Love

Santa Claus' Post-Hallmark Staycation
When Santa Claus entered his bedroom, he smiled. Jessica had fallen asleep in front of the television. His wife of centuries (his dimples appeared as he remembered that her white locks hid the crimson of her youth) had fallen asleep watching some Hallmark movie. He turned off the television as he turned towards their bed. As he hung up his coat, a plan began to coalesce, one that brought a suppressed chuckle. But first, sleep; he was crashing from the sugar high of the night's ride and was already beginning to slow.
By Jamais Jochim9 months ago in Fiction
When the Unseen Learns Your Name
Alex wasn’t in a hurry. After work he could take the metro, catch a bus, or walk home the mostly-straight forty-minute way.
By Erian Lin Grant9 months ago in Fiction
The Line Doesn’t End Where We Think It Does
“Did you mean to call, or was this just another accident?” “I don’t believe in accidents anymore.” “That’s new.” “So is hearing your voice without bracing myself.”
By Ajan Lori A. 9 months ago in Fiction
How to Quell a Broken Heart
Step 1: try to forget Step 2: get more sleep Step 3: close the blinds Step 4: turn on the tv Repeat. If Steps 1 through 4 don’t work, please proceed to step 5.
By Heather Scott9 months ago in Fiction
Stay
Felicity almost didn’t unlock the door. She stood on the porch with her suitcase tipped awkwardly on one wheel, rain dripping down her face, the key warm and faintly damp in her palm.
By Emilie Turner9 months ago in Fiction
THE FLOWERING OF THE STRANGE ORCHID
The buying of orchids always has in it a certain speculative flavour. You have before you the brown shrivelled lump of tissue, and for the rest you must trust your judgment, or the auctioneer, or your good luck, as your taste may incline. The plant
By Amelia Miller9 months ago in Fiction
Vertigo at the Corporate Summit
Jenny was standing on a swivel chair trying to pin the new Financial Projection Chart banner on the conference wall when David called up to her. “So you think we’ll get this presentation chart finished in time before the Board of Directors get back from their golf trip?”
By Fathi Jalil9 months ago in Fiction
The Library That Opened Only at Midnight
No one noticed the library at first. That wasn’t unusual in Graybridge. People hurried through the town like they were late for something important, even when they weren’t sure what it was. Stores opened and closed. Cafés changed names. But the narrow street behind the old cinema remained ignored, lit by a single flickering lamp.
By Yasir khan9 months ago in Fiction
The Last Light in Window Seven
Every night at exactly 9:17 p.m., a single window lit up on the seventh floor of the Alderstone Apartments. No one knew why.
By Yasir khan9 months ago in Fiction
THE CONE
The night was hot and overcast, the sky red-rimmed with the lingering sunset of midsummer. They sat at the open window, trying to fancy the air was fresher there. The trees and shrubs of the garden stood stiff and dark; beyond in the roadway a
By Amelia Miller9 months ago in Fiction
Fixing Dad's Shed Roof. Honorable Mention in Instructions Included Challenge. Top Story - December 2025.
Simon, Thank you for coming over. A few words to the wise from your mother (I shall keep it brief). 1. Your Dad has not slept since the roof blew off his shed. He may keep going for a lie down, but this is different to sleep. Do not poke the bear.
By Caroline Jane9 months ago in Fiction
The Work is Received
As I wake and feel the sun has not forgotten me, I rise and meditate, trepidate. I let the brightness cast shadows against the wall behind my bed as I reflect. Another day. Another chance. I take my leave from the bed and prepare a soothing balm. I apply it daily, morning, noon, and night, using the preserving solution I was taught to prepare, along with cleansers of aloe vera and coconut oil. I tend the flesh to keep it lean, to keep it fresh.
By Paul Stewart9 months ago in Fiction