crumbs

BLAERGT ASSEMBLY

Step 1: Unpack pieces A–H and 1–3245.
Step 2: Step on three loose bolts. Blame your boyfriend.
Step 3: Fit socket A into joiners 17 and 18.
Step 4: Pinch your finger.
Step 5: Ask yourself if you even need this.
Step 6: Start a fight. It’s not about the table anymore.
Step 7: Rush your dog to the vet after he swallows a screw.
Step 8: Break up at the animal ER.
Step 9: Get home with a $3,000 bill. Cry on the floor.
Step 10: Throw out these instructions and start over with whatever’s left.

I want to look perfect when I see her. I disguise my now-thinning hair with curls and hairspray; check my reflection. She won’t notice a difference.

The receptionist at TimeLab smiles sadly. She’s seen me near-daily for twelve years. My request never changes.

She reminds me: Attempted Past Modification will result in a permanent ban.

I’d never risk it.

I step into the TimeBounder. Stale, icy air transforms into sunshine and chlorine.

“Mommy, watch!” Scarlett splashes in the pool. Irresistible, contagious joy.

Later, I’ll find her. Face-down and clammy. The TimeHop will end. It always does.

But, I’ll return. Tomorrow.

It is time to announce the winner of our first semi-monthly drabble writing contest!

We will be announcing April's theme on April 1st and stories will be due by April 30th. We are also making it free to enter for April, so get ready to get drabblin'.

As a reminder, the theme for February was...

And here are the winners:

The shortlist

• Nicole Babb
• Ian Stewart
• Rachel M. Hollis

Editor's pick

• Mike Range

Winner:

• Marissa Mengdi Zhu

We will be publishing their stories over the first five days of April!

We are pleased to announce that submissions for our first themed writing contest are now open!

To kick things off, our first theme is quite apt for the name of our semi-monthly contest:

OPEN TO ALL GENRES FOR FEBRUARY'S CONTEST

Emma and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

More details:

Entries cost $1.50 each, with a cap of 150 submissions per period.

Ten stories will be selected for publication in Quotidian Bagatelle magazine and on the web. That's a one in 15 chance of publication! All published pieces will receive payment. Nine drabble writers will receive $5, and one will be crowned champion and receive a whopping $15.