Short Story

Battling Guilt, Part 3: The Ex
Petra was tempted to lose her cool because her gut feeling caused her to assume the worst. Was he mugged?? Did he get hit by a bus? Was he violently accosted because he took a turn into the wrong alley at the wrong time? Petra was ballistic on the inside, but on the outside, she stood calm and cool, her stance solid as a brick.
By dre.amerwithapen3 years ago in Fiction
NOW WILL YA LEAVE ME ALONE? part five
NOW WILL YA LEAVE ME ALONE? Part five Max >< >< >< “I’m sorry,” she said. “I never realize I speak so fast. My dad is always telling me to slow down. It’s a habit, I guess. Seems like I just get carried away and go on and on. Mom says I’m just like my grandma. She talks a lot too. Maybe that’s why my mom is so quiet. But then, I guess when you put my mom and grandma in the same room … oops! I’m doing it again, aren’t I?”
By Margaret Brennan3 years ago in Fiction
Ephemeral Shadows: Echoes of a Sea's Dark Secret
In the depths of the night, where darkness met silence, the sea had its hidden secrets and carried an ancient burden on its shoulders. The waves were crashing enthusiastically as if carrying the moans of ghosts who had been lost a long time ago. On this miserable coast, where sand meets water with bloody craftsmanship, there was an abandoned village, sleeping in the embrace of darkness like a child having nightmares.
By kheireddine louglaib3 years ago in Fiction
Island of Dreams
Once upon a time, nestled in the embrace of the azure Adriatic Sea, there existed an island that held the power to turn dreams into reality. Its shores, kissed by the gentle waves, whispered promises of enchantment and destiny. This magical place was known to the locals as the "Island of Dreams."
By Anna Soldenhoff3 years ago in Fiction
Melodies of a Lifetime
The stage lights dimmed, and the raucous applause of the audience began to fade into the background. Vesna stood alone on the stage, bathed in a soft spotlight, her silver hair glinting under the gentle glow. The concert had been nothing short of spectacular, a culmination of a career that spanned decades, each note echoing the journey of a Croatian singer who had seen the world change before her eyes.
By Anna Soldenhoff3 years ago in Fiction
Words Beyond the Grave
In the pleasant city of Mumbai, Sophia received a mysterious package one chilly morning. As she unwrapped it, a vintage-looking letter reveal itself, written in her grandmother's elegant script. The letter seemed ordinary at first, filled with warm memories and expressions of love, but something caught Sophia's eye—the date. It was dated for the next day, a date that hadn't happened yet.
By Kulshum Khatoon3 years ago in Fiction
The Phoenix Quill: Seraphina's Odyssey from Adversity to Authorship
The Phoenix Quill: Seraphina's Odyssey from Adversity to Authorship Once upon a time, in the lovely town of Harmonyville, lived a marvelous lady called Seraphina. Since she was young, Seraphina has had a great passion for words, a ravenous curiosity, and an insatiable will to soar beyond the difficulties that life has dealt her.Born into humble circumstances, Seraphina experienced the hard realities of economic struggle and cultural expectations that frequently neglected the objectives of young women. However, her spirit remained unbroken, propelled by the thought that her voice might transcend the limits put upon her.In the early days, Seraphina took safety in the local library, where she devoured books of every type. It was between the pages of these literary jewels that she found the power of storytelling—a force that resonated deeply inside her soul. Inspired by the worlds formed by writers of diverse backgrounds, she started to cultivate the germ of a desire inside her heart—to become a writer herself.As Seraphina went on her mission, she met doubters and naysayers who questioned the expectations of a woman based on her upbringing. Undeterred, she twisted their suspicion into a driving force, using it to feed the fire of her desire. Her tagline became: "In the face of adversity, I will thrive; with every challenge, I will rise."Seraphina's journey wasn't lined with rose petals; it was wounded by the thorns of rejection and social expectations. She encountered financial challenges, social traditions that questioned her ambitions, and even bouts of self-doubt. But Seraphina's spirit remained obstinate, and she took confidence from the words of others who came before her—authors who, too, had faced rejection but finally persevered.In her dream of becoming a renowned writer, Seraphina polished her craft ferociously. Late hours slipped into early mornings as she unloaded her emotions into the pages of her diaries. Her tales, built from the depths of her experiences, showed the persistence of the human spirit and the beauty of defeating hardship.Through the years, Seraphina's determination bore fruit. She released her first book, a tragic narrative that touched people from all walks of life. Her comments became a source of inspiration, not only for fledgling writers but for anybody suffering their own troubles."Embrace the hardship," Seraphina would advise, "for inside it lies the furnace that generates our genius. Let every rejection be a stepping stone, every doubt a spark for progress."As Seraphina's popularity soared in the literary world, she stayed grounded, utilizing her accomplishments to inspire others. She organized mentoring programs for emerging authors, challenging them to oppose society's expectations and embrace their own voices.In the end, Seraphina's tale wasn't just about triumphing over adversity—it was a monument to the transforming power of perseverance, determination, and the written word. Through her career, she proved that anybody, regardless of background or situation, may rise above the difficulties and become a light of inspiration for others.And so, Seraphina's name became associated with tenacity, her tale a testament to the tenacious spirit that resides inside each of us, ready to be released into the world.
