Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Fiction.
The Collapse
Worms, cockroaches, roots, and rats. Those are the last remaining things on this planet that can be eaten. We thought it was a myth, that it would go away on its own, that not everyone had to care and contribute. The summers got hotter and the winters became more like spring. The rain stopped falling and the arctic ice melted, flooding Florida and other coastal states. Then the droughts hit as the planet heated up more, whole lakes evaporated and eventually the oceans, leaving nothing but salt and sand. The only freshwater left to drink lay deep beneath the surface. -Diary entry 15 | 6/30/22 | Nico Ashline
By Lyle Alexander Artain3 years ago in Fiction
Do Good, Be Good
Ilona knew she could never return home, it was a pain she felt deep in her chest every single day. Not that it was ever the happiest place, she sometimes felt silly for missing it. She had survived a rough childhood living with her parents and two older siblings, her brother and sister. Ilona was always jealous of her sister having pin-straight and manageable hair as opposed to her own mane of curls that, no matter what, always looked messy. She and her brother looked more alike than anything, but he always kept his hair short and kept his appearances at home even shorter. Her mother always joked that she was her carbon copy to her youthful annoyance, but in recent years she found herself avoiding mirrors because they just reminded her that her original is missing.
By Audrey Beyers3 years ago in Fiction
Sages' Secret
For as long as I can remember the world has been desolate, with little food or water. Mom and dad once said that long ago there were trees and oceans that were so deep that explorers never discovered all its secrets. I smile vaguely at the thought of my parents, a tear rolling down my cheek, I wish I could see them again. Lost in thoughts of my parents, I barely hear Finn calling my name. "Sage, Sage." I snap out of my thoughts. "What?" Huffing at him annoyed. "It's our turn to go search for food and water, get ready lets go." I roll out of my little make shift mattress and go to the mirror, I look just like my mother.
By Ocean Blumer3 years ago in Fiction
The Cure
The Cure-by M.Lyn Bennett “Let the kid sleep,” growled Ghost. “Sleep won’t keep us safe,” Red complained. “Lack of sleep sure as Hell ain’t gonna keep us safe either,” countered Ghost. “Look at her, Red, she’s out of fuel. A couple hours won’t kill us.”
By Meredith Bennett3 years ago in Fiction
To Keep You Safe
You couldn’t keep anything from your past life. The moment you stepped into the safety of their walls, you were no longer an individual with desires or original thoughts that could be expressed out loud. Out there, it was dangerous. They told me this when they found me. They stripped me down, the way they did with all the people that they called travelers, and they took all my belongings, hanging up valuables in a museum of the past world.
By Christa Morgan3 years ago in Fiction
The Small Promise
The grass was already starting to turn. In the 4 days since the spill, the lush green was becoming a sickly brown. Unlike the brown of a crisp blade fried in the summer sun, which Cherry had seen before, this brown was warped. Everything had changed so quickly.
By Kinslee Sikes3 years ago in Fiction
Justin
Kayla didn’t like going to Mama June’s. Mama was a bit creepy, and there were always some men at the outpost. She was tempted to stay in her home, safe with her friends, but she’d recently made a good haul, that she knew would earn her some nice things. Mama June paid really well for glass or mirrors, and things like that. Kayla had found a house with several whole sheets in the doors and windows. Not only that, but she also found some fresh fruits and vegetables. She knew Mama couldn’t pass those up. She packed a wagon full of goodies scavenged from the old farm, including the pieces of glass, wrapped in blankets to keep them from breaking. While most of the canning jars she’d come across, were filled with preserved food, she did include several empty jars, with perfect lids, those would fetch a good price too.
By Brian Amonette3 years ago in Fiction
DARK HEART: FUTURE IMPERFECT
I walk down your streets with my acid-proof trench-coat, gloves and broad-brimmed hat; the only protection against the burning rain that falls from the skies. No matter how many times anyone told you to do something about the state of this city, you decided to do nothing but hide away in your safe little homes.
By Travis Berketa3 years ago in Fiction