cliff.
Emiliano Garcia-Sarnoff
Chico

New fire hose, curled and charred.
Gordy Ohliger
Chico

Please send my father a letter.
Alaina Macarthy
Chico

Cost of life is tax deductible.
Elijah Michael Karicas
Chico

Unknown road, wind whipping my hair.
Karen Aikin
Chico

He couldn’t handle the moon himself.
Miranda Taylor
Chico

It’s a no underwear kinda day.
Brittney Hawkins
Chico

Dirty little secret: lace panties, hidden.
Kayla Nauta
Chico

Bloody window. Dead bird. Thanksgiving ’97.
Stephen Caldes
Chico

I’m done. Give me the key.
Nic Cecil
Chico