Mystery
Jade Cove
First published in October Hill Magazine, spring, 2022 The cold-water stabs at Rico, penetrating his bones. Wind chops, bites, and claws at his face. The unfamiliar coastline of the Pacific digs out the survival in him. As he floats south with the currents, he drifts back to himself as a child of 12, treading the same trail every day to Don Hilario's vineyard. Back then, he found his endurance by listening to the melody of the ocean, but today, a much louder drum beat down on him:
By Tony Martello3 years ago in Fiction
Unveiling the Unseen: The Reality of Black Holes
Black holes. The very name conjures images of cosmic vacuums, insatiable monsters gobbling up anything that gets too close. But behind the sensationalized depictions lies a reality far more fascinating and grounded in the laws of physics. Black holes are very real, and their existence pushes the boundaries of our understanding of space, time, and gravity.
By ANNA CORAL3 years ago in Fiction
Through the Quantum Lens
Emma entered the nondescript café, the tinkling of the door's bells masking her trembling exhale. Just another day in this humdrum existence. She meandered to the counter, briefcase in hand, ignoring the unusual decor of tangled lines and fractal patterns adorning the walls.
By Muhammad Sarmad Razzaq3 years ago in Fiction
Threads of Destiny
In the heart of an unassuming city, nestled between the mundane and the extraordinary, stood the Quantum Café. Its existence defied the laws of physics, and its patrons were drawn to it like moths to a cosmic flame. The café was a nexus—a place where alternate realities intersected, and choices echoed across dimensions.
By Muhammad Sarmad Razzaq3 years ago in Fiction
Bearer of The Death Certificate
In the small town of Willow Creek, there was a legend whispered among the locals about the bearer of the death certificate. Nobody knew who this mysterious figure was or where they came from, but whenever someone spotted them, it was said that death was imminent.
By Jackmiko993 years ago in Fiction
The Shadow Agency's Grip. Content Warning.
Lexi's head throbbed as she slowly opened her eyes. She found herself in a small, dimly lit room with gray walls and a single door. A faint hum filled the air, and the smell of disinfectant hung heavy. She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her back onto the cold metal table. The Director's voice echoed in her mind. "You're going to be our guest for a while longer." Lexi's heart raced as she realized she was a prisoner of the Shadow Agency. The door creaked open, and a figure in a white lab coat entered. "Good morning, Lexi," he said, his voice detached. "My name is Dr. Kim. I'll be your... host during your stay." Lexi struggled to speak, her throat dry and sore. "W-what do you want from me?" Dr. Kim smiled, his eyes cold. "You're a curious journalist, Lexi. You've stumbled upon something big. And we need to know how much you know." Lexi's mind raced as Dr. Kim began attaching electrodes to her head and arms. "What are you doing?" "Just a little... interrogation technique," Dr. Kim replied, his voice dripping with menace. "You'll tell us everything we need to know." Lexi screamed as the electrodes sparked to life, sending electric shocks coursing through her body. The pain was excruciating, and her mind reeled as the Agency's secrets began to spill out of her. Days blurred together in a haze of agony and confusion. Lexi's thoughts were a jumbled mess, her memories fragmented and distorted. She was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, with no escape from the Shadow Agency's clutches. One day, Dr. Kim entered the room, a satisfied smile on his face. "You've been very... cooperative, Lexi. We've learned a great deal from you." Lexi's eyes narrowed, hatred burning within her. "You'll pay for this," she spat, her voice weak but defiant. Dr. Kim chuckled. "I doubt that. You see, Lexi, you're not just a journalist anymore. You're a pawn in our game. And pawns are expendable." The door opened, and two agents entered, their faces expressionless. "Time to move her," one of them said, their voices devoid of emotion. Lexi struggled as they dragged her out of the room, down corridors, and into a dark, windowless van. The engine roared to life, and the van sped away, leaving the city behind. As the miles flew by, Lexi's mind raced with thoughts of escape, of revenge, of exposing the Shadow Agency's secrets to the world. But for now, she was at their mercy, a prisoner in a world of darkness and deceit.
