Superstitions are there for a reason. There is one rule in small town cemeteries - don’t linger. While many would laugh it off, would ignore these two simple words as a mere superstitious saying, they learn quickly that this wisdom is a warning. For there are things in cemeteries that must not be pressed. Must not be taunted. Must not be baited. For the afterlife is exactly what it sounds like - after life, where spirits linger. They feast on memories and  grief, desperate to

Mikaela is writing a bunch of short stories for 13 Days 13 Shorts this year! To check out more stuff from Mikaela, visit www.mikaelamiyamoto.com To feed the Soul My family has this tradition that we started as soon as I could blow out my own candles. Every evening before my birthday we take the same picture. I’m given a single slice of cake with a single candle and placed in front of a mirror. I take a moment to look myself in the eyes and make a wish. Then I close my eyes an

“That’s not how I would have spiced that.”  words unbidden in the back of your mind just a little distraction as you shake  just a smidge more  salt into a bubbling pot,  cut up just one more  clove of garlic than you planned,  the knife feeling strangely  heavy in your hand  as if some other fingers  were curled around your own guiding. it starts small:  cinnamon in a savory dish  you’d never have thought of,  less pepper and more paprika,  the onions caramelized perfectly,