Short Story

Bridge Over Troubled Water. Top Story - March 2024. Content Warning.
At 29, you'd think I would have felt an overabundance of emotion by now. But, I haven’t. Each day, I maneuvered mechanically neither awake nor sleep. My life has been one dimensional and gray. It's been lukewarm. And it's essence has completely passed me by. My name is Gabriel. And this is my story.
By Jennifer David3 years ago in Fiction
"Whispers in the Night: Unveiling the Secrets of the Starry Sky"
Start writing...Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a young artist named Aria. Aria possessed a unique gift - she could bring her paintings to life through her imagination and creativity. One starry night, while gazing at the mesmerizing sky painted with swirls of cobalt and shimmering stars, Aria felt a surge of inspiration. She hurried to her modest studio, eager to capture the magic of the night on canvas. With swift strokes of her brush, she painted a scene unlike any other - "The Starry Night." As she worked, Aria felt a strange energy coursing through her veins, infusing her painting with a life of its own. Suddenly, the stars seemed to twinkle brighter, and the crescent moon cast an enchanting glow over the landscape. Lost in her creation, Aria failed to notice the sky above her studio beginning to ripple and warp. With a burst of light, she found herself transported into her own painting, standing amidst the swirling clouds and twinkling stars. Before her stretched a wondrous landscape, illuminated by the ethereal light of the moon. Towering cypress trees swayed gently in the breeze, their branches reaching towards the heavens. Fields of golden wheat shimmered in the moonlight, and a quaint village lay nestled in the valley below. As Aria wandered through the enchanting realm of her painting, she stumbled upon a clearing bathed in a soft, ethereal light. In the center stood a group of fantastical creatures unlike any she had ever seen. They shimmered with iridescent hues, their graceful forms adorned with delicate wings that sparkled like jewels in the sunlight. Each creature possessed a unique beauty, from the majestic unicorns with their flowing mane of silver and gold to the elegant faeries whose wings glimmered with every movement. Aria marveled at their otherworldly presence, her heart filled with wonder at the sight before her. But as she approached, Aria noticed a subtle shift in the creatures' demeanor. Their movements became tense and their gazes darting nervously. Aria sensed a hint of darkness lurking in the shadows. Eager to uncover the truth, she ventured deeper into the painting, following the winding path that led towards the distant mountains. As she journeyed onward, Aria encountered strange and mysterious beings, each with a tale to tell. She listened to the whispers of ancient trees and danced with playful sprites beneath the starlit sky. Yet, with every step, she felt the pull of an unseen force drawing her closer to the heart of the painting. At last, Aria reached the foot of the towering mountains, where she discovered a hidden cave bathed in an eerie blue light. As Aria approached the cave, a sense of trepidation gripped her heart, but an inexplicable pull urged her forward. With each step, the air grew colder, and a soft, eerie glow emanated from within the cavern's depths. As she peered into the darkness, Aria's eyes adjusted to the dim light, revealing the silhouette of a figure shrouded in swirling shadows. The figure draped in robes of midnight blue, its form obscured by a cloak of midnight blue that billowed softly in an unseen breeze. Despite the darkness, Aria sensed a strange energy emanating from the figure, a palpable aura of mystery and power. As she drew closer, she could make out the faint outline of the figure's features - piercing eyes that glowed with an otherworldly light and a hauntingly beautiful face that seemed to flicker and shift like the surface of a mirage, his eyes spoke in hushed tones, revealing secrets long forgotten and truths obscured by time. Though fear gnawed at her insides, Aria found herself captivated by the figure's enigmatic presence. It seemed to pulse with a strange, hypnotic beauty, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. With a trembling voice, Aria spoke, her words echoing softly in the cavern's depths. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. But the figure remained silent, its gaze fixed upon her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. As Aria stood transfixed by the spectral figure before her, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had stumbled upon something far beyond her understanding - something ancient, powerful, and infinitely mysterious. And though every fiber of her being screamed for her to flee. With newfound clarity, Aria realized that her painting was more than just a work of art - it was a doorway to another world, a realm where dreams and reality intertwined, she knew that she could not turn away, for she had been drawn here for a reason, and she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
By Poor Girl3 years ago in Fiction
The Path to Transformation