By Lawrence Evergreen3 years ago in Fiction
Mystery of Area 51: Unraveling Myths and Realities. Content Warning.
Introduction: Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of the unexplained! Today, let's embark on a comprehensive journey through the mysterious realms of Area 51, the infamous U.S. military facility nestled in the heart of the Nevada desert. From UFO sightings to government conspiracies, Area 51 has been shrouded in secrecy and speculation for decades. In this article, we'll delve into its enigmatic history, separating fact from fiction and exploring the enduring fascination that surrounds this clandestine location.
By React Wizards3 years ago in Fiction
The Scribe
I am a Scribe. But more than that, I am a Storyteller. I make lives. I wonder what my last story will be? I am approaching those days, for sure. Bittersweet.
By Rachel Deeming3 years ago in Fiction
Echoes of Love Lost in the Arms of the Desert. Content Warning.
Echoes of Love Lost in the Arms of the Desert Maya was a young artist living in the big city of Los Angeles. She had recently moved to the big city from her small town in Connecticut to pursue the career of painting that she had wanted since she was a little girl. She loved to paint landscapes and people, mainly landscapes. She loved anything to do with nature and loved romanticizing nature and everything in it. From flowers to giant trees to the little animals that called them home, she loved every part of it. The one problem was that she lived in a small apartment in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. There was no nature, no giant trees, no flowers, only loud pigeons who would wake her up every morning with their squawking. So she had a pretty hard time finding landscapes to paint that weren’t the giant Bank of America building across from her apartment.
By Burnt Baguettes3 years ago in Fiction
He's Into Her
In the quaint town of Willow Creek, there lived a mysterious young man named Adrian. His enigmatic charm and brooding demeanor made him the subject of much speculation among the townsfolk. Whispers circulated about his past, and some even believed he possessed supernatural abilities. Yet, despite the rumors, one thing was certain – Adrian was into her. Her name was Dian, a vivacious and free-spirited artist who found inspiration in the simplest of things. Her studio, filled with vibrant canvases and the scent of turpentine, was a haven for creativity. Dian's magnetic energy drew people in, but it was Adrian who found himself captivated by her spirit. Their paths crossed one rainy afternoon at the local coffee shop. Adrian, usually a solitary figure, found himself drawn to the warmth emanating from Dian's presence. As she sipped her espresso and sketched in a worn-out notebook, Adrian couldn't help but be intrigued. Intrigued turned into infatuation, and soon, Adrian found himself frequenting the coffee shop, hoping to catch a glimpse of Dian. He admired her from a distance, watching as she poured her soul onto the canvas, completely immersed in her art. The townsfolk noticed the shift in Adrian's demeanor, and the speculation intensified. One day, as the rain poured outside, Adrian mustered the courage to approach Dian. With a simple "hello," he shattered the barrier that had kept him at a distance. Surprisingly, Dian welcomed the company, and they began to share conversations that transcended the ordinary. Their connection deepened over shared dreams and aspirations. Dian learned about the scars that adorned Adrian's past, and he, in turn, discovered the resilient spirit that fueled Dian's creativity. As they spent more time together, the whispers in Willow Creek transformed into a symphony of curiosity and approval. Adrian found solace in Dian's artistic world, a place where colors spoke louder than words. Dian, in turn, found inspiration in Adrian's silent strength and the depth of his emotions. Their connection was an intricate dance, each step revealing a layer of vulnerability that neither had dared to expose before. However, love, like any masterpiece, is not without its challenges. The townsfolk, initially intrigued, began to voice their doubts about the compatibility of a mysterious loner and a free-spirited artist. The whispers grew louder, threatening to drown out the harmony that Adrian and Dian had discovered. Amidst the doubt, Adrian and Dian stood strong, their connection fortified by the storms that life threw their way. They faced judgment with grace, proving that love, in all its forms, could withstand the scrutiny of small-town gossip. In the end, the whispers faded, replaced by a newfound understanding and acceptance. Adrian and Dian became an inseparable force in Willow Creek, a testament to the transformative power of love. The once mysterious loner had found his muse in the vibrant artist, and together, they painted a love story that transcended the boundaries of speculation. As the sun set over Willow Creek, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, Adrian and Dian stood hand in hand, knowing that their love was a masterpiece, a timeless work of art that would forever grace the canvas of their lives.
