Skip to content

EveryWriter

Empowering Writers Since 1999

Menu
  • Home
  • Reading
    • On Writing
    • Interviews
    • Famous Authors
    • Stories
    • Poetry
  • Writing
    • Writing Lab 101
      • Writing Tips
      • Writing Tropes
      • Grammar Help
    • Contests & More
      • Contests for writers
      • Games for Writers
      • Quizzes for Writers
    • Writing Inspiration
    • Writing Prompts
      • Writing Prompts
      • Creative Writing Prompts
      • Student Writing Prompts
      • Journal Writing Prompts
      • Poetry Writing Prompts
      • Daily Writing Prompts
      • Holiday Writing Prompts
    • Writer’s Questions
  • Publishing
    • Publishing Tips
    • Literary Magazines
    • Book Publishers
  • Promotions
    • Book Promotions
    • Promoting Tips
    • News and Announcements
    • Classifieds
    • Newsletter
  • Teaching Writing
  • Submit
    • About Us
    • Submit
    • Privacy Policy
  • Community
Menu

Gravity by Phebe Jewell

Posted on October 13, 2019December 7, 2019 by Phebe Jewell

When I tell him autumn tastes like apples, he brings me a bright red delicious the next day, pressing it into my hand without a word.

“My favorite. Some people eat fuji and pink lady, but I like the ordinary,” I say, the apple still warm from his hand. “The overlooked,” I add, hoping to impress him.

“You have a good heart, Rachel” he tells me, erasing the board. “It will take you far.”

My classmates have already shouldered their backpacks and scrambled out the door. We stand in front of his classroom, admiring the perfect red fruit. Through open windows I hear other students laughing and calling each other as they walk to class.

“If you need help with homework for the unit on motion and velocity, anything at all, I am here for you,” he says, patting my arm. A shaft of morning light reflects off a poster about careers in STEM, blinding me for a second.

I slip the apple into my lunchbag, imagine him leaning over the bin, fingers testing the weight, the curve of each crimson globe.

In the cafeteria during lunch, my friend Jamila scrolls through her phone. I pull his apple from my backpack, breathing in the crisp scent of October leaves and blue skies. As I take my first bite, Jamila looks up from her screen.

“No way,” she says in a low voice.

“What?” I pretend to be interested.

“The cops came and took Mr. Turner’s computer after third period.”

I stop chewing. “What? Why?”

“What else? Porn. Kiddie porn.”

“Not Mr. Turner,” my voice rises as the first drops of apple juice drip onto my fingers.

“Don’t be such a baby, Rachel. Everyone knows he’s a real creep.” She looks back at her screen.

I shrink in the hard-molded cafeteria chair. His apple falls from my hand, and I freeze, watch it roll under the table. Jamila looks up, surprised. I should pick it up, but I’m afraid to touch its sticky skin.

[wp-post-author]
 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Phebe Jewell
Phebe Jewell
Phebe Jewell's recent work appears in Literary Heist, Maudlin House, Dime Show Review, Nunum, and MoonPark Review. A Seattle teacher, she also volunteers for the Freedom Education Project Puget Sound, a nonprofit providing college courses for women in prison.
Phebe Jewell
Latest posts by Phebe Jewell (see all)
  • Gravity by Phebe Jewell - October 13, 2019
Category: Featured, Stories, Stories and Poems

5 thoughts on “Gravity by Phebe Jewell”

  1. ZenPens says:
    October 20, 2019 at 4:39 am

    Wonderful. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t even know it was her teacher.

    Reply
    1. Sharmaine Nina Victoria says:
      October 25, 2019 at 3:26 am

      Woah that was very smooth and descriptive. Kudos!

      Reply
  2. Eileen says:
    October 23, 2019 at 10:14 am

    Very powerful in so few words.

    Reply
  3. Lalita Dubois says:
    October 23, 2019 at 11:04 pm

    I loved it, it really was descriptive in few words

    Reply
  4. Rice says:
    November 13, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    Amazing work!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call for Submissions

Open Submissions for fiction and poetry. See our submission guidelines.

Search

Get the magazine and free books

When you sign up you get 2 free horror ebooks and digital copies of our magazine for free!



Latest

  • Angelyn Gumbs on 2025 “Boost Your Happiness” Monthly Haiku Challenge: “To see that smile , on my first granddaughter’s face. It’s a grandma joy.” Jul 1, 19:21
  • Jennifer on Awakening All Five Senses: How to Write Descriptions That Come Alive: “I really like this article! I’ve been trying to add more sensory details in my manuscript, and this has helped…” Jun 23, 15:59
  • Capi Irato on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “The real horror was in her avid determination. “Mom, if you pass those out my life is over.” “Don’t be…” Jun 15, 07:16
  • David Reeg on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “I withered beneath the violent stare of my enemy. Icy diamond daggers dripped within his bloodshot eyes. He whispered that…” Jun 11, 18:56
  • K. Maier on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “The murmurs start and dread sews me stiff into the sheets of my bed. Mine is not the only shadow…” Jun 11, 08:55

Around our site

  • Writing Prompts
  • Writing Tips
  • Contests for writers
  • Submissions
  • Stories
  • Poetry
  • Literary Magazines
  • Book Publishers
  • Newsletter

New Poetry

Blindsight by Julie Dexter a poem

J.M Summers’ New Poem Crocuses

New Short Stories

1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Read 1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

 

Featured Classic Work

The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

© 2025 EveryWriter | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT