Welcome to The Hallway, the high-school branch of Five Minutes. Click through to learn more!
Locker Wish
My fingers shake as I spin the locker combo, three numbers I’ve repeated all week.
Family on Paper
I stared at the form for five minutes. I would work around it, but eventually I had to fill in the inevitable lines.
Can't Reach Me
I sat down on the swing set, swaying gently. My feet rocked along: heel, toe, heel, toe.
For Good - CONTEST WINNER!
The word “Congratulations” was glowed in bold letters across my phone screen.
Dinner Disaster
I tried to sound witty during dinner, addressing the guest with what I thought was clever. The words tumbled out—wrong, awkward, jumbled.
Just a Game
My vest’s red effulgence played in the mirror across the hallway, the distorted nature of the reflection giving the illusion of another player coming towards me. I was running alone after losing my group.
Better to Quit
Rays of sun beat down on my back, so sweaty my shirt stuck to it.
Crush
This is not desire, a hot and burning ache that sputters and growls. This is gentle. This is soft.
McNugget Family
Six flimsy boxes, ten McNuggets each, and hot fries?
Masquerade
Back in my synagogue after too long for a bar mitzvah.
Five Minutes
“You’re so pretty. You take after me,” she used to say as she stroked my hair.
Pitter-Patter
“Tell me a story,” I ask. Grandma sits in her chair, smiling at the rain: pitter-patter.
Icebreakers
I’m not supposed to know what kind of piece I’m getting yet so my figure skating coach leans in, voice lowered.