Second Place Winner of the 2026 “Strange Encounters” Flash Fiction Contest
Many years ago, John was stabbed in the chest and pronounced dead. It was unfortunate since he was young, but he lived a meaningful life and left his mark on the world. Even after all these years, they still remember him.
His mom remembers his glistening smile, and his dad remembers his grit.
His children remember his cheers during the big game, and his grandparents remember his pickleball Sundays.
His teachers remember his valedictorian speech, and his friends remember his lunchtime jokes.
His pastor remembers his devotion to God, and his professor remembers his insatiable curiosity.
His city remembers his charity work, and his neighbours remember his monthly cookouts.
His fans remember his book series, and his enemies remember his home address.
The living remember the day they lowered his casket, but the dead don’t know him at all.
To truly be dead, you must be forgotten, and his legacy is one the world will never forget. Though as he lies beneath the Earth in an airtight coffin, John wishes so desperately that they would.
Mahkel Perrier is a freshman majoring in music performance and will be starting a professional writing minor in the fall. His lifelong dream has been to become a traditionally published author, but he also aspires to become a professional euphonium and bass trombone player. Mahkel loves to read, write, watch anime, and play tennis, video games, and D&D. His favorite book series is the Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend, and it’s one of his greatest inspirations.