By Rove3 years ago in Fiction
Him and His Lies
Once upon a time, in a quaint little town nestled between rolling hills, there lived a man named Benjamin. He was an ordinary man, with an ordinary job at the local bookstore and an ordinary house on a quiet street. But there was one thing about Benjamin that was far from ordinary - his penchant for telling lies. Benjamin was a masterful storyteller. He could spin tales so vivid and convincing that people couldn't help but believe him. It was this gift that had earned him the nickname "Benjamin the Fabricator" among the townsfolk. His lies were harmless at first, little white lies to make himself seem more interesting or to entertain his friends. But over time, his penchant for deception began to take a toll on his relationships. One sunny afternoon, as Benjamin was strolling through the town square, he noticed a group of children playing by the fountain. He couldn't resist joining them and telling a fantastical story about a magical land where animals could talk and trees danced to the music of the wind. The children were enthralled by his tale, their eyes wide with wonder. But as the days turned into weeks, Benjamin continued to weave intricate lies, making promises he couldn't keep and creating elaborate stories about his own life. One day, he met a lovely woman named Crystal at a local museum. They struck up a conversation, and Benjamin, unable to resist the urge to impress her, wove a tale of his grand adventures as a world traveler. He spoke of exotic destinations, daring escapades, and famous acquaintances. Crystal was captivated by his stories and soon agreed to go on a date with him. As their relationship blossomed, Benjamin found himself trapped in a web of his own deceit. He knew that Crystal deserved the truth, but he couldn't bring himself to reveal that the man she had fallen in love with was a master of deception. So, he continued to fabricate stories about his life, spinning a web of lies that grew more intricate with each passing day. Crystal fell deeply in love with Benjamin, believing every word he said. She saw in him a sense of adventure and excitement that she had always longed for. But little did she know that the man she adored was, in fact, a coward who couldn't face the truth. One fateful evening, as they sat on the porch of Benjamin's house, gazing at the stars, Crystal turned to him and said, "Benjamin, I love you, and I feel like I know so much about you. But there's one thing I don't understand. Why haven't I met any of your friends or family? You've told me so much about them, but I've never seen them." Benjamin's heart sank. He knew he couldn't keep up his charade any longer. With a heavy sigh, he finally confessed the truth. "Crystal, there's something I need to tell you. I've been lying to you, about everything. I've created a web of lies to make myself seem more interesting, but it's all a fabrication. I'm not the person you think I am." Tears welled up in Crystal's eyes as the truth sank in. She felt hurt and betrayed, but she also felt a glimmer of sympathy for the man who had lied to her. "Benjamin, I appreciate your honesty, but why did you feel the need to lie in the first place? The person I thought you were was incredible, but the real you is just as wonderful." As Crystal forgave Benjamin for his lies, he realized that he had lost something far more valuable than the web of deception he had spun. He had lost the trust and love of a remarkable woman who had accepted him for who he was. In that moment, Benjamin vowed to change, to be true to himself and to those who cared about him. Over time, Benjamin and Crystal's relationship deepened, built on a foundation of honesty and trust. Benjamin learned that he didn't need to embellish his life with lies to be loved and appreciated. His true self was enough, and it was with that realization that he finally found happiness. And so, in that little town nestled between rolling hills, Benjamin, the former master of deception, became known for something else entirely - his transformation from a man of lies to a man of truth. His story served as a reminder to all that honesty and authenticity were far more valuable than any fabricated tale.
By Rove3 years ago in Fiction