Microfiction

The Strange Rule of the Braiding Salon. AI-Generated.
https://www.youtube.com/@AfricansFolkTales In the small village of Umumi, there was a braiding salon owned by the acclaimed stylist Yala. Word of Yala's talents had spread far and wide. She was renowned for her unparalleled speed - it was said that Yala could braid the hair of 10 clients in a single day, no matter the style or complexity requested. While other braiders took hours or even days to complete intricate styles, Yala had a unique gift. She could finish braids that others deemed impossible in just one hour’s time. Her salon was always bustling with customers eager to experience Yala’s magic touch. However, there was one peculiar rule that was strictly enforced. You see, Yala did not allow anything with a reflective surface inside her salon. No mirrors, no glasses - if it could show an image, it was banned. This strange prohibition puzzled many villagers. But none dared question Yala, for her skills far outweighed any strange policy. As long as they received her beautiful, swift braids, the reasoning behind the rule mattered little. One sunny afternoon, a newcomer named Ama arrived in Umumi seeking Yala's services. Unaware of the salon's custom, Ama brought along a small handheld mirror to illustrate the style she desired. But upon entering, Yala spotted the forbidden object and flew into a rage. "How dare you bring that thing into my salon!" Yala screamed, startling poor Ama. "Haven't you heard - nothing reflective is allowed here!" Though confused, Ama apologized profusely and threw the mirror out, just wanting her hair done. Within the hour, Ama left with exquisite braids, the strange scene all but forgotten. However, another villager named Kate could not ignore her curiosity about Yala's odd rule. Unlike others who accepted it without question, Kate was determined to uncover the reason behind the prohibition. When she went to Yala's salon, Kate refused to be braided unless she was allowed to use a mirror. But Yala would not be persuaded, insisting she had her talents and needed no mirrors to perfect her craft. With no compromise to be found, Kate departed the salon unsatisfied yet still questioning. She began discreetly asking around the village, hoping to find someone who could shed light on this mystery. After some inquiries, Kate learned of a mighty elder living on the outskirts of Umumi. The elder possessed the rare gift of spiritual sight, able to see things invisible to regular folk. Hoping for insight, Kate journeyed to the elder's hut and recounted all she knew of Yala and the puzzling mirror ban. The elder closed her eyes in deep concentration. When she opened them again, her look was grave. "I see an unseen presence assisting the braider," she told Kate. "An evil spirit has bound itself to Yala in exchange for augmenting her skills. But it remains tethered so long as its nature is kept secret. Mirrors threaten to reveal its form, endangering their bargain. That is why Yala allows no reflections within her walls." Kate was stunned by this revelation. She thanked the elder and headed back to the village with a heavy heart, sad for Yala's circumstances yet emboldened to help free her from this sinister arrangement. But how could she achieve such a feat without endangering Yala? Kate mulled it over for nights, until at last, an idea emerged. She returned to the elder for counsel. "I believe I have a plan that could capture the spirit without harming Yala," Kate explained. "But I will need your aid." Intrigued, the elder listened closely as Kate detailed her scheme. With the elder's magic, they forged a mirror enchanted to entrap spirits within its shine. The next day, Kate marched to Yala's salon with renewed purpose. She sincerely apologized to Yala for her previous behavior, vowing to respect the no-mirrors rule. Skeptically, yet eager for business, Yala accepted Kate's braids. As Yala worked, Kate noticed the whispers and caught glimpses of a shadowy form weaving between them. Now was her chance. Subtly, Kate began moving the enchanted mirror around the salon walls, catching reflections where she could. The spirit sensed the mirror's power and flew into a rage, lashing out viciously at Kate. But she stood strong, reflecting its form until at last it was pulled fully into the glass, howling in silver confinement. With a fierce cry, Kate smashed the mirror onto the floor. The shards flew up in a blinding flash, spirit imprisoned within the glimmering fragments. When the light cleared, Yala stood there dazed yet smiling wider than ever before. She was free. Overcome with joy and gratitude, Yala embraced Kate, tears of relief in her eyes. From that day on, mirrors were permitted in the salon once more. Yala lived happily without the spirit's influence, fulfilling her gifts and even finding love - all thanks to Kate's courage and cleverness in lifting the strange rule of the braiding salon.
By Teller2 years ago in Fiction
Just Takes A Minute To Change
She slowly opens her eyes as she feels the morning sun upon her face and her heart drops in dread. She didn’t want today to arrive but it did!
