HIBISCUS by Kris Faatz
holds up and waves a corner of her own colors, not caring who else might see. One afternoon, he passes her station behind a straggle of customers. Rushed as always, needed somewhere. “Jeannie.” He holds something out on his palm. “This is for you.” She takes it, aware that it’s soft against her fingertips, but her eyes are on his face. His smile, this time, is a visor lifted. One glimpse at the light behind; then he’s gone. The gift in her hand is a single hibiscus bloom, flameorange petals with a wine-red heart. The colors reach out for her. Thank you. She sends the words to him on the air. I see you.
Kris Faatz's short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in journals including Atticus Review and Rappahannock Review, and was longlisted for Wigleaf’s 2024 Top 50 stories. Her second novel, Fourteen Stones, was released in June 2024 by Highlander Press. Her third novel, Line Magic, was shortlisted for the Santa Fe Writers Project’s 2023 awards. Kris teaches creative writing and is a performing pianist.
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