Short Story

The Goblin. Top Story - April 2024.
I wake up and he's there. He dogs my steps all day, like an especially loyal... well... dog. Except I like dogs, and he's loathsome.
By L.C. Schäfer3 years ago in Fiction
What Comes Around...
The late afternoon sun was always deceiving. It always seemed warmer than it was. The weird shadows it cut on the snow belied the fact that it was bitter cold. As he trogged over light snow blanketed the ground, he steadied himself on one of the many bamboo trees in the forest. Random freak weather changes were nothing new, but this was one such act of nature he could live without. Reaching the far side of the stand of trees, the sun reflected on the open field leading to his destination.
By Kenneth Lawson3 years ago in Fiction
The Lost Nest
Once upon a time, in a lush green forest, there was a family of birds who lived in a cozy nest nestled high up in a tall oak tree. The nest was lovingly crafted by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow, who had spent countless hours collecting twigs, feathers, and moss to build their home.Their three chirpy little chicks, Peep, Cheep, and Tweet, were the joy of their lives. The chicks would spend their days chirping and playing in the nest, eagerly awaiting the moment when they would learn to fly and explore the world beyond the oak tree. One sunny morning, while the parents were out searching for food, a fierce storm suddenly descended upon the forest. The wind howled, and the rain poured down like a waterfall. The nest swayed dangerously in the gusts of wind, and before long, it was torn from its perch and swept away by the raging storm. When Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow returned to find their home destroyed and their chicks gone, they were heartbroken. They searched high and low, calling out to their lost nestlings, but there was no sign of them anywhere. The forest was vast, and the storm had scattered them far and wide , leaving the parents feeling lost and helpless. Days turned into weeks, and still, there was no trace of their missing chicks. Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow flew tirelessly through the forest, asking other animals if they had seen their beloved Peep, Cheep, and Tweet. But no one had seen them, and the parents began to fear the worst. One day, as Mrs. Sparrow was flying low over a shimmering lake, she heard a faint chirping coming from the reeds by the shore. With her heart racing, she flew closer and saw three small chicks huddled together, shivering and hungry. It was Peep, Cheep, and Tweet, alive and well, but lost and scared. Mrs. Sparrow called out to them, and the chicks eagerly chirped back, recognizing their mother's voice. With tears of joy in her eyes, Mrs. Sparrow swooped down and gathered her chicks in her wings, hugging them tightly. Together, they flew back to the oak tree, where Mr. Sparrow was waiting anxiously. The family was finally reunited, and they vowed never to take their nest for granted again. They rebuilt their home stronger and sturdier than before, knowing that as long as they were together , they could weather any storm that came their way. From that day on, the little family of sparrows lived happily in their cozy nest, singing and chirping in the sunshine. They knew the value of each other and cherished every moment they had together. And as they watched the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange, Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow knew that their love for each other and their family would always keep them safe and secure, no matter what challenges life may bring. The lost nest had brought them closer together, and they would never forget the lesson it had taught them about the strength of family bonds.
By Daniel O3 years ago in Fiction
One Husband with Two Wives
A long time ago, a man was married twice in a small town. Fate dealt a strange hand, causing both wives to die at the same time. This man had a strong sense of justice and wanted to treat both wives equally, even after they died.
By Ameer Bibi3 years ago in Fiction
First Time in Tokyo
Stepping onto the bustling streets of Tokyo, I was instantly swept up in the city's vibrant energy. Neon lights danced overhead as I navigated through the maze of skyscrapers and bustling crowds. My first stop was the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where I found myself lost amidst a sea of people, crossing the intersection in perfect synchrony. With my senses heightened, I moved into Tokyo's culinary scene. From savory ramen bowls in tiny noodle shops to mouthwatering sushi at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, each bite was a revelation of flavor and tradition. Eager for adventure, I ventured into the vibrant district of Harajuku, where I marveled at the eccentric fashion statements and quirky boutiques lining Takeshita Street. Lost in the maze of colorful storefronts, I stumbled upon a hidden café serving matcha-flavored treats, a delightful surprise in the heart of the bustling city. As the sun dipped below the skyline, I made my way to the historic district of Asakusa. Here, I wandered through the centuries-old Senso-ji Temple, where the scent of incense mingled with the soft hum of prayers. With a sense of reverence, I tossed a coin into the temple's offering box, silently making a wish for my journey ahead. But Tokyo wasn't all ancient traditions and bustling streets. Seeking a taste of the city's futuristic side, I ventured to Odaiba, where I marveled at the towering Gundam statue and explored the interactive exhibits at the Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. With each new experience, Tokyo revealed itself as a city of endless wonders and surprises. And as I bid farewell to its dazzling lights and bustling streets, I knew that my first visit to Tokyo would be just the beginning of a lifelong love affair with this extraordinary city.
