From Robert Swartwood:

First place winner:

HOUSE HUNTING by Gary A. Braunbeck

The fence is tall. Good. The mother is typical white-trash, too loud. But the kids … they seem frightened and quiet. Good. Easier that way.

Second place winner:

DEPARTURE by Donora Hillard

The terminal is unkind. You watch me go through security. In six months, you’ll say “Tell me about the nightmare,” and I promise I will.

Third place winner:

PROGRESS by Joe Schreiber

After seventeen days she finally broke down and called him “daddy.”

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