Danyl A. Doyle
Free Short Stories
Click on the PDF for your free story
“My One Date In College” is 631 words about a high-functioning autistic girl on her only date in college with a man from the computer science department whom she likes. A blizzard blows in, scaring her. Being touch-sensitive, when he lightly rests his hand on her knee, she screams.
"The White Afghan" The scene is of the pair eating cheese fondue and drinking white wine while a sitcom drones on the television. Sandy sits on her couch picking lint balls from her mother’s white afghan with a single blue thread. Buzz tries to talk her into marriage. Sandy pulls a section of the lonely blue strand from the afghan and breaks it off. Dully, Buzz doesn't get the message. She drops it into the ashtray and lights another cigarette. He leaves. As he starts his old work truck, dry snow hits the windshield, and he realizes it’s over and he wasted years.
“A Farmhouse By The Sea” is about an English as a Second Language teacher who meets a man she met at the Vancouver school where they work. He is handsome and sexy and she’s attracted to him, but she knows he is Catholic and will reject her when she tells him she is separated, but not divorced. Katerina finally agrees to meet him at Cannon Beach. They walk along, holding hands, and it is very romantic. She says, “Our countries suffer the disease of lust. Your country, like mine, is a beast, craving conquest and domination while claiming the higher moral ground. Both of our countries are sick with lechery.” His blue eyes enter hers. A contagion of desire spun the sands on the Oregon coast, never-ending, floating with the rhythm of seaweed. Terrified of falling in love with this man, she pushed away. She felt like the old farmhouse built on the Susan Cliffs of Oregon’s fractal coast, rugged with a sensual soul, his waves crashing to bring it down, drawing her remains out to sea and home to Russia. Published by: A New Ulster.
"A Lick of Common Sense" is a humorous and reflective coming-of-age tale follows an inquisitive boy, Danny, as he navigates the complexities of faith, family, and the often contradictory nature of the adult world. The story blends a whimsical narrative with philosophical depth, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the pursuit of understanding.
Set against the backdrop of a small town and marked by his irreverent curiosity, Danny grapples with the teachings of his devout Presbyterian family. His eleven-year-old mind struggles to reconcile the grand themes of God, morality, and the seemingly arbitrary rules of Sunday school, particularly under the scrutinizing eye of his stern teacher, Mrs. Kendrick. With a mix of humor and youthful rebellion, Danny questions the core tenets of faith—why do bad things happen to good people? Why is God referred to with male pronouns? His journey is punctuated by relatable childhood experiences, from awkward moments in church to awkward interactions with family.
As Danny embarks on his path to understanding, he discovers an epiphany during a fateful encounter with a steer, leading him to a realization that transcends traditional notions of divinity. "Gravity is God," he concludes in a profound moment rooted in the simplicity of life and the wisdom of growing up. Published by The Milkbarn Magazine.
"Love Potion Number 9" explores the complexities of life choices through the lens of an aging protagonist yearning for his bygone youth.
The story centers on Rick Slickman a 72-year-old man haunted by memories of his high school sweetheart, Robyn. As he navigates the aches of an aging body in a run-down house on Bewildered Street, he reminisces about the pivotal moments of his youth—moments that culminated in a devastating injury and an unexpected pregnancy that led to his beloved's departure. Consumed by regret and a perpetual longing for the life he believes he should have had, Rick drowns his sorrows in cheap wine and pain pills, leading him to a fateful decision that thrusts him back to 1968.
Awakening on the football field at his high school, Rick is revitalized in the body of his teenage self where he uncovers not only the thrill of youth but also the possibility of reclaiming a lost love. The narrative unfolds a tale of second chances as he embraces the chaos of life, the essence of true love, and the path he wishes he could reshape. Questions of fate, choice, and the enduring power of love resonate throughout the journey. "Love Potion Number 9" captures a blend of humor, heartache, and second chances, echoing the magic realism of works by authors like Richard Brautigan and the poignant reflections of Ray Bradbury. Published by Roi Faineant Press and Bookends Review 9.
“A Slice Of Life.” A divorced graduate student has a one-night stand with a pretty young woman who is a single mother of four – three of whom have been taken away by social services. He is shocked that she nurses her baby while they are in bed. Months later, she sits down at his table at a pancake house. She tells him that all the kids have been taken by social services and that she’s pregnant again, alleging he’s the father. He laughs nervously, saying she’s probably been with a dozen men since him and she should find one with a job. He buys her breakfast since she’s broke. The next week, he has a vasectomy, determined he won’t go through that again since his ex-wife had trapped him by getting pregnant. A few years later, he meets a lovely woman and she wants to have children. Published by A New Ulster Magazine.
“Shadows Within Shadows” is about a former North Korean POW, Hutch, with total amnesia from being severely beaten as a North Korean POW, who returns home to his wife and children. This poignant narrative delves into the complex journey of a man who struggles to reclaim his identity amidst the haunting effects of amnesia.
Hobson's memories are nothing more than fragmented shadows, leaving him adrift in a life he barely recognizes. As he begins to piece together his past with the help of his devoted wife, Becky, their shared love blossoms anew. While joyful memories of parenting and intimacy slowly return, the underlying tension of his lost recollections pulls at the fabric of their relationship. He attempts to transform Becky's memories into his own, balancing the delicate dance of identity and connection. Published by The Southern Quill
"The Trial Of A Psychopath" revolves around the harrowing trial of Brad Avon McTrillion, a brutal serial rapist whose heinous actions have left a lasting impact on a tight-knit community. The story is told from the perspective of one of his victims, Coco, who must confront not only the brutal details of her assault but the societal perceptions surrounding her past as a streetwalker. As Coco and other victims come forward, they face an uphill battle against systemic challenges, victim-blaming, and a charismatic defense attorney intent on tearing apart their credibility in a courtroom packed with spectators eager for shock and sensationalism.
The trial is more than a recounting of trauma – it’s a profound examination of resilience, justice, and the complexities surrounding victimhood, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous storm that serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the characters’ struggles. The piece aims to shed light on the realities that survivors face during the judicial process, while also addressing broader cultural issues regarding empathy, misogyny, and redemption.
What sets this story apart is its raw and unflinching honesty as well as the intertwining of personal narrative with social commentary. It blurs the lines between horror and humanity, exposing the psyche of both the perpetrator and the victims. Additionally, the unexpected twists, dark humor, and vivid imagery create an engaging reading experience that is both horrifying and enlightening. Published in EgoPHobia #83.
“Too Poor To Party.” In 1969 as a university freshman on an equal opportunity grant, Devyn finds himself navigating a world vastly different from his rural upbringing. He is a poor white farm boy struggling to fit in while his housemate, Harley, is a black athlete grappling with prejudice and identity, while Harley’s first cousin, Bianca, is a black woman fighting to break free from societal expectations and forge her own path. Their relationships with Devyn both of whom challenge his narrow perspectives and open his eyes to the complexities of racism and social justice. Published by The Wilderness House Literary Review