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.
Coming of Age
I was thirteen years old. My abusive alcoholic father's daughter from his first marriage just had a baby. Previously estranged, she was flying out to stay with us so he could meet his new...
Geneva Hague
The Lawn Mower
My lawn mower was being repaired. A friend who lived several blocks away said that I could borrow his mower on Saturday. He would leave his garage unlocked. I drove over picked up the mower, cut...
Donald Carugati
Aruba
We watched Steve play craps last night; he said we brought him luck.
Now we sat at the hotel breakfast table.
Gloria, Irv, Nancy, Steve, Sharon, Me.
Introductions concluded. New...
Donna Goldberg Leviss
Drew's Book
Four-year old Drew ran into the house crying and holding a book.
""What's wrong?"" asked Dad.
""Teacher gave this book to have you read to me. Waaah! It has pictures. I hate...
LEK
Thoughts of a Southern Boy About Gettysburg
Jed and I walked toward the tree on solid ground.
We almost got there. But we had to turn back.
Coming back, I carried Jed. He was hurt bad.
The ground was now very moist with...
Frank Gardella
The Decision
This was a life changing decision. It had been love at first sight. Something this good only came once.
Dad wouldn’t approve. Won’t like his breed, a nocturnal predator, not known for...
Neal Stoffers
Nirvana
When Troy realized he had reached the ultimate level of humanity and that this was his last rodeo on earth, his euphoria quickly turned to panic.
With each reincarnation, he had worked at...
Veronica A. Sudia
Recognition
Bob, a Vietnam Veteran, was seated at the counter. He didn’t acknowledge the suspicious looking man when he sat down the far end.
The man motioned my way.
“M’am”, he said, “I'm...
Michael Trzaska
The Battle
He rolled over to his belly, evaluated the options. Exhausted from fighting. He lifted his heavy head, scanned the room. Searched for help.
In the distance, another, he screamed,...
Keren Horn
My Big Day
Tenth birthday. Everyone knows it's my big day. Just throw my ball. You, then you, then you. Everyone gets to throw.
Mom ignores me as she hands out the drinks. Dad tells his silly...
Ellen Pometti
The First Monday of Every Month
THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH. MY HEAD IS REALLY SPINNING AFTER LAST NIGHT . ONE DAY A MONTH MIGHT BE THE SOLUTION. IT HAS REALLY KNOCKED ME OFF MY FEET COMING ON SO SUDDEN LIKE IT DID.
...
Peter Robert
The Sphere
The sphere rushed towards him at an incredible speed. In front of him were two warriors. The one nearest him wore an outfit that included a mask and a padded leathery article on one hand. The...