Short Stories
Year's Time
As the decades pass, Andrew finds comfort in visiting his deceased father in a recurring lucid dream.
The Happiest Place on Earth
Elías struggles to find joy since his accident. After his father receives free tickets to a theme park, he and his little brother enter the Happiest Place on Earth, where chance and opportunity at last intersect to offer Elías hope for financial independence. He dives into a unique underground economy and his entrepreneurship is rewarded.
Farmer Bob's Hat
An aging farmer's new puppy is behaving like no dog he's ever seen before.
The Lullaby Lady
A mother lost in memories sings lullabies to her baby boy, unaware that the man by her side is that very child, now grown and grieving.
this story possesses you
You are the shaman Pathana, and this story will possess you...
This story appears in anthology as:
Strassberg, Adam. "this story possesses you." The Dragon's Hoard 2. Edited by Carol Hightshoe, WolfSinger Publications, June 18, 2024, pp. 1-5.
(Anthology available for purchase online)
Fiafia Fights the Fatties
Fiafia lights a cherished lamp from her grandmother and the ‘aitu’ spirit grants her wishes for a ‘normal’ body size…
This story appears in anthology as:
Strassberg, Adam. "Fiafia Fights the Fatties." Dragon Gems: Summer 2023. Edited by Steven Radecki, Water Dragon Publishing, July 28, 2023, pp. 266-291.
(Anthology available for purchase online)
Apple Pi
Martin and Mari roll a twenty-sided die to help with all their decisions...
This story has been reprinted, with 5 appended discussion questions, in the September 2024 edition of After Dinner Conversation Magazine, a monthly periodical of ethical and philosophical short stories, named Top 10 "Best Lit Mags of 2023" by Chill Subs.
This story also was selected for inclusion in the twenty story anthology After Dinner Conversation - "Best Of 2024".
This story also was selected for inclusion in the ten story anthology After Dinner Conversation - "Food Ethics".
The Brewbot 9000
Sanjay is a senior engineer passionate about robots and coffee and his creation, the Brewbot 9000, teaches him the value of kindness and connection in his otherwise logical world.
Mr. Snuggles goes to the Zoo
Ms. Clayton is an octogenarian protagonist with multiple chronic illnesses - arthritis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, lymphoma. She is an action hero who needs a walker for mobility assistance. When she decides to smuggle her beloved old dog Mr. Snuggles into the zoo, adventure ensues!
