There's nothing quite like a short-short. Stories under 1000 words, sometimes under 500 words, demand a quick one-two punch of set up and payoff. And when done right, they deliver the quick-hit pleasure of a box of chocolates.

From building-jumping office workers to time-traveling lovers, suicidal swimmers to gamblers who are friends with very tiny aliens, there's enough mind-bending stuff in here to light up even the darkest day.

Bet ya can't read just one...