The screen message was “No Bluetooth Device Detected.” Jim patted the pants pocket where he kept his phone. Nothing. He grabbed the wheel with his right hand and patted the left pocket. No phone. “What the hell,” he cursed, wondering if he should drive back home to get it. Nowadays, without his phone, he felt…

Manhattan Mahjong     Chinese neighbor ladies in silk pajamas invite moms and aunties to an aged card table on Mulberry Street. Summer air pungent with subway steam, stir-fry, and sausages. Cups of oolong tea and demi-tasse lose their balance. CLICK! CLICK! TAP! TAP! Fingers that built a nation in kitchens, laundries, and sweat shops…

Aloha to all you writers, and a very Happy Year of the Snake to everyone. As always, these contest prompts are only suggestions. You may write about anything you choose. If these prompts inspire you, terrific. If they don’t, my apologies. The usual parameters apply: write a piece between 100 and 1000 words, any genre,…