Due to the impending storm, East Brunswick Public Library will close at 4:00 PM.

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

Thursday, May 14, 2020

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

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Wolf Dog

 

Alone in the...

A.P. Wickersty

Monday, May 11, 2020

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

Sunday, May 10, 2020

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

Friday, May 8, 2020

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

Thursday, May 7, 2020

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

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

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

Monday, May 4, 2020

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...

Roux Bedrosian

Sunday, May 3, 2020