Short Story

Spiderweb -Part 3.
It happened just as he had suspected. "A hideous creature!" exclaimed Aurora as she laid eyes on the repulsive spider inside the lunchbox. Sitting in the armchair, arms crossed, with a wrinkled face and pursed lips, she didn't seem to have any sympathy for her husband's new pet. Hugo didn't feel anger toward his wife; he loved her, or at least, he was accustomed to her, in the same way one becomes accustomed to joint pain as they age. He knew his wife had a difficult childhood. Her mother died when she was young, and she had to set aside the joys of childhood to take on household chores, the same chores she continued after getting married. Frustrated with life, in recent years, she had dedicated herself to two things: sitting and watching television while gaining weight, and saying no; an expert in the subject. It was as if with each refusal, she tried to make up for everything she had done reluctantly in the past. For that reason, at that moment, Hugo missed his own mother; who had passed away from rapid-onset cancer five years ago. She had been a saint, a person with a big heart who was entirely devoted to her son; young Hugo, who had no friends and therefore spent all his time with animals, even insects. And she allowed her son to keep any creature he wanted inside a jar. Hugo had quite a collection.
By L3 years ago in Fiction
Enduring Love. Content Warning.
"Open the book and read what is there Sacrifice a lock of hair Passion, devotion, all can be thine A lover for you, fair and fine.
By Rachel Deeming3 years ago in Fiction
ANCIENT OAK VII
Prince of Darkness had retreated to the ominous slopes of Mount Doom, his forces decimated and his body marred by the losses suffered in the battle. He knew that the defenders, led by Elara, the mage, and their powerful eagle allies, would not be far behind. The next confrontation would be decisive, and the Prince's only hope lay in the ancient Obsidian Grimoire.
By Haris Hadzic3 years ago in Fiction
The Greatest Magic. Top Story - November 2023.
“a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, lmnop. q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y & z. Now I’ve sung my abc’s. Won’t you come & play with me?”
By Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock3 years ago in Fiction
Populus
The outside world was unknown to her, but she could see a glimpse of it through the window in his room. The once lush and vibrant landscape had become a vast expanse of desert, whose deep fissures etched their way through fractal plates of clay like stretch marks. They seemed to strain upward over the monolithic city walls, to grasp desperately at what scant enduring moisture might still be suspended in the cloudless sky. Perhaps she was projecting. The world had grown tough, in recent years, not to view through a colourless lens. Surface runoff from the nearby mountains, which the Architect had once redirected to flow through the citadel, had been exhausted ages ago… And rainfall had become a rare phenomenon that the Elder now recounted with reverent longing. Groundwater, drawn from aquifers deep beneath the city, had since served as their primary water supply; The majority of which was reserved for maintaining crops and livestock.
By J3 years ago in Fiction
Da Fall in da Usher House
Authors note: The following story was originally published by Vice-Versa Journal in 2010. I wrote this for a creative writing class while working towards my BA in English. I am Native Hawaiian, born and raised in the lands of my ancestors so it is written in Hawaiʻi Pidgin English; colloquial language of the Hawaiian islands. Please enjoy.
By M. Lee3 years ago in Fiction
ANCIENT OAK VI
The island of the female warriors became the battleground for a conflict that transcended the mortal realm. The forces of darkness, led by the relentless Prince of Darkness, descended upon the sacred temple. As the battle unfolded, the female warriors fought with unwavering valor, their determination echoing through the enchanted forest.
By Haris Hadzic3 years ago in Fiction
Youth
Youth: From Small-Town Dreamer to Billionaire Once upon a time in the quaint town of Willowbrook, nestled deep in the heart of the countryside, there lived a young boy named Ethan. He possessed the relentless enthusiasm of youth, an attribute that would shape his destiny. Ethan was an ordinary boy with extraordinary dreams.
By Apurba Deb3 years ago in Fiction
The treasure inside...
Sandy whirled around and beamed at him, a playful glint in her eye. Just as she was about to reply with a sly remark, her mind wandered back to a time long ago, a time filled with adventure and mystery.
By KISOK3 years ago in Fiction
The Last Book
Characters: A young woman named Anya who loves to read. A group of rebels who are fighting to restore books to the world.
By Nims3 years ago in Fiction
A Trick of Treats
I absolutely love this time of the year. Today is October 31st, Halloween. Over 20 years ago when I was a kid I used to love to dress up in a costume and go trick or treating with my friends. Today I am 30 years old and now it’s my turn to be the adult who passes out candy to all the excited children of the land who come knocking at my door.
By Joe Patterson3 years ago in Fiction
Of Three Faces
“Three-fold battle Goddess / Hear our plaintive rhyme /Guide us to your wisdom /In these dark and evil times…" "Guys, no, we shouldn't be doing it like this."
By Conor Darrall3 years ago in Fiction