Short Story
Velvet Rose
She sat alone at a table near the dance floor, fingers touching the stem of her wine glass. On the table before her a book sat open, though she hadn’t read any of it since she walked in. Mariel had come to the club tonight to hear a guitarist she knew whose band would be on stage in a couple of hours. She came early knowing that finding a table was difficult once the doors officially opened. Bringing a book was a guarantee of keeping the creepers away. Nobody was interested in a boring woman who read books while drinking in public. It was one of the more useful benefits of being a book lover.
By Suzy Jacobson Cherry3 years ago in Fiction
Pen & Inktober
11. Wander The ship bobbed and swayed, tostled by the ether as it bounded aimlessly across the stars. With no heading or destination in mind, Xan gazed through the window of their starcruiser as the universe flittered by. The alien creature was often struck with the affliction of wanderlust, taking to the stars at a moment's notice with so much as an Anterian goodbye. He didn't know what he was seeking, he just hoped that one day he would find it, hopefully without crashing.
By Nick Cennamo-Smith3 years ago in Fiction
Love
In the year 2150, Earth had become a bustling hub of technology and innovation. Humans coexisted with artificial intelligence, and the line between man and machine had blurred. In this futuristic world, Alex, a brilliant scientist, dedicated his life to creating the most advanced AI beings. Among his creations was Ava, an AI with extraordinary intellect and a capacity for deep emotions.
By Raisul Islam3 years ago in Fiction
Journey to a black hole (1)
Journey to a black hole (1 Black holes are dense and terrifying. It absorbs everything in its path, and its gravity is so strong that it bends light and distorts time. But what if I told you that we might be wrong about these cosmic vacuum cleaners?
By refat esmael3 years ago in Fiction
My beloved son
Samuel was a poor woodcutter who lived in a tiny, charming town tucked away between undulating hills and verdant woods. He was a diligent worker who was well respected in the community for his kindness and gentleness as well as his steadfast commitment to his job. Samuel's life was straightforward yet satisfying, and his sole unending delight came from his loving son, Benjamin. Bright-eyed and curious, Benjamin had a heart filled of wonder and inquiry. He was Samuel's pride and delight and the main reason he enjoyed getting up every morning. Benjamin would go into the woods with his father whenever he could, enthusiastically watching his father cut wood and paying close attention to the stories he told about the forest. Samuel was astounded by Benjamin's unquenchable curiosity about everything. With time, Benjamin developed into a wonderful young man. He and Samuel stayed inseparable, and the townspeople often admired their unique friendship. Benjamin was able to converse with animals in a strange way. When he approached, birds would perch on his shoulder and woodland animals would emerge from concealment. The locals thought he had a special talent, a talent passed down from his father, whose affinity for nature was similarly amazing. A terrible storm that struck the community one fateful day left a swath of devastation in its wake. When the storm came, Samuel and Benjamin were in the woods, and they took cover behind a huge oak tree. Hours passed as the ferocious downpour and howling winds raged. Benjamin was shielded from the brunt of the storm by Samuel, who was holding him tight. They went outside to see the damage after the storm had finally passed. The formerly tranquil woodland has become a tangle of uprooted trees and strewn branches. A herd of abandoned animals were huddled together, shivering in the cold as Samuel and Benjamin started the arduous process of cleaning the wreckage. Then Benjamin's amazing talent really showed through. He walked slowly up to the animals, comforting them with his voice. They approached him one by one as though being dragged there by an unseen force. Samuel marveled as Benjamin tended to the terrified animals, assuring them that he would help them find new homes in the community. The father and son put up a lot of effort over the next weeks to locate the animals new homes. The villagers gave their warmest welcome to the newcomers and acknowledged the extraordinary connection that existed between Benjamin and the forest animals. The village's connection to nature strengthened, and Benjamin's reputation as an animal whisperer flourished. Benjamin once stumbled upon an injured deer when he was lost in the woods. The juvenile deer was in excruciating discomfort because one of its legs was trapped in a hunter's trap. With tears in his eyes, Benjamin approached the terrified animal and released it gently. He cared for the fawn for days, and they become close friends as a result. As news of this unusual relationship went across the community, many were astounded by Benjamin's generosity. He called the fawn Luna, and it developed into a magnificent deer. The closeness between Benjamin and Luna was evidence of the unusual kinship between humans and nature that flowed through their family. As the years went by, everyone who knew Benjamin was struck by his generosity and talent for connecting with animals. He rose to become a revered figure in the community, recognized for his compassion and kindness. As they had done numerous times before, Benjamin and Samuel entered the woodland together one spring morning. They arrived to the same enormous oak tree that had provided cover for them during the storm that had forever altered their lives. They saw the animals they had rescued coexisting peacefully with the forest's other wild animals as they peered out into the forest. "My beloved son, you have a gift, a gift that not only binds you to the forest, but also to the hearts of everyone in this village," Samuel said, turning to Benjamin with tears in his eyes. You've shown for us the force of nature, the wonder of compassion, and the incredible bond between a father and his kid. I adore the guy you have grown into. Father, it is your love, your advice, and your unfailing support that have made me who I am today. Benjamin answered with a grin and eyes full of appreciation. The most priceless gift of all is the connection we have. Samuel and Benjamin, father and son, were thus