By Colleen Millsteed 2 years ago in Fiction
Fugue State
I awoke in the middle of a crystal, silent, mirror-like lake. Stillness was all around. None of the tree's moved and none of the grass shook. I floated in the middle of the lake in a small rowboat. The boat was white, but most of the paint was cracking and chipped. As I moved inside the boat, small ripples moved out in waves over the surface of the lake. I yelled out, but I didn't even hear my yell. Just quiet and stillness. No one else seemed to be here. I wasn't sure where here was, but I seemed to be alone. I started to think about my friend. As I did I saw an outline of her in the boat. I started talking to her, but as I stopped thinking about her, her image disappeared. I thought of my sister and there she was in the boat. When I stopped, she stopped being. I tried to yell again. Again no voice was heard. There were two oars with the boat. I grab the oars and start to row. I row and row. I seemed to go right through the vegetation, but without disruption. The plants didn't move, the boat never stopped. I put my hand in the water. I felt no essence of wetness. I felt no idea of temperature. To me, from my perspective, it looked like my hand was underwater. The appearance was the only recognizable reaction. Fear took hold. Do I get out of the boat or stay in the boat. Not knowing where or what this is I decide staying in the boat is safer. I would wait for someone. I wait. AND wait. AND wait. No one comes. No one else seems to be in this area. Every second, every minute is more of the same. The calmness and peacefulness was becoming maddening. It was too calm, too peaceful, too still. All too visual, but lacking of life. My voice seemed trapped in the vacuum of my vocal cords and the environment of this place. I had no idea how much time was going by or had already passed. It was endless calm and stillness. Without anything else to do I just rowed the boat. Fear kept me tethered inside. I remained like this in the stillness, becoming a fixture to this place. Then a welcomed change occurred. One of the oars got stuck. I couldn't tell why. There were no rocks or weeds that seemed to be tangling it. I couldn't get the one oar to move. The welcomed change became another maddening dilemma. I got up and began pulling at the oar handle. Pulling with everything inside me. I kicked it and cursed, knowing no one could hear me anyways. I pulled and tugged. Finally pulling so fiercely I knocked myself right off the boat when the oar came loose. There was no splash. I fell and fell and fell. Colors whirled by my ears in my peripherals. I think I saw a duck. There was nothing but motion all around me now. Endless motion and flying zipping colors. As I started to feel dizzy and sick, I stopped. Or the zipping colors stopped. I was alone in stillness and darkness. This time nothing but black around me. Except, for a pin size white dot of light. Without being able to explain why, I had the urge to grab at the white dot and pull. I began ripping at the white dot or possibly the black border of the white dot. Soon I was pulling the white around, until it was a fog in the room. As I pulled harder at the original source of the white, the dot, all of a sudden there was a pulse of brightness. A blinding brightness that eliminated everything else. Vision was now gone to the excess of whiteness or light. I heard familiar voices speaking to me.
By simplicity2 years ago in Fiction
Echoes of Her Heart
The town of Rosewood, nestled among rolling hills and lush forests, was known for its tranquility. But within this quiet, a profound love story was woven, known only to a few. It was the tale of Elara and William, two souls connected by a love that neither time nor circumstance could sever.
By Syed Moizuddin2 years ago in Fiction
Ayodele And The Enchanted Forest. AI-Generated.
INT. VILLAGE CENTER - NIGHT The village sits quiet in the dark. Around the central fire, the ELDERS converse in hushed, grave tones. ELDER OKOWE The signs have not been good this past moon. Our crops grow weak, cattle sicken. ELDER ADENIKE And the forest spirits offer no counsel. Their voices are muted. ELDER CHUKWU It has been too long since one with the sight has walked those haunted paths. We must send one to unearth what darkness veils their sight. The elders fall silent as a petite form approaches - AYODELE, just 12 seasons old but with eyes that seem to see far. AYODELE Grandmother says the spirits favor me. I will go at first light and seek their guidance. Okowe considers, then nods solemnly. Hope kindles in the circle's eyes once more. ELDER OKOWE May the ancestors light your footsteps, child. Go now and rest - you'll need your strength for the morrow. Ayodele bows and heads to her hut to prepare. The elders' concern follows her into the night. EXT. VILLAGE - DAWN The first rays of sun gild the grassy plains. Ayodele rolls from her mat, eats quickly, then packs provisions - dried meat and fruits, a gourd of water. Her beloved GRANDMOTHER waits outside. GRANDMOTHER The forest will protect its own, Ayodele. Trust your gift, and let it light your way even in darkness. Now go - we pray for your safe return. Ayodele embraces her fiercely, then sets off down the well-trod path. As she nears the border, strange