Short Stories
The "73 Words in the 732" contest seeks original short stories that contain seventy-three words or fewer. Stories can be on any theme or topic, and a panel of library staff will select the best short stories, which will appear on the library's website.
The contest is open through the month of May every year. All ages are welcome to participate and East Brunswick residency is not required.
The Fairy Mom
With tears trickling down her rosy cheeks, she ran up to her mom. Hesitantly, opening her tiny fist, she showed her the broken tooth. Embracing her, the mom asked to put the tooth under her pillow...
Komal Mehra
Untitled
Owen faced his roommate. “I planned to tell you, but thought you’d get mad.”
Lucian looked back. “I’m a longtime fan. I’m mad that you didn’t tell.”
“I should’ve.” Owen held an...
Maggie
Estrella
“The stars always know,” Abuelita used to mumble to Camila in silent gaps between garlic being pressed with oregano.
When she lost her, Cami wheezed out a knot. That’s what it felt like--a...
Dani Martinez
The Wolf Dog
Alone in the...
A.P. Wickersty
Viral Victories
Lately, the days are quiet. There’s a measured rhythm in the hours that become weeks and the weeks that become months. It’s in this hushed world that we can either bow to boredom or discover a...
Nancy Martin
Duke and George
Grandpa Duke and his grandson George adored each other. When George visited, he followed Grandpa like a puppy. Duke would fix a loose hinge; his four-year-old grandson brought his toy tools. As...
Donna Goldberg Leviss
Breathe
She didn't feel like she knew what she was doing. But, did any of the girls in the room? She had been trained to be a fearless, strong wrestler.
So had they.
She looked into the eyes...
Sofia Sepulveda
The Family Tree
Olive wiggles her toes and coos, watching her father wave the bottle.
"How plump our little pimento has become," he sings.
A groan comes down the corridor, upsetting Olive.
It...
Kevin Feigelis
Longing to See You Smile
I’m finding myself unsure how I feel about you when we make eye contact as we shop, or when I’m looking at you through the pick-up window. I’m shouting at the gas station attendant who keeps her...
Michael Trzaska
The Confession
What have I done? There will be no forgiveness. How could I have so foolishly attempted this? Should I turn myself in, plead for mercy? Will it be considered murder? Some would think life itself...
Neal Stoffers
Another Haunting Image
The lights came on as the bell hit. Quickly sliding down the brass pole, into boots and coat. The door rises and the rig rolls out. Smoke and the fire’s glow in the night sky. Dragging hose up...
Neal Stoffers
The Graveyard Shift
“Your turn,” Ted declares.
“No,” Jim protests, “I did it last time.”
A huff precedes Jim’s move – an eight of spades. Ted smirks, laying down his ace. While they...