Short Story
The Guardian of Moonlit Dreams
In a realm where dreams intertwined with reality, there existed a forest shrouded in mystery and magic. Its ancient trees whispered secrets of ages past, and its moonlit glades shimmered with an ethereal glow. Deep within this enchanted forest dwelled a creature unlike any other—a guardian whose duty was to protect the realm of dreams from encroaching darkness.
By Princess Quismundo2 years ago in Fiction
The Last Lighthouse
Maria peered at the fading sun, her wrinkled hands holding the railing of the lighthouse balcony. She had watched over these waters for 70 years, and tonight would be her last. The administration had eventually chosen to automate the ancient beacon. They dubbed it "progress." Maria declared it the end of an era. She reflected on all the storms she'd weathered and the ships she'd safely steered to harbor. The nights were spent polishing the large lens until it sparkled like a star brought down from the heavens. A gull's call awakened her from her trance. Maria grinned, recognizing the ancient bird she had named Charlie. He had been visiting her for nearly a decade. "Well, Charlie," he responded, "looks like we're both relics of a bygone age." Charlie landed on the railing beside her, cocking his head curiously. Maria chuckled. "Do not worry, old friend. I've instructed them to keep putting out feed for you." The sun dropped lower, illuminating the sky in vivid oranges and pinks. It wouldn't be long until it was time to turn off the lamp. Maria's joints creaked as she moved down the spiral staircase. Each stride felt heavy with memories. How many times did she climb these stairs? Thousands and thousands. At the base of the tower, she took a moment to run her hand along the cool stone walls. They had been her steady companions all these years, protecting her from the wind and waves. Maria lit the lights and began turning the large lens with experienced ease. As darkness descended, the bright beam raced across the sea, providing a constant pulse in the gathering night. She returned to the balcony and sat in her favorite chair for her final vigil. The stars appeared one by one, and old friends gathered to bid her farewell. As midnight came, Maria noticed the coast guard cutter appear on the horizon. They were exactly on time. She stood up, stretching her muscles that had become stiff from sitting. One last look at the vista she'd grown to appreciate, as well as her own face. "Goodbye, old girl," Maria said softly, caressing the lighthouse wall. "You've served us well." She then packed her few possessions and walked down to where the boat was waiting. As Maria boarded, she turned for one last look. The lighthouse loomed tall and majestic against the star-filled sky, its beam sweeping steadily out to sea. Charlie sat atop the railing. Maria swears the elderly gull nodded at her before expanding his wings and taking off into the night. The cutter's engines started up. Maria's gaze remained fixated on the fading light as they moved away from the shore. Long after it had vanished from sight, she could still see it in her mind's eye: timeless, unshakable, a beacon of hope in the dark.
By Edafe Iboyi2 years ago in Fiction
Watcher’s Prey
Livewire Bar, downtown Oaksville, 10:00 p.m. Leslie Duncan is having a drink at her favorite bar on a Wednesday night. Livewire is not exactly the craziest bar to journey to after hours, but it is certainly not the safest place to be after hours. While sipping her martini Leslie looks over and catches a man in a blue denim jacket staring at her with a vacant expression across his face. She quickly dismisses his look and goes back to viewing the mounted television above the bar.
By Joe Patterson2 years ago in Fiction
The Freelance Excavator
Andalusia had all the archaeologists they would ever need. Being influenced and ruled by different religious and governing bodies throughout history, there was much money to be made and too many people willing to do it. Alora was among the unlucky ones. "Nobody is in power to vouch for you, no proper work experience…why should we care?" they continuously said. Being obsessed with the origins of mankind, Alora was blessed with being born and raised in a land near the origin of humanity. History was all around her, yet had no access. The closest she could get was her father, Hugo. Hugo couldn't stop relaying information to a wide-eyed Alora growing up and bringing her along to scope historical sites. Constantly raving about how he would be a tourist in his own land.
By Joseph Zago2 years ago in Fiction
The Forgotten Door (1 of 2)
When my grandmother passed, I, Tamara, had never expected she would leave me her house. I had always figured it would be left to one of my uncles or my mother. I was surprised when she called me while she was in the hospital to begin the complex processes of signing all of the paperwork that was required. It was not as easy as the movies made it look.
By Matthew Spinelli2 years ago in Fiction
The Vanishing: Continuation of The Mayor
Two police cruisers sat outside city hall. The officers were there to meet with the mayor. Helena had been gone for twenty-four hours. She officially was a missing person in the eyes of the law. As the mayor’s wife, hers was a high-profile disappearance.
By Jason Morton2 years ago in Fiction
Station 4 is Compromised
This story was originally published on Medium. ************** The sounds of the space station exploding are distant, but not as distant as they were 20 seconds ago. Tyquan flings the bay door open. Inside, just three more of his colleagues. Red shirts.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile2 years ago in Fiction
veil girl
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a young girl named Leila. Leila was known throughout the village as the "Veil Girl" because she always wore a beautiful, intricately woven veil that covered her face. The veil was a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, and it was said to possess magical properties.
By ayesha nadeem2 years ago in Fiction
The Unseen World
Lena had always felt like she was destined for something more. Growing up in the small town of Eldoria, she found herself fascinated by tales of hidden worlds and ancient secrets. Little did she know, her life was about to take a turn far beyond her wildest dreams.
By Pavitradevi 2 years ago in Fiction
