Things That Need Doin’ – Published Short Fiction

Published in Icelandic Connection, 2026

After a long stretch of grief, disconnection, and disillusionment, a father retreats to an off-grid cottage in the prairie woods. There, he meets a clairvoyant child, a grove of ancient trees, and the ghost of his daughter.

This story speaks to the quiet space between loss and those that spark renewal. It is about embers of healing, time dilation, and the strange cycles of care. It’s not necessarily for Middle Years readers, but it might be for you.

It’s one of the more personal pieces I’ve written. And now, it’s coming to print.

I'm grateful to everyone who helped shape it.
I hope you feel something in these pages too.

You can now read the full story on my site:
🔗 Read “Things That Need Doin’” on my website

🌲
H Jacob Buller

First time here? You can also explore The Stinkwater Escapee for serialized fiction that burps feathers.