Title: The Path to Transformation: Six Habits for a Fulfilling Life By maximillian In a quaint village nestled amidst serene landscapes, a young man grappled with the weight of his own shortcomings. Troubled by his bad habits, his life had become a tangled web of disorder and discontent. Each day slipped through his fingers, lost in the abyss of wasted time and lackadaisical pursuits. He neglected his responsibilities, evading work with flimsy excuses and completing tasks hastily, devoid of passion or purpose. His relationship with his family strained under the weight of his stubbornness and resistance to change. Despite his best efforts, his attempts to break free from the shackles of his habits proved futile, leaving him trapped in a cycle of stagnation and frustration.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
Destiny's Journey
Title: "Destiny's Journey: A Tale of Compassion and Redemption" By maximillian In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the clamor of life's struggles, there lived a homeless man whose days were spent in a ceaseless quest for sustenance. Each morning dawned with the promise of a new day, yet his existence remained a constant battle against hunger and despair. And as he scoured the streets in search of scraps to fill his belly, he could not shake the feeling that fate had dealt him a cruel hand.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
TV Syndrome
I opened my eyes with a sensation of fear in my heart, a feeling of dread in my mind, and caution — tantalising. I knew very well the meaning of my bed — General Hospital. It may be true that the eye is the best artist and the greatest composer, for next to me, to my left, on a parallel bed, lay a doll — perfection does not exist — thus she had to be inanimate. She told me that her name was Dorothy Newhart and that close friends called her Dolly. My Heartbeat got stronger and louder — my chest became the amplifier of my feelings. I wanted to be with this darling creature, this 20/20. She told me that I could call her, Ms. Newhart, since she believed that I had no chance of Loving her. It was a replay of the legend of the Beauty and the Beast, but I was no beast — I was a Hunter.
By Patrick M. Ohana3 years ago in Fiction
Journey of Self-Discovery
Title: "Journey of Self-Discovery: Lessons from Buddha" By maximillian Once upon a time, while walking with his disciples, Buddha came across a village. He decided to stay in the village for a couple of days with his disciples. News of Gautama Buddha's arrival spread like wildfire, igniting excitement among the villagers. They flocked to see Buddha, seeking solutions to their myriad problems. Buddha, in his infinite wisdom, generously offered guidance and solutions to alleviate their suffering.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
My Ax in Hand
My ax in hand I snuck away from my modest cabin seeking my fortune. While the lush greenery that stood before me could render a fortune, the best and brightest of this woods are picked over. No, I need my own claim, my own forest and I have found one, one that is not on any map. Miles from my home, I will venture deep and with my ax in hand, the my fortune I will make.
By Sean Patrick3 years ago in Fiction
A Journey of Wisdom and Redemption
Title: "Guardians of the Heart: A Journey of Wisdom and Redemption" By maximillian In the verdant hills of a distant land, nestled amidst the whispering pines and tranquil streams, there stood a humble monastery, its ancient walls cloaked in the aura of centuries past. Within its hallowed halls, a solitary figure sat in silent contemplation, his weathered features illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. He was the monk, a beacon of wisdom and compassion in a world fraught with turmoil and uncertainty.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
The Worth of a Life
Title: "The Worth of a Life: A Lesson from Gotham Buddha" By maximillian In the ancient city of Gotham, nestled amidst the whispers of prayer and the bustling marketplaces, there lived a wise sage known as Gotham Buddha. People from far and wide sought his counsel, hoping to unravel the mysteries of life and find solace in his teachings.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
Beware the Cat Within
Title: "The Monk's Lesson: Beware the Cat Within" By Maximillian In the tranquil serenity of a monastery nestled amidst the rolling hills, a great monk lay on his deathbed, surrounded by his disciples and followers. As he felt the final breaths of life slipping away, he summoned his successor, a young monk named Tenzin, to his side.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
Fading Hearts
Title: "Fading Hearts: A Love Story of Loss and Redemption" By maximillian In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the chaos and cacophony of urban life, two souls found each other in a serendipitous encounter that would change their lives forever. Emily, a budding artist with a free spirit and a heart full of dreams, collided with Jack, a brooding writer haunted by his past and searching for redemption.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction
fallen fortune
Title: "Fallen Fortunes: The Tale of a Wealthy Family in the Wake of the 2008 Financial Crisis" By maximillian In the opulent enclave of Beverly Hills, the Robertson family was the epitome of success. Their lavish mansion stood as a testament to their wealth, adorned with marble columns, sprawling gardens, and a fleet of luxury cars parked in the driveway. But behind the facade of prosperity lay a tale of ambition, excess, and ultimately, downfall.
By maximillian masali3 years ago in Fiction