Short Story
Pity. Winner in Nothing But Voices Challenge.
"So that's it then, Selene. Throw the Christmas tree into the damn snow and forget about Reef." "You don't need to slam the door, Jax, honestly. We didn't know him and there was nothing we could do. Some people just are the way they are. You know? How'd you expect... No, don't you walk away from me. How'd you think this was all going to go? We grab a teenager off the streets, haul him in for Christmas, and then bam, new year, new him? He was a junkie."
By Silver Daux9 months ago in Fiction
How to Avoid Being a Pick-Me Girl: A Step-by-Step Guide
Being likable is not the same as being a pick-me. A pick-me girl is the woman who tells you she hates other women who wear makeup, who “just can’t deal with drama,” who claims she’s “one of the guys” and that she “doesn’t need validation from anyone.” She laughs at your love of rom-coms, your skincare routine, or your joy in wearing something pink. She wants approval from men by devaluing other women. This manual exists to prevent that. Follow carefully. Missteps have social consequences.
By Diani Alvarenga9 months ago in Fiction
Cave Painting. AI-Generated.
A fist goes flying into the face of Rubis, the sheer impact sending him flying back and crashing down hard on the sandy terrain. Several taller young volkin boys surround the battered youngster and cackle at his misfortune with jabbing jeers to add insult to injury. The one that landed the punch that grounded him sneers in post victory and demands that the younger volkin stand up and face he and his crew. Daring his words, Rubis stood up on weary legs. He wipes away the blood from his lips on the back of his hand and resumes a fighting stance. With balled fists up and stark eyes squared on the bullies, Rubis readies himself.
By Kelly Johnson9 months ago in Fiction
How to Maintain a Lighthouse During Prolonged Fog
Purpose A lighthouse exists to be consistent. It is not built for recognition, conversation, or feedback. It does not require acknowledgment from the ships that pass or the waters that threaten them. Its purpose is singular and unchanging: to remain operational.
By Melanie Rose9 months ago in Fiction
The Hovering Cursor
Sometimes, restraint is the loudest truth. 💻⌛📝🤔🕊️🌊⚖️ At 10:45 p.m., Mavis reread the email for the umpteenth time. Every word bore truth. Events and witness statements. The credit unfairly claimed, the bribes stealthily offered, apologies that were never extended. Her cursor hovered; she changed her mind and saved the incriminating draft.
By Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin9 months ago in Fiction
All Very Straightforward!
Thanks for watering our garden while we’re away. The last person overwatered and several plants died. Here’s the house key, the front lock is a bit tricky. Be sure to check it has actually locked. There’s not much to know… it’s all pretty straightforward. No need to take notes, we’ll show you around. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
By Angie the Archivist 📚🪶9 months ago in Fiction
"My Bed or Yours?". Winner in Nothing But Voices Challenge. Top Story - January 2026. Content Warning.
⚡ "No one is going to understand why we did this together." "That's the beauty of it. Fuck 'em." "Just like we leave it a mystery how we met at that cemetery?"
By Lightning Bolt ⚡9 months ago in Fiction
Jump-start Your Writing Journey
My dear friend Nancy had dreams of being a writer after commanding a classroom forever. She figured it would finally give her a creative outlet instead of taking up knitting afghans or cultivating orchids. She hated grading papers and wanted to expand her opportunities. As we met at Panera, she shared that she wanted people to read her thoughts and allow her personal legacy to live on. “Grand idea,” I said. “I want the same.”
By Barb Dukeman9 months ago in Fiction