noises drift from the unseen depths - hoots and caws and a cacophony of unseen voices whispering secrets just out of earshot. She hesitates... A CRASH behind her! Ayodele WHIRLS to find a massive panther staring down at her, lips curled in a snarl. But something in its luminous green eyes gives her pause - not menace, but protection. It bows its head as if in greeting, then turns and pads silently into the forest. With a steadying breath, Ayodele follows. The trees ENCLOSE her, stealing the sunlight. Spanish moss DRAPS like banners from gnarled limbs overhead. Every tiny sound makes Ayodele jump - the tap of an woodpecker, the SCRABBLE of squirrels in the leaves. She walks for what feels like hours, starting at every shadow, until exhausted, she leans against an ancient baobab to rest. That’s when she notices the CARVINGS... Continues with Ayodele interacting with forest inhabitants like a circle of dancing spirits, solving riddles left by a trickster bird, following carvings on trees that reveal the forest's history. She crosses a canyon by charming a vine snake, and camps with the help of friendly forest dwarves. Deeper in, she begins having flashes of visions - a dark shadow clouding the spirits, sickness spreading through the land. Finally Ayodele arrives at a clearing where the Forest Goddess, OYA, appears magnificently from a rushing waterfall. Oya presents Ayodele's final test - to find the Heart Tree unassisted by dusk and receive the message meant for her village. If she succeeds, the spirits' voices will return and their troubles will lift. But night falls swiftly in this haunted wood. INT. FOREST CLEARING - DUSK The light begins to fade as Ayodele searches frantically. She tries listening for a sign but hears only the deepening CHORUS of the forest coming alive in the dark. Fear creeps back in as shadows seem to TWIST and LURCH around her. She stops, fighting tears, when a faint GOLDEN GLOW catches her eye between two massive tree trunks. Slowly, she picks her way toward it, pushingaside vines. There, atop a small rise, stands the HEART TREE in all its glory - branches hung with golden fruits and rich green leaves that GLOW LIKE STARS in the gathering dusk. Relief and awe flood Ayodele as she approaches the sacred place. But before she can rest, a sound like RUSTLING SILK makes her WHIRL. Through the flickering leaves emerges the shimmering form of OYA once more, eyes gleaming with pride. OYA You have persevered well, little one. Now come - it is time for your reward, and your village's salvation. Ayodele joins Oya at the tree's gnarled roots. Ghostly faces seem to peer from its bark, and winds sigh secrets through its boughs. Oya places a hand on the trembling girl's brow. Visions ASSAULT Ayodele - the dark shadow is revealed as a great serpent poisoning the earth. But a blue-robed figure emerges to battle it, and cleanses the land. Green spreads once more as joyful souls return to the forest in thanks. Oya removes her hand with a satisfied smile. OYA Now you understand. Return to your village with hope. The shadow has passed, and brighter days will soon dawn for all. Dawn light spreads rosy fingers through the trees as Ayodele hikes home, heart full to bursting with what she has seen. EXT. VILLAGE - DAWN As the first rays peek over the plain, cries of relief and joy ERUPT from the village center. Ayodele has returned, spirit aglow with new purpose and wisdom. She recounts all that transpired in the haunted forest. The elders beam and embrace her, then send messengers out across the land with the restorative news. As Ayodele looks out on her cheering village, Grandmother by her side, the first birdsong of a new day RISES above the trees that will always be her home and guardians. Her gift has awoken, and new adventures surely await this brave soul in the enchanted wood. .
By Teller2 years ago in Fiction
Bend in the Road. Top Story - August 2024. Content Warning.
We were sixteen. Exam pressure weighed on most of us. At the time, I thought that's why you seemed down. You ambushed me by my locker Friday afternoon. "Let's do something."
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
Riot! Aftermath
The day after the riot, Billy woke feeling heavier, in heart and head, and very hungry. He got up, trudged to the kitchen. No sign of Darren. Relieved, he went to the fridge. No milk. Went to the bread bin. No loaf. Nothing to eat. He should get some, from the shop.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in Fiction
223 — HAL-9000 Mission Statement
The Jupiter mission began with living astronauts and me, the HAL-9000 computer. This story ends with dead astronauts—at my hands. Only Dave Bowman survives—elsewhere—beyond understanding, leaving me alone with this new thing that has arisen.
By Gerard DiLeo2 years ago in Fiction
Surprise!
Harry calls. He's coming into town. Work thing. Could he crash at mine tonight? "Sure," I say. This isn't unusual for Harry. He swings through the city every now and again, and we catch up. But today is different. Today's my birthday.
By Addison Alder2 years ago in Fiction
The ocean in her eyes. Content Warning.
Water drops, trembling, jumped off Anna's face. Her act of splatting water onto her face continued mechanically. She was not ready to escape the loop yet.
