Cuddle Bunnies

by Justin Carter

This story was originally published in Day One, a weekly literary journal dedicated to short fiction and poetry from emerging writers.

Five years into their marriage, Thomas knows that it’s well beyond the time for him to contribute an equal share. Yet even after Margot loses her teaching gig at the community college, he can’t seem to force himself to apply for a real job, or examine the fundamental selfishness of his inertia.

As bills begin to stack up, the couple asks Margot’s father, who resells Cuddle Bunnies online, for a chance to get in the game. Together they travel around Ohio, prowling for the highly prized stuffed animals. This unconventional job briefly funds their lives, while at the same time making the discrepancy in their relationship all the more apparent. Will they find a way out of their slow downhill slide, or will this strange venture prove to be one more opportunity for Thomas to fall short?

17 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2016