©tellitintype

where writers create, share, and explore

Welcome to tellitintype, an exceptional literary sanctuary. Immerse yourself in a world of captivating narratives as we proudly present a diverse collection of flash fiction, short fiction, and evocative poetry. At tellitintype, we are more than just a magazine; we are a supportive haven for writers, fostering creativity and providing a platform for voices to be heard.

February 1st, in Flash Fiction

Coffee for Two

By: Tasha O'Neal

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 23 seconds. Contains 677 words

Deep within the vibrant heart of Philadelphia, where the city's pulse echoed through its concrete veins, Miguel, a dreamer navigating the kaleidoscopic landscape of urban existence, embarked on a transformative journey. Each step on the labyrinthine streets carried not only the weight of his worn sneakers but also the burden of memories and the promise of self-discovery.

The city's streets, a mosaic of stories, unfolded as chapters in Miguel's evolving narrative. Graffiti adorned the walls like mystical symbols, and murals painted by urban shamans whispered tales of resilience and rebellion. The towering buildings, stoic witnesses to the ebb and flow of time, mirrored the complexities of Miguel's own journey.

Wandering through the neighborhoods, Miguel found the city to be a canvas for introspection. South Street, a dreamscape within the city's fantasies, beckoned him with its eclectic energy. Tattoo parlors, vintage boutiques, and bustling cafes became metaphorical signposts in Miguel's quest for self-discovery.

His favorite haven, a bookstore between dimensions, became a sanctuary for contemplation. The scent of old books transformed into an elixir, and the creak of wooden floorboards beneath his weight resonated like the beats of his own heart. Within the sanctum, Miguel immersed himself in the prose and poetry that transcended the boundaries of reality, seeking reflections of his own truths.

Emerging into the surreal twilight, where the city's colors metamorphosed into a kaleidoscope of neon, Miguel found himself on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The staircase, an ethereal ascent, invited him to rise above the confines of his own limitations. Neon signs flickered to life, casting an otherworldly glow over the city's nocturnal metamorphosis, mirroring Miguel's internal evolution.

Miguel's nocturnal journey often led to encounters with fellow dreamers – artists seeking inspiration, lovers entwined in surreal conversations, and solitary souls like himself. The city's nocturnal denizens became characters in his evolving narrative, each interaction a catalyst for introspection and growth.

One extraordinary night, as Miguel meandered through the city's labyrinth, he stumbled upon a wallet lying on the sidewalk. The discovery became a metaphor for the unexpected turns in his own journey. Opening it, he found an ID belonging to a woman named Angel. Rather than succumbing to the allure of anonymity, Miguel felt compelled to connect with this mysterious owner.

In the act of reaching out, Miguel embarked on a new chapter. He contacted Angel, and their conversation unfolded like a surreal dialogue between two characters in the cosmic narrative of Philadelphia. The details shared in messages and phone calls created a bridge between their worlds, transcending the ordinary boundaries of city life.

Their meeting, set in a cozy coffee shop amid the surreal night, became a pivotal scene in Miguel's story. Angel, a fellow dreamer navigating her own urban odyssey, became a mirror reflecting the challenges and triumphs of Miguel's introspective journey. Their connection, sparked by a lost wallet, grew into a friendship woven with threads of shared stories and mutual understanding.

As the night continued, Miguel and Angel delved into conversations that transcended the mundane. The coffee shop, a haven for their newfound friendship, echoed with laughter and the resonance of shared dreams. Together, they explored the eclectic streets of Philadelphia, discovering hidden gems and creating memories that added vibrant hues to Miguel's evolving narrative.

And so, under the contemplative gaze of Philadelphia's skyline, Miguel's journey took an unexpected turn – a turn that illustrated the interconnectedness of lives within the urban tapestry. The lost wallet, once a symbol of chance encounters, transformed into a key that unlocked the door to a friendship, enriching the narrative of Miguel's exploration through the city's streets.

In the serene silence of the night, as the city embraced a transcendent hush, Miguel found solace not only in the symphony of the urban landscape but also in the newfound camaraderie with Angel. Their friendship, nurtured by the surreal experiences of Philadelphia, became a beacon guiding Miguel through the labyrinth of his own introspective journey. The lost wallet, a seemingly insignificant detail in the vast tapestry of the city, became a catalyst for connections that transcended the ordinary and unfolded the potential of human encounters.

Tasha O'Neal

About the Author:

Tasha is a shop owner in Frankfort Kentucky. She has been published in Tin House, One Story and The Kenyon Review. Tasha writes fiction.