Holiday
Unseen Strength
Aisha's life was a canvas of dreams, painted with the vibrant colors of ambition and the fresh hues of youth. At twenty-two, she was a stunning vision of beauty, with a petite yet curvaceous figure that turned heads wherever she went. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her high cheekbones. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown that sparkled like dark chocolate, shone bright with a fire that seemed to burn from within. Her full lips, painted a deep crimson, curved into a perpetual smile that hinted at a quick wit and a sharp intelligence.
By Tales by J.J.2 years ago in Fiction
A Christmas Beast. Content Warning.
With the transformation of the seven into an eight in the last panel of my digital clock, midnight crept closer. I reluctantly placed my Game of Thrones bookmark in my copy of A Christmas Carol and set it on the coffee table in front of me. I despised the novel, but it seemed appropriate for the time of year, and I hated even more when I had to stop reading for the change. Yet it was almost time, and I would never risk the safety of one of my books. They were the only loved ones I dared to have around me, especially on Christmas Eve.
By Stephanie Hoogstad2 years ago in Fiction
Tinsel and Trouble
Snowflakes drifted lazily from the gray December sky, settling over the picturesque town of Hollyhaven. Christmas was only a week away, and the streets buzzed with holiday cheer. Garlands adorned every lamppost, twinkling lights framed every shop window, and the scent of cinnamon wafted through the air. In the heart of town stood the Hollyhaven Community Center, where preparations for the annual Christmas gala were in full swing.
By Thomas Vasas2 years ago in Fiction
The Art of the Unspoken
This study, published in Nature Aging in August of 2024 analyzed a ton of proteins and metabolites in people of various ages and found, when you put it all together, that there are some big changes in body chemistry over time and those changes peak at age 44 and age 60.
By Tales by J.J.2 years ago in Fiction
Then Who?
"His eyes blazed," sounded like such a cliché, but they did! He was so angry, the gold flecks in his hazel irises looked like sparks. The spittle flying from his bristling beard, and his aggressive gestures only added to the effect. He looked like he was about to explode. "I'm telling you," Karl's shouts were punctuated by steps forward, "I didn't do any of that stuff!" Sandy took a pace back, and another, corresponding to his. Like a reluctant dance. She was cross with herself for giving ground, but he was much bigger, and in his fury, seemed to tower over her. Her heart kicked up a notch, a flighty hummingbird thrumming in her chest. Her anger had shrunk, abandoning her when she most needed it, crowded out by Doubt, and leaving room for Fear. Karl's outrage seemed genuine. She believed him, yet it felt wrong, weak, to bend when he was being so aggressive. She dashed tears away before they could spill, drew herself up taller. She felt tiny, still, like an angry kitten. Well if you didn't do it, who did? I don't know! Maybe Wyatt. You've ruined that kid. He's a spoilt little shit. Sandy's eyes went wide, and her jaw dropped. "He's a child, Karl!" she seethed, her anger rising again in a wave to meet his. "You seriously think he would leave a KNIFE by Matty's bed?" "You think I would?"
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
Piling Up (overwhelmed)
Is it the change of weather, the lack of sleep from cooking the Thanksgiving feast, the carbohydrate coma of afterwards, or the pressures from the upcoming property taxes due on December 1st amidst the expectation that Christmas decorations are "supposed" to have cheerfully gone up by now???? I want to know. And I want a nap. Maybe I just need vitamins. That might help. All I know is that I have managed to keep the kitchen clean at least. Kudos for me! But I see other things piling up...dust, laundry, animal care issues, and there's that ding on my windshield!
By Shirley Belk2 years ago in Fiction
Beneath the Winter Moon
The snow fell softly, a steady rhythm of silence blanketing the small town of Evergreen Hollow. The streetlights cast an amber glow over cobblestone streets, where the first few carolers of the evening bundled tightly in scarves and woolen hats. Their laughter echoed, cutting through the crisp, cold air as they trudged from house to house, their voices weaving harmonies of comfort and cheer.
By Ashley D. Gilyard2 years ago in Fiction
Thanksgiving Dinner. Content Warning.
One chilly November evening, there was a family celebrating Thanksgiving in their barn, surrounded by a forest. Nicole, a 32 year old woman was looking for her younger sister, 26 year old Sierra, as their mother was working on setting up the table for their family's Thanksgiving dinner. After a few times of calling Sierra's name with no response, Nicole tried to call Sierra's phone. The phone started ringing about 10 feet away from her, in the grass. After walking over near the phone, Nicole noticed a red liquid and she froze as she realized that it had blood on it.
By Rene Peters2 years ago in Fiction
The Invisible Man
People love gore, as long as it's happening to someone else. For the first time, Sandy resented her followers. Daily, more of them were siding with Karl on this issue, while she, Sandy, was still furious at him. She thought her husband was sick, and needed psychiatric help. They thought he was funny. And clever. Quirky. They'd nicknamed him "Tim". The Invisible Man, see? The man they never saw. It added to his mystique.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
