Short Story
Impatiens for the Soul. Top Story - May 2024.
Content Warning: Mention of mental illness Impatiens for the Soul D. A. Ratliff Looking down at the colorful blooms bursting out of their pots, I remembered when my mother and I first planted these together. A lot of water has flowed since then—water for the impatiens and tears for me.
By D. A. Ratliff2 years ago in Fiction
The Block Mayor. Top Story - May 2024.
Like every warm day, Terrence is finishing this day on his L-shaped porch, sipping whisky from a dented flask. Cars pass by slowly, and he watches young women pushing babies in strollers; he hears the neighbors’ arguments and knows which have a regular income and those who are unemployed. Terrence is the self-appointed block mayor, laying judgment on his fellow folk.
By Andrea Corwin 2 years ago in Fiction
Of Air Returned
i. I burned my soul to ash but the pain paled in comparison to the terror that struck my heart like a match, anticipating her arrival and the tirade she would carry in tow. An unwarranted fear, as she was calm when she saw what I had done. Calm and nurturing. Soothing my pain with herbs and aromas, and each early morning during the hour of the wolf, she laid an ear on my back and listened as my soul mended itself.
By Rhyan Scorpio-Rhys2 years ago in Fiction
Quoth. Top Story - May 2024.
Unnoticed, the clock struck into the next day. Before my eyes, as midnight came and went, the words on the pages over which I poured blurred together. Meaningless under my over-tired gaze, they looped around themselves, slowly winding lines of text twisting themselves into knots as I watched, barely awake enough to do more than notice the change.
By Alexander McEvoy2 years ago in Fiction
The Selling out of Lavender
The Selling out of Lavender Lilac and Lavender had been companions since childhood, their names until the end of time entwined in a fragrant memory. Lilac, with her searing ruddy hair and a snicker that may smash glass, and Lavender, all calm deportment and eyes the color of dusk. They were indivisible, partners who shared privileged insights whispered beneath starry skies and dreams written in dusty note pads.
By Abdul Qayyum2 years ago in Fiction
Hello, Tree
Larst week, Daddy took me to the Tree again. I like it there. It's quiet and soft. What I like about the Tree is the pictures. When you get near you start seeing good stuff. In your mind. Beautiful places with all lovely things and people you miss. Like mum.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
A Story of a Bookseller
It was a beautiful sunny day in December in Pakistan. I was sitting beside her in the corridor of our university. We were having our tea when her beautiful lips started moving to say something beautiful. I prepared myself for that since I always listen to her words with the same attention. Her words began to make a pattern and went as, "There are a few people out there who actually do love. People in this modern time do not have urge to spend their lifetime with anyone. You know Nasir, there are 99% people who are actually faking in love and only 1% are there who actually do love, A true and pure love and those are the people who know how to take care of the other person and how to remain loyal with anyone." I asked her, "Are you among the 99% or 1%." I had curiosity to know though I had an idea how much she loved me. But she startled me by saying, "I won't tell a lie, I am among the 99%. Why would I boast on anything that I don't have." Her words made me numb though I knew that she is still telling a lie.Then I asked her," What about me?" She said," You are among the 1% people who truly love." I was happy to know that but I was confused that who could she be among the 99% as she is in love with me heart and soul. Now.................... Its been almost a year I haven't talked to her. I haven't seen her. She has gone from my life for good. She cleared my confusion a year ago that how she could be among the 99%. Now, I have learnt where to put efforts and where not to. I have learnt to get lessons from past and to look for new experiences. (An event from the life of a bookseller)
By Nasir Malik2 years ago in Fiction
Elliott & Ricky: A Journey To Friendship
“What are you looking at?” Elliott asked irately. “Not yo big head!” Ricky responded sarcastically. It was no secret that fourth graders Elliott Alston and Ricky Pratt did not get along. Today their class is going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. Their teacher Kelly Medina decided that putting them together as partners on the trip might be the key to resolving their issues. Their mothers Ruby Alston and Maggie Pratt would also be joining them.
By Joe Patterson2 years ago in Fiction
