Your Turn to Watch Dad, by Walter Thinnes, NYC, NY
A father and daughter trip to the coffee shop could be a lesson on life, love and a nice glass of wine. Or it could be a major hassle. It’s up to the aging dad, his busy daughter and a sympathetic waitress to sort it out.
Death Loves Chocolate, by Bruce Boeck, Normal IL
When Death comes to collect a middle-aged woman who isn’t ready to go, it’s a case of immoveable object attempting to best eternal force with chocolate, chance and a most unusual game.
Time to Go, by Joan Dunayer, Champaign IL
Minutes before 2:30 pm, Jane announces that she dreamed last night she will die at exactly that time. Was it predestination or just a bad dream? Will the outcome be tragic, comic, or neither?
The Desert Surprise Coffeeshop, by Christine Bush, Center Valley PA
A respite from the desert sun, an oasis of care and kindness for the dust weary traveler… Those who wander into the Desert Surprise Coffee Shop may get more than a muffin for their trouble.
The Pollock Mug, by John Conley, Baltimore MD
A dispute over a coffee mug, allegedly painted by Jackson Pollock, complicates negotiations over the sale of a coffee shop and forces Eileen to ponder what her life’s treasures are really worth.
Uncovered, by Michael Burgan, Chicago IL
It’s easy to lose yourself in a good up of coffee and the world inside your laptop, even when the outside world is going to hell in a handbasket. IM 2 James: Apocalypse now. No, really. Now!
Hot Cup of Soul, by Blaise Miller, Olathe KS
Who knew you had to pass an interview to sell your soul to the Devil? Poor Joe finds all that selling-your-soul business a little more complicated than he thought when he goes toe-to-toe with the big guys.
Critical Care, by Bara Swain, New York City, NY
Carol and her daughter have a cup of coffee and bide their time while Carol’s brother-in-law is in the hospital, but their conversation reveals a thing or two about Carol and her complicated relationship with her sister.
