L. M. Carrow
7 stories published
Stories by L. M. Carrow
The Lighthouse That Moves
When the foghorn moans, the lighthouse is already on the move. It rolls on hidden rails along the cliffline, deciding where to shine like a hound catching a scent. Tourists think it is a gimmick. Fishermen know it is temperamental and must be courted...
The Architect of Nightmares
A boutique service offers bespoke nightmares for clients who believe fear builds character. The Architect, known only as Vale, crafts dreams with precision: a chase through an endless library for procrastinators, a test with missing questions for per...
The Reversible Funeral
In Bracken, funerals are reversible once. Families may bring the deceased back for one day, reversing the ceremony. Caskets open, flowers stand upright, mourners walk backward into the hall. Time cooperates awkwardly but sincerely. When Mrs. Calloway...
The Statue that Listened
In the town square stands a statue of a woman holding a book. Legend says if you whisper a wish into her ear, she might grant it once. Most treat it as folklore. One winter, a child named Eli whispers, "I wish my brother would talk again." The next d...
The Borrowed Island
Isla Verde was advertised as āYour Island for a Day.ā Tourists could rent the whole placeācabins, beaches, even the local bandāfor 24 hours. The government leased it to pay debts. Locals were promised jobs. At first, it seemed harmless. Couples held private weddings. Writers booked silence. Influenc...
The Rotating House
The house on Cedar Street spun slowly, one degree every ten minutes, completing a rotation every two and a half days. Its owner, Lina, inherited it from her grandfather, an engineer with a flair for whimsy. He had installed the rotating foundation so that every room would eventually face the sunrise...
The Glitch in the Garden
The municipal botanical garden prided itself on biodiversity and smart automation. Sensors regulated humidity, drones pollinated rare orchids, an AI named Daisy optimized water use. Visitors loved the blend of nature and tech. Then the glitch appeared. A patch of tulips flickered between colors like...