By Irene Forster2 years ago in Fiction
Lost In The Frame
The ship stood tall and proud. Dark wood with a blue belly and a red stripe along the mid-line on the sides. It was as good as any ship I had heard of from my novels. Some of the crew was already on board. Must be early risers on this crew. I could see one captain already at his post. He held the metal wheel tightly in his hands, preparing for the journey. He spun it, probably getting the kinks out. Where was Beale? This trip would be impossible without him. He had all the information about where we were headed. He usually runs late, but always boards the ship just in time. I think he had said we were headed to the Caribbean, but I wasn't sure. I'd never been, but I think it's nice. I board the ship. I give it a pat on the way up like my Uncle use to do when he went sailing. It was my agreement being made with the ship; I would respect the ship and the ship would respect me. The weather couldn't be more perfect. A light breeze would keep it fresh around the other crew members. People at sea, working and sweating can get pungent. Determination and salt air produce original perfumes. I get to my post. I steady the ship and my nerves. I call the other crew members and try to take control by organizing them. I could tell I'd be working the whole time on this trip, some of the crew lacked obvious sophistication and structure. Some weren't even aware they were on a ship. The best ship around. Youngsters! They seemed young and lacking the understanding of what a trip like this takes. How could they be allowed to board without a better understanding of the structure. I need to stay positive. A bad attitude won't help us this late in the stage. Beale just showed up and went to his post. This helped calm me. At least one crew member knew how this worked. At least one crew member was reliable. He brought Boxer along. I wasn't expecting him on this journey, but he's traveled with us before. "Let's go, get ready, take your place." "Let's take her out smooth. If we can. The sea is choppy today.", Beale says. We all call out our positions. I'm steering the mighty beast. Sliding it threw the currents and waves. Lot's of schools of fish about the ship today. I can almost taste the sea spray as we glide on. It's all fine at first, until some jokers decide to get lax on duties. These guys tried to demand position changes. Of course, this was unacceptable. Beale tried to explain the journey, but none of them were listening. One of them tried to take my position, but everyone should know the captain is one of the most important people. Half the crew was trying to spread mutiny against us. It seemed early for this situation, but younger crews are mentally weak these days, or so I've heard. As I steered us further into the journey it became clear the situation was unsolvable. It wouldn't end nicely. I was doing most everything myself. I had to do multiple jobs, so obviously, each task was lacking. No one really helped. I was far superior to what most could have done given the lack of support. Even Beale started to give attitude. I got in his face when he refused to take his post after I asked him four or five times. He was chatting instead of taking care of his job. After that, I told him, "To get off my ship". "Right now?", he asked. "Yes", I demanded as I blocked his way. He thought about it for a minute. I watched as most the crew jumped overboard. Beale looked at me with frustration in his eyes. "I'll jump off.", Beale threatened. We were in a stare off. "Not if I force you off", I said lashing out. While at the same time bracing myself before pushing him as hard as I could. He hadn't seen it coming. He fell back grasping at air. I watched as he hit the sandy sea below. An outline of his body remained as he ran away. All I could do was watch as sand sprayed up from the ground as he ran away. Each step leaving a trail away from the ship. At least Boxer remained, or so I had thought . I looked at Boxer and called to him. Instead of coming, he barked at me, and jumped off the ship. He ran to follow Beale. "Traitors, all of them. Just a bunch of traitors. Damn Traitors!", I screamed. The ship was going down. It was too hard to man alone. I didn't feel like organizing the crew that remained. They were unfocused and untrained. One even wiped his hands on his shirt after snacking. Unprofessional. When I thought the morning couldn't get worse, I felt a hand on my back collar. "Damn it Brandy, we talked about this. You can't take over the playground equipment. This isn't a real ship and this isn't your crew and you are not on a real journey. This is playtime, it's suppose to be fun. You could have really hurt Beale." I'd have to learn to work with this crew. Not today, It was too much ship for them today. I'd try again tomorrow. I'd apologize to Beale and Boxer. I needed them. As I walked to the side of my yacht, escorted by the new crew, this memory was my last thought. It really was a good lesson, a reminder of what can happen when you're not on top of things. I looked at Fran. He looked terrified, but obviously friendly with these individuals. I'd known Fran for a while. This hurt. Poor Beale, I now understood how he felt that day all those years ago. It wasn't the time to be sentimental, but I didn't need to embarrass him like that. The crew had waited until we were far out to sea to reveal they would be commadeering my yacht, and leaving me out at sea. How could I have accepted a crew I'd never used before. They came prepared with guns and other weapons. I was no longer on the playground. This was real life. No mommy to correct the situation. There wasn't going to be much of a fight. They made me open the safe before walking me to the side and instructing me to jump. I knew they were serious and not open to negotiations. I didn't even try. How could I have been so unsuspecting. As I hit the water I could just laugh to myself thinking, Damn Traitors! All of them! Traitors! I'd be back. I'd get my ship back again. Sent from my Galaxy
By simplicity2 years ago in Fiction
Words Written Upon Her Heart . Top Story - August 2024.
She picks up her new phone, opening a text message dated ten years ago. Her smile widens as she reads the words. She doesn’t need to open the message as the words are engraved upon her heart.
By Colleen Millsteed 2 years ago in Fiction