By Deji Akomolafe3 years ago in Fiction
The Forgotten Promise
e once upon a time, in a small village nestled deep within the forest, there lived a young girl named Elara. Elara was known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, and she was loved by all who knew her. One day, a mysterious stranger arrived in the village, claiming to be a traveler in search of a place to rest.Era, always eager to help others, offered the stranger a warm meal and a place to stay for the night. As they sat by the fire, the stranger shared tales of far-off lands and grand adventures. Elara listened with rapt attention, hanging on every word.Before the stranger left the next morning, they made a promise to each other. The stranger vowed to return to the village one day and fulfill a secret wish that Elara had shared with them. In return, Elara promised to keep the stranger's true identity a secret.Years passed, and the stranger never returned. Elara never forgot the promise they had made, but as time went on, the memory of that fateful night began to fade. Life in the village went on as usual, with Elara tending to her garden and helping her neighbors in any way she could. One day, as Elara was walking through the village square, she saw a familiar figure standing by the fountain. It was the mysterious stranger, their face obscured by a hood. Elara's heart leaped with joy as she recognized them."Is it really you?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion. The stranger nodded, a sad smile playing on their lips. "I have returned, as I promised I would," they said. "And now, it is time to fulfill the wish you shared with me so long ago."With that, the stranger reached into their cloak and pulled out a beautiful, shimmering amulet. Elara's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized it as the symbol of a long-forgotten legend, a symbol of power and protection."This amulet is yours now," the stranger said, placing it gently in Elara's hands. "It holds the key to unlocking your true potential, to fulfill your destiny."Tears welled up in Elara's eyes as she realized the significance of the gift she had been given. The stranger had kept their promise, just as she had kept theirs all these years. And now, it was time for Elara to embrace her newfound power and embark on her own grand adventure. As the villagers gathered around to witness this momentous occasion, Elara felt a sense of purpose like never before. With the amulet glowing softly in her hand, she knew that her life would never be the same again.From that day on, Elara became known as the protector of the village, using her newfound abilities to keep her home safe from harm. She ventured into the forest, facing dangers and challenges with courage and determination. And through it all, she never forgot the promise she had made and the promise that had been kept by the mysterious stranger.The legend of Elara, the girl with the forgotten promise, spread far and wide, inspiring others to believe in the power of keeping one's word and the magic of fulfilling a long-awaited wish. And so, Elara's story lived on, a testament to the bond between two souls and the strength that lies within each of us, waiting to be unlocked.
By Daniel O3 years ago in Fiction
What is Life?
Life is like a picture frame on the wall; each person has a unique image. Some frames are strong, like a robust building, and can withstand life’s earthquakes.
By Ameer Bibi3 years ago in Fiction
The Mystic Mirror
Once upon a time, in a distant land, there was a small village known as Willowbrook. In the heart of the village, there stood a mysterious mirror that was said to possess magical powers. The mirror was known as the Mystic Mirror, and it was said that whoever gazed into its depths would see their true desires reflected back at them. The people of Willowbrook had always been wary of the mirror, believing it to be enchanted by dark forces. But one day, a young girl named Elara stumbled upon the mirror while exploring the outskirts of the village. Intrigued by its beauty, she couldn't resist the urge to look into it. As Elara gazed into the mirror, she was astonished to see a vision of herself standing in a lush green meadow, surrounded by a babbling brook and colorful flowers. In that moment, she knew that her deepest desire was to be free and surrounded by nature's beauty Excited by what she had seen, Elara hurried back to the village to tell the others about the Mystic Mirror. But when she arrived, she found the villagers gathered around the mirror, each one taking their turn to peer into its depths. One by one, the villagers saw their own desires reflected back at them. Some saw visions of riches, others of fame, and some even saw visions of loved ones long gone. But as more and more people gazed into the mirror, it began to lose its magic, its powers fading with each new reflection.Elara knew that the mirror was meant to be a sacred and powerful object, not to be treated as a mere spectacle. She pleaded with the villagers to stop using it, to preserve its magic for future generations. But they were too caught up in their own desires to listen.Determined to save the Mystic Mirror, Elara decided to take matters into her own hands. She waited until the dead of night, when the village was asleep, and snuck into the town square where the mirror stood. With a heavy heart, she reached out and touched the mirror, whispering a spell of protection and reverence.To her surprise, the mirror began to glow with a soft light, its magic returning in full force. Elara closed her eyes and made one final wish, for the mirror to be safeguarded from harm and misuse. And with a flash of light, the mirror disappeared, leaving behind only a shimmering pool of water in its place. From that day on, the people of Willowbrook would tell tales of the Mystic Mirror, speaking of its power and the wonders it had shown them. But they also spoke of Elara, the girl who had saved the mirror and its magic, and of her selfless act of kindness. As time passed, the village of Willowbrook prospered, its people living in harmony with one another and with the world around them. And though the Mystic Mirror was gone, its legacy lived on in the hearts of the villagers, a reminder of the power of selflessness and the beauty of nature's wonders. And Elara, the girl who had once gazed into its depths, was forever remembered as the one who had saved the Mystic Mirror and preserved its magic for all time.
By Daniel O3 years ago in Fiction
Starving. Top Story - April 2024.
Without a doubt, Isabella had an eye for beauty. In the early morning frost, she would set out to walk with Dilly through the thicket behind her grandfather's half standing barn. Dilly scouted for critters in the woods while she carefully etched the ice laden branches dangling from the naked birch and maple trees. Her breath formed a haze around her pale, young, yet serious, face. Dilly leapt abruptly out of the dense wood with wet, forthright paws then pounced jovially upon her drawing. With his own signature upon her pallet, color rose in her cheeks with fury as she scolded the cowering hound; he fell by her feet like a pouty child. Being an easy, forgiving soul, she scratched the back of his neck. "It's alright boy, silly pup."
By ROCK aka Andrea Polla (Simmons)3 years ago in Fiction
Can Kindness Speak in Silence?"
Even though there was total pin-drop silence around her, Alice could hear those kind words, which always came from the heart. It was true that she was born deaf, which means she could not understand things from conversations, but she could sense much better than people who could hear people in need but didn't pay attention.
By Ameer Bibi3 years ago in Fiction
Chemistry: A Circus of Reaction
Oh dear, chemistry — that wicked puzzle! Truly, why? It appears to exist to confuse students and to be honest; professors are occasionally caught up in this atomic dilemma.
By Ameer Bibi3 years ago in Fiction
The Unseen Ties: A Story of Unanticipated Parenthood
Five years had passed since that fateful night, a night when choices were made, consequences unforeseen. James had no inkling of the life-changing event that had occurred then, a night that would connect him to a child he would come to know only years later.
By Jonathan Strydes3 years ago in Fiction