Short Stories

All the short stories I post on Substack end up here. Stories are available for all readers for one month, then they are archived and available for paid subscribers. For stories published in external publications I’ll post them here once the rights revert back to me.

Heaven and Squeaky Shoes

Abram Dress
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Jan 1
Heaven and Squeaky Shoes

They always said you’d see a light at the end of a tunnel, or some dead relatives beckoning you. Or maybe Jesus or a space alien or a Valkyrie would carry you to your final destination.

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Our Red Anniversary

Abram Dress
·
December 23, 2024
Our Red Anniversary

An old Toyota Camry drives down a dark road. Fuzzy antlers stick out from the front windows. One of its tail lights is out. The headlights are dim from too many miles and too little maintenance. A twisty tie attaches a little fuzzy red nose to the hood between those dim headlights. They shine weakly into the heavy snow, the lights do, not the nose.

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Unexpected Stuffing

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November 23, 2024
Unexpected Stuffing

Two weeks until Thanksgiving…

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A Funny Story

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November 18, 2024
A Funny Story

Window or aisle. The simple decision reveals such deep insight into one’s soul.

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It's Kinda Intravenous

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November 5, 2024
It's Kinda Intravenous

“That could have gone better.”

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Loyalty and Loneliness in the Realm of the Snow Princess

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October 26, 2024
Loyalty and Loneliness in the Realm of the Snow Princess

Tickets to hell, loyalty, diodes, traffic patterns at Talladega. Perhaps they all operate best when they are one-way. Justin pondered the one-sidedness of his relationships as he sat on a stone bench staring at the tombstone.

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Dance to the End

Abram Dress
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April 22, 2024
Dance to the End

The campsite overlooked a valley and a small village. Rain drops hissed as they spattered on the campfire. The wind had picked up, piercing a chill through Danny’s overcoat. He lay back on his saddle, hat cocked over both eyes. Dancer nickered at him.

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Gone Forever Again

Abram Dress
·
April 8, 2024
Gone Forever Again

“I miss the way her butt smelled. It was an angry smell, but I miss it.” “I know this is hard on you, Friz.” Brigitte squeezed the dog’s shoulders tight. “But Moose is only going away for a little bit. She’ll be back.” “You sound like Dad talking, but you’re worried, too.” Friz huffed, then leaned into Brigitte. “Dad was mad at her. I told her not to eat …

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All stories copyright Abram Dress