Spinner of Darkness

By Intan Paramaditha When I was little, my mother used to tell me stories about a ghost woman who lived in our attic. The stories scared me half to death, and I’d bury my head under my pillow at night. Even so, nothing spurred my fantasies more than these mysterious...

Saleha in the Snowstorm

By Ida Ahdiah Just as she had last night and all the previous nights, Saleha left her apartment at 10 pm. It was snowing heavily and a strong wind was blowing. According to the weather forecast there was going to be a snowstorm with forty centimeters of snow falling...

Women of Stone

By Dyah Merta My name is Nieh. The lonely stillness of this island has filled my entire life. The Simeulue estuary. I grew up with a boy deserted by a man whose features I no longer remember. I believe his life-breath has long since been silenced in the roar of waves....

The Eyes in Eclipse

By Djenar Maesa Ayu Night gives tranquility. Many memories come to life in a dark room. Memories that live only in darkness, that breathe at night; it’s as if these memories were raising their hands, asking to be remembered on a lover-less bed each time night falls....

A Piece of Yellow Cake

by Dee The white skin was a stark contrast to the black sky. Lei would often complain that his skin was too fair for a man. But Indi never found any reason to complain. With a look of adoration and love, she slowly stroked Lei’s skin, in awe as if she were feeling a...