Short Stories
“Jadd’s Pear Tree”
In 1931, a sapling was planted in rural Iran. By 2006, it had inspired an orchard.
The story follows Khina Mirzaie, a young woman from Iran who works at an orchard run by her family. While working there, she meets a young man named Behnam, and they develop a close relationship. As they become more involved with each other, Khina’s father, Payam, approves of Behnam and even offers him a job at the orchard as a sign of acceptance. The story shows their growing relationship and the challenges they face as they navigate their cultural traditions and expectations.
Click here to read on Vocal.
“Too Big for the Birdhouse”
When reality is not enough, build your own.
Hugo, a man in search of purpose and fulfillment, finds a flyer for a birdhouse-building competition with the grand prize listed as a wish. Though skeptical, he takes the flyer and is transported to a strange and fantastical kingdom called the Phoenix’s Aviary, ruled by a tyrannical Bird Queen. He must navigate this new world and build a birdhouse worthy of winning the competition so he can return home. But will the Aviary’s mind tricks allow him to retain his sanity?
Unavailable to read online
“Compulsion Loop”
It’s a dog eat dog world out there.
Briar is on a journey to find her life partner, as assigned by a heart-shaped locket she — and everyone else — are given at birth. The locket, described as a “foolproof” technology, leads her on a scavenger hunt that promises to match her with the best possible partner. She reflects on her childhood and how the system is not as perfect as it seems, especially after she receives a clue that her partner is no longer alive.
Click here to read on Vocal.
“Malagasy for Teeth”
Discovering hope, tradition, and uniqueness in the wild blue yonder.
A love letter to sharks, the story follows the life of Winni Masondo, an 11-year-old girl living in Cape Flats, a dangerous area in South Africa. Despite the challenges he faces in her neighbourhood, Winni finds solace on Sundays when she goes to the beach with her neighbour, Akpena, and her mother, Theolene. Theolene, a Malagasy woman who grew up in a fishing village, shares Winni’s love for marine life and teaches her about the importance of the local flora and fauna as they sail in her la’kana. It’s a story about the power of community and the beauty of nature to bring hope in difficult circumstances.
Click here to read on Vocal.