Short Story
Runaway
The silence is deafening. Dustin strains to hear if the old man is still breathing, but stays as far from the stinking, slumped form as possible in the dilapidated one-room shack. At last a ragged inhale, rasping and gasping, gives Dustin the courage to drag his beaten body towards the door. The belt lays on the floor where the old man dropped it. Dustin knows he has to leave. This is no way to live and his mother’s death months earlier makes him realize things are never going to get better. He pulls himself upright, inspecting the damage – bleeding gash across his wiry chest, bruises the color of stinky cheese emerging, his head pounding with the hateful words and Jim Beam bottle hurled at him moments before his stepfather passed out. He needs to make some distance before the old drunk comes to.
By Cathy Schieffelin3 years ago in Fiction
Outpost
Salvage records: Abandoned Legion Fortress 387. Colloquial Designation ‘Fort Stalwart’ according to Legion Records. It is uncertain how the survivor reached this station. Though the audio log claims that the survivor was working on transportation technology on behalf of the Kith-rali Navy Research and Development Corps based out of Research Station 917 aka Wolf Station.
By Alexander McEvoy3 years ago in Fiction
ALIEN VOICE FROM SPACE
The Southern TV incident of 1777 remains one of the most bizarre and intriguing events in broadcast history. It was a lazy Saturday evening when viewers across the UK were suddenly interrupted from their routine programming by an otherworldly voice known as Ghrelin, purportedly representing the Ashtar Galactic Command. The message delivered was cryptic yet profound, warning humanity of the potential dangers lurking within their own ranks, urging them to awaken to a new age of consciousness and unity.
By Akhila Shaji3 years ago in Fiction
Fallen From Grace
In and out. In and out. Ray repeated those words in his head as he looked upon the large, brick house that stood in front of him. The man ran a hand through his short, unkempt hair and took a deep breath. All he had to do was go in, give them the presents, and get out. Simple, right? No need for this to be a big deal.
By SonShaSil013 years ago in Fiction
Shadows of the Redwoods
"Shadows of the Redwoods": A lone figure glided with graceful stealth deep within the vast Redwood forest, where sunlight was unable to break through the thick canopy. She moved amid the ancient giants while shrouded in shadows, her senses keenly aware of every sound and movement.
By Abdul Qayyum3 years ago in Fiction
Paris Love Story
In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling streets and the scent of fresh croissants, Sarah found herself lost in the enchanting beauty of the city of love. As she wandered through the cobblestone alleyways, she couldn't help but feel a sense of serenity wash over her. One sunny afternoon, while admiring the intricate architecture of Notre Dame, Sarah's gaze met with a pair of captivating blue eyes. They belonged to a handsome stranger, who stood across the square, sketching the iconic cathedral with meticulous detail. Intrigued by his artistic prowess, Sarah approached him tentatively. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they had known each other for a lifetime. He introduced himself as Julien, a local artist with a passion for capturing the essence of Paris on his canvas. Their chance encounter evolved into a whirlwind romance, as they explored every corner of the city together. From strolling hand in hand along the Seine River to picnicking beneath the Eiffel Tower at sunset, every moment felt like a scene from a fairytale. As the days turned into weeks, Sarah and Julien found themselves falling deeply in love. They shared their dreams and aspirations, weaving their lives together like the intricate patterns of the city they called home. On her last day in Paris, as Sarah stood atop the Arc de Triomphe, overlooking the sprawling city below, Julien appeared beside her, holding a small velvet box in his hand. With trembling fingers, he opened it to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. With tears of joy streaming down her face, Sarah nodded eagerly, accepting Julien's proposal without hesitation. In that moment, amidst the timeless beauty of Paris, they knew that their love was destined to last a lifetime. And so, as the sun set over the City of Lights, Sarah and Julien made a promise to each other, to cherish and treasure their love forevermore, knowing that they had found their soulmate in the most unexpected of places.
By Deji Akomolafe3 years ago in Fiction
The Tale of Emmeline & Stanley. Content Warning.
The flickering candle did nothing to enhance the passed-out lump Emmeline called Husband. The stink-cloud of booze and old sweat coming off him infected the air. Wrinkling her nose, she plucked the bottle from his hand and locked it away in the poky little kitchen. It wouldn't do for Them to get their little hands on it.
By L.C. Schäfer3 years ago in Fiction
Time Time Time
Time Time Time There once was a lad named Rohan who lived in a little village. It was well known that Rohan lacked ambition and was a lazy person. He was always told by his family and friends to respect time, but he had a propensity of squandering it and putting off doing critical chores. Rohan didn't appear to get its significance.
By Abdul Qayyum3 years ago in Fiction
Pinnacle of Love
Pinnacle of Love: Love Above Societal Norms Chapter 1 Gabriel, a 22-year-old boy, lives in Los Angeles, California. He just completed his graduation and is all set to travel to New York for his further studies. He also wants to establish his family business in New York. So, he traveled there to stay at his aunt’s home. His aunt is Isabella who is a doctor and unmarried. She has adored her nephew a lot since he was a kid.
By Apurba Deb3 years ago in Fiction
Whispers in the Wood
Reina clutched the frayed map, its edges worn thin from years of desperate hope. Barkwood, the ancient forest whispered to be both sanctuary and death trap, loomed before her. Its gnarled branches, thick as forgotten gods, scraped the twilight sky, and an eerie silence pressed down, broken only by the rustle of unseen creatures. Reina, a refugee fleeing a kingdom consumed by war, had nowhere else to turn.
By Amadi Divine3 years ago in Fiction
