A Place to Leave Things

Category: NYC Midnight

  • One Beep, Good

    One Beep, Good

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    by

    Holly Leary
    in

    A 100-word suspense challenge, a deadly boarding line, and the difficulty of ending on ambiguity. Plus a detour into Japanese horror fiction and the strange books currently haunting my dreams.

  • Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel

    Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel

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    by

    Holly Leary
    in

    NYC Midnight 100 Word Challenge, 2026. Round One. Genre: Comedy, Action: Visiting, Word: Understand Place: 12th Title: Opportunistic, Omnivorous Squirrel My porch chairs, drenched in afternoon sunlight. Tiny visitor.  But can I just say something? That cushioned chair is made for humans, you know? And here you are, resting on hind legs. Fuzzy white belly.…

  • No Beber: A Florida Story

    No Beber: A Florida Story

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    by

    Holly Leary
    in

    The narrative “No Beber: A Florida Story” humorously depicts a dog walk in Florida, contrasting it with a wintry Boston life. It features anthropomorphic lizards engaged in quirky activities, including arm-wrestling and smoking cockroach cigarettes, while highlighting the theme of reclaimed water with the phrase “No Beber.” The author’s struggle with writing comedy is acknowledged.

  • Afterglow

    Afterglow

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    by

    Holly Leary
    in

    NASA’s report details the 2033 disappearance of astronaut Mia Emerson during a spacewalk, where she encountered a mysterious substance. After reappearing, she described a euphoric experience that hinted at a profound truth about existence. Though crewmates found no signs of distress, the recommendation for her institutionalization raised concerns about the treatment of non-conforming experiences.