By Mahad Salam Ansari3 years ago in Fiction
The Shadow Agency. Content Warning.
In the heart of the city, hidden from prying eyes, lay the headquarters of the Shadow Agency. Its existence was a mere whisper, a rumor among those who knew better. The Agency was a secret organization, manipulating world events from behind the scenes. They pulled the strings, and the puppets danced. Alexandra "Lexi" Thompson, a brilliant and ambitious journalist, had been investigating the Agency for months. She had stumbled upon a cryptic message, hinting at their involvement in a recent political scandal. Determined to uncover the truth, Lexi followed the trail of breadcrumbs, leading her to the Agency's doorstep. As she approached the nondescript building, a chill ran down her spine. The windows were tinted, reflecting the city's chaos, while the entrance was a plain metal door with no sign or logo. Lexi took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inside, she found herself in a sleek, modern lobby. A receptionist, with an expressionless face, greeted her. "Can I help you?" "I'm here to see the Director," Lexi said, her voice firm. The receptionist nodded and pressed a button. A hidden panel slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor. "Please, follow the path." Lexi entered the corridor, her heart racing. The walls were lined with screens displaying news feeds, financial data, and surveillance footage. The Agency's reach was vast, their eyes and ears everywhere. She arrived at a door with a simple plaque: "Director's Office." A low, smooth voice spoke, "Enter, Miss Thompson." Lexi stepped inside, finding herself in a spacious room with a stunning city view. The Director, a charismatic figure with piercing blue eyes, sat behind a minimalist desk. "Welcome, Lexi. I've been expecting you. You're quite... persistent." Lexi stood tall, her determination evident. "I want to know about the Shadow Agency. Your role in the political scandal, your motives..." The Director chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "We're not interested in power or control, Lexi. We're the guardians of balance. We ensure the world doesn't tip too far in any direction." Lexi raised an eyebrow. "By manipulating events, controlling the narrative?" The Director nodded. "Sometimes, the truth is too complicated for the masses. We simplify it, guide the course of history." Lexi felt a shiver run down her spine. "You're playing God." The Director smiled. "We're merely the conductors of the orchestra. The world is a complex symphony, and we ensure harmony." Lexi realized the Agency's scope was far greater than she had imagined. They were the puppet masters, and the world was their stage. As she left the building, Lexi knew her life would never be the same. She had seen the shadows, and the shadows had seen her. The Shadow Agency would be watching, waiting for her next move.
By Mahad Salam Ansari3 years ago in Fiction
The Echo Chamber
My name’s Abel, and for the most part, I've always found solace in the company of machines rather than people. It’s not that I dislike people; it's just that I've never been good at the whole social dance—the small talk, the eye contact, the subtle cues everyone else seems to grasp instinctively. As a robotics engineer, I've spent more time with circuits and code than with living, breathing humans.
By Maziku Shabani3 years ago in Fiction
Young Adult (YA), Middle Grade (MG) and Children's Books by Filipino American Authors
Filipino American authors make significant contributions to the rich fabric of literature by incorporating a variety of viewpoints and cultural subtleties into their works. Here, we highlight four gifted writers along with their gripping Filipino middle grade book, Young adult and children's books.
By Berliza Palmes3 years ago in Fiction
The Lost Emojis of Elyria
In the ravaged streets of Elyria, a metropolis once pulsing with vibrant emotions, the ruling Council of Unity had decreed that each citizen was allotted a single, sacred emoji to convey their feelings. The populace had grown numb, their faces a mask of indifference, as if the absence of emotional expression would guarantee a utopia of order and control.
By Muhammad Sarmad Razzaq3 years ago in Fiction
The Rise of the Crimson Bloom
In the heart of ancient Persia, where the sands whispered tales of forgotten civilizations, a kingdom thrived amidst the arid expanse. Here, beneath the scorching sun and the endless stretch of dunes, a saga of love, betrayal, and mystical reckoning unfolded.
By Muhammad Sarmad Razzaq3 years ago in Fiction
