Mystery

Fostering Doubts
Author's Preamble: As noted above, this is my 22nd rejection, in my ongoing attempt to win something or have something published outside of Vocal. The following story was written for the 2025 Ligonier Valley Writers' Flash Fiction Contest. The prompt was simply, AI/robots, the light or dark side. 1000 words or less.
By Paul Stewartabout a year ago in Fiction
Room Five
The new job was in an old building. He took a wander round and eventually settled in his ground-floor office. He had a nice wooden desk. Most of his peers had jobs in modern offices, but he thought this would be different and interesting.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about a year ago in Fiction
The Man Who Bought Tomorrow
It was a quiet morning in the small town of Greyvale when Elias Turner stepped into the old clock shop at the corner of Birch Street. The wooden sign above the door read:
By Waqas Ahmadabout a year ago in Fiction
The Cow That Outsmarted Mosquitoes
It began as a joke. In a quiet farming village on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, a man named Dr. Taro Kojima lived among his cows and his notebooks. Once a promising university biologist, he had returned to his father’s farm after losing funding for his research. The world had moved on, and so had the science he once loved.
By Wellova about a year ago in Fiction
Ashes of Yesterday
“Evelyn… is that really you?” Marcus squinted at the figure in the dimly lit café, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him. Time had sculpted her differently: the bright, audacious girl he once knew had vanished, replaced by someone quieter, more measured, yet undeniably familiar.
By Ethan Coleabout a year ago in Fiction
Whispers Between the Pages
Chapter 1: The Attic Discovery It was the first rainy day of summer when 17-year-old Elara stumbled into the attic of her late grandmother’s house. The air smelled of cedar and old paper, the kind that seemed to whisper stories of the past. Among the dust-covered boxes and forgotten holiday decorations, a small leather-bound journal caught her eye.
By Ethan Coleabout a year ago in Fiction
Eiffel Tower 2025: Is the Iconic Landmark Really at Risk? The Truth Behind the Viral Rumors
Paris, the City of Light, has always been a place that captures the imagination of millions. At the heart of this iconic city stands the Eiffel Tower, a landmark that has inspired awe, romance, and wonder for more than a century. However, in recent weeks, social media has been buzzing with alarming claims: "The Eiffel Tower is going to be demolished in 2026." Videos, posts, and memes have gone viral, sending a wave of panic and curiosity around the globe. But what is the truth behind these rumors?
By Wellova about a year ago in Fiction
Killer Tunes
Just can’t figure out what other folks have got against forests. Don’t go into the woods alone, I can hear them say, because you don’t know what you will find in them that could hurt you. Like that doesn’t happen in just about any place you might happen to go? I’ve been camping and hiking pretty much since the Middle Ages — I trust the woods. I know to be cautious in them. I won’t be found in the woods, half-eaten, put it that way.
By Eric Wolfabout a year ago in Fiction
Missing Forever-Afters
Consider the framing of the door as the framing of the story. Trying to reach and pull at the handle — struggling. Swollen wooden panelling prevents it from opening easily.
By Paul Stewartabout a year ago in Fiction
"The Archives: Secrets Buried Beneath Time"
The Archives Part I She headed to her station seeing her manager browsing through papers. "What's happening here?" She asked. Her boss's firm expression reminded her that she showed interest. Her boss has always been a hardman, when he walked you could sense that he was off to accomplish something. When he spoke you could sense that he wasn't lying. He was always impeccably dressed and had immense respect company-wide. He was cruel but in the right manner, in a manner that made him the boss.
By Dipnarayan bhagat about a year ago in Fiction
Torenza: The Veil Between Worlds (Last Part)
Jonathan Reed had been missing for weeks, leaving Heathrow in silent panic. Daniel Price, a junior officer at JFK, stared at the black passport on his desk. The silver letters shimmered faintly: **Daniel Price — Citizen of Torenza.** A chill ran down his spine; the air seemed alive, thick with anticipation.
By Wellova about a year ago in Fiction
File 13: Henry & Orville – “The Twin Terrors”
SUBJECT DESIGNATION: Henry & Orville – “The Twin Terrors” CLASS: Type III Dual Manifestation (Juvenile / Mischievous Entities)
By V-Ink Storiesabout a year ago in Fiction