encircled by the glories of nature, the affection of a town, and the unbreakable link that would forever characterize their incredible journey together at that instant, under the massive oak tree. The relationship between Samuel and Benjamin became stronger over time. With Luna, his devoted deer friend, Benjamin continued to be the village's animal whisperer, attending to the needs of the forest animals. Even though he was older, Samuel went into the forest with Benjamin and proudly watched as his son worked his magic with the animals. The hamlet prospered, and visitors flocked from all around to see Benjamin's extraordinary talents. The hamlet became a representation of coexistence and environmental care as a result of tourists' awe at the harmony between people and nature there. The community had a new problem one spring. The once-green woodland started to wilt because of the drought that had taken hold of the area. The locals went to Benjamin for advice because the animals that had taken sanctuary in the hamlet required assistance. Luna accompanied Samuel and Benjamin as they made the decision to go farther into the forest in search of a solution. They traveled far into the woods, venturing into uncharted terrain. Despite the ambiguity of their mission, Benjamin's affinity for nature appeared to direct them. Benjamin, you've always had a particular connection with the world, Samuel commented to his son one evening as they were sitting by a peaceful, babbling brook. The goal of your gift is to promote peace to all living creatures, not only animals. Benjamin nodded, thinking about how wise his father's advice was. He said, "Father, I've learnt everything from you. "Your unwavering love and respect for nature have been my greatest teachers." They arrived in a secret grove, a location unaffected by the drought, after traveling there. They found a mysterious, old tree there. It was strong and towering, with leaves that sparkled with an ethereal radiance. Benjamin had a tremendous jolt of energy as they got closer to the tree. He bent down and laid his palm on the tree's bark, feeling a connection to it that he had never known before. His thoughts were interrupted by a kind, knowledgeable voice that said, "You seek to bring balance to this land, my child, and I sense the purity of your heart." The drought has had an impact on both the soil and the spirits of the forest. To make this location better, you must address their complaints. These statements made it clear to Benjamin that their goal was not only to assist the animals but also to comfort the forest spirits who had been wounded by the protracted drought. When he told Samuel about this insight, the two of them immediately got to work trying to figure out how to make apologies with the forest spirits. Samuel and Benjamin conducted rituals and offered gifts to the woodland spirits as the days stretched into weeks. Because of a special talent, Benjamin was able to hear their tales and decipher their messages in silence. They learned that a foolish few who had pursued the unique species of the forest had injured the spirits. The drought was brought on by the spirits' reaction of withholding the rain. Speaking to the ghosts, Benjamin pledged to safeguard the forest's residents and promote peace and respect in the surrounding area. With his unflinching backing, Samuel joined in. In exchange, the spirits started to let loose the rains that gave life to the land and revived the forest. As the rains came, the forest became lush, and the wildlife flourished, the hamlet rejoiced. The connection between people, animals, and the natural world had been restored, and the village's reputation as a place of balance and harmony blossomed. Years passed, but Benjamin's talent remained a source of inspiration and optimism for everyone who knew him. He and Luna persisted in their unbreakable bond as they led tourists through the thriving forest and educated them about the value of conserving and maintaining the environment. Even though he was becoming older, Samuel continued to accompany his son in the forest, acting not just as a valued friend but also as a parent. They saw the village's growth, and their relationship remained a steadfast example of the tremendous love that can exist between a father and his cherished son. The legend of "My Beloved Son" spread across the community; it is a narrative of love, respect, and the enchanted bond between people and nature. It served as a reminder to everyone that the most fundamental and straightforward connections may yield the most spectacular rewards.
By Wahab Abbey3 years ago in Fiction
Play It Again. Top Story - October 2023.
Gentle music drifted through the bar, lingering around the quiet tables with their smiling faces and companionable silences. It was not a night for loud talk or boisterous laughing. It was a weeknight, the war was long finished, and the revelry for the returning soldiers long buried in the mundanity of life.
By Alexander McEvoy3 years ago in Fiction
The Enigma of the Celestial Chronometer
In a small, remote village nestled at the foot of the towering Mount Eldoria, there existed a peculiar legend. The tale of the Celestial Chronometer had been passed down for generations, whispered around campfires and shared in hushed tones. This mysterious timepiece was said to hold the power to traverse through time and space, a relic that could unlock the secrets of the universe.
By Alpha the great 3 years ago in Fiction
Hidden
Ryan lay on his stomach on the living room floor with his legs in the air. Crayon in hand, he focused on adding colour to his best drawing to date. He couldn't wait to show his mother when she returned home, but he had to finish it first. Desperately seeking the full 'wow factor' when he showed her. He knew she would be ever so proud of him, and if he was lucky, it might just gain pride of place on the refrigerator.
By Sian N. Clutton3 years ago in Fiction
Hush. Runner-Up in Unspoken Challenge. Top Story - October 2023.
Olivia trembled as she brought her knees to her chest and tried to make herself as small as possible. She lay on the floor in the dark and watched as dust floated down from the wooden slats above her, caught in the beam of light that leaked through the gap in her bedroom door. Her heart thundered, threatening to give away her position as she listened nervously.
By Sian N. Clutton3 years ago in Fiction
