Short Story

Midnight on Crescent Bridge
#### **A Bridge That Holds Secrets** Crescent Bridge isn’t famous on maps. It’s a small arch of stone stretching over a calm river at the edge of town. By day, it’s an ordinary shortcut between two neighborhoods. But at night, especially near midnight, it changes. The air cools, the water reflects moonlight, and the world seems to pause. People who have been there after dark say the bridge carries stories — of memories, wishes, and quiet courage.
By Kashif Wazirabout a year ago in Fiction
The Hemingway
My grandparents called it Hemingway Ranch, the place I was born. Grandpa always said Hemingway was overrated in his opinion but he led an interesting life and that's what he wanted for his family and the following generations. By the time I came around, what started as a ten acre tenant farm was a ranch the size of a small city. The man my grandpa rented the plot from got into some tax trouble after the firt world war and put everything in my grandpa's name. When the fighting men returned home the crop harvests were bringing in three times more than they ever had before and beef was as good as gold. Grandpa paid off the tax lien and bought out the remaining acreage and they never heard from the lessor again.
By Adam Diehlabout a year ago in Fiction
Hoag’s Object. Runner-Up in Through the Keyhole Challenge.
I had gotten used to the eyes, one after the other, peering constantly through the jagged remains of where a peephole once sat. Stranger’s trying to catch a glimpse of the accused until: This eye, this very eye in particular, that stared with a deep hatred burning into my soul. I knew this red-gold-hazel iris that lit up a room like fire. She was the reason I would be locked in this cabin, a prisoner, until our arrival in Pteetneet City. This is where the proper authorities would step in to arrest me.
By Amos Gladeabout a year ago in Fiction
AI Is Coming for Culture
We stand at a moment unlike any in recent memory — a crossroads where culture, creativity, and technology collide in ways that promise both beauty and disruption. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just an assistant or tool anymore. It’s becoming a collaborator, rival, mirror, and sometimes even a challenger to what we once thought was uniquely human.
By Shohel Ranaabout a year ago in Fiction
Finding out about an affair through the Ouija Board
Characters: Linda: A 16-year-old girl wearing rose-printed pajamas. Samantha: A 36-year-old ghost. Scene: Linda’s bedroom, 11:00 PM. A full moon glows through the window, casting silver shadows across the room. Linda sits cross-legged on the floor, a flashlight shining over the Ouija board.
By Diani Alvarengaabout a year ago in Fiction
THE EUNUCH'S GHOST. AI-Generated.
The palace at dawn was quieter than any grave. Mist clung to the tiled roofs, sliding down the eaves like pale fingers. Drums had beaten the morning call, but the courtyards were not yet alive with chatter. Eunuchs shuffled in pairs, heads bowed, carrying basins of water. Court ladies swept the paths with long-handled brooms. Their whispers were muted, nervous, as though the walls themselves had learned to listen.
By Bady Machi about a year ago in Fiction
A New New Man
Ronnie paused on the doorstep, all three girls hovering behind him. Each one holding a new suitcase full of new clothes. None of them smiled. Why hesitate? She wasn't here. They said she wasn't even in the country. This was home. Sort of. It was safe. He took a breath, and reached out with the key. The new lock clicked, and he pushed the door open. The hallway smelled of plaster dust and paint. Ronnie tried not to remember why. It felt odd stepping inside, as if he was trespassing, or the place was haunted. He gave himself a mental shake. There's no one here! Some part of him sensed the three children drawing closer together, like a flower unblooming, or a snail pulling its antenna back from a child's curious finger.
By L.C. Schäferabout a year ago in Fiction
Crown of Shadows
The golden trident pulsed in Valen’s grip, its light slicing through the black waters like fire beneath the sea. He raised it at Nerida, his growl vibrating in the currents until even the fish scattered. In this vast cathedral of water and silence, he had taken everything he thought was denied him — power, fear, a throne. But none of it quieted the old ache in his chest.
By Deeanna Wolfeabout a year ago in Fiction
Through the Peephole
It was a Saturday morning in the summer and I didn’t intend on going out, nor was there anything or anyone demanding for me all through that day, and thank God for that. I had much work to do and needed the entire day to get some work accomplished or the following week was going to be hellish for me. My wife had gone shopping and also to do her hair a while ago, and knowing her routine, wouldn’t be home until past noon or thereabouts. I had the house to myself until then.
By Philip OYOKabout a year ago in Fiction
Second Chances: A Love Story of Reunion and Redemption
“Second Chances: A Love Story of Reunion and Redemption” A heart-stirring second chance romance about lost love, heartbreak, and the power of reunion in New York City — a 2025 love story that proves some bonds never break.
By Shakespeare Jrabout a year ago in Fiction
How to Earn Money from Social Media
Connecting with friends is no longer the only use of social media. It has evolved into a potent business, creative, and financial platform. Nowadays, social media is used by millions of people worldwide to make money, either as a full-time job or as a side gig.
By Shohel Ranaabout a year ago in Fiction
The Wise Frog and the Gift of Humanity
The Wise Frog and the Gift of Humanity BY:Ubaid How a small pond of frogs discovered compassion where they least expected it Deep inside a dense forest, there was a small pond that shimmered under the sun. It was home to a lively community of frogs. For years, they lived in peace, croaking in harmony, leaping on lily pads, and enjoying their green, watery world. But then a long drought arrived. The rains stopped, the leaves on the trees drooped, and the earth cracked under the heat. As water dried up in rivers and streams, animals from faraway places began coming to the little pond in search of water. Deer, elephants, wild boars—even predators—crowded around the pond. The frogs tried their best to stay out of the way, but many were crushed under the heavy feet of thirsty beasts. Day by day, their numbers dwindled, and their home shrank. The surviving frogs were worried. Some suggested leaving, but there was no other pond for miles. They were trapped between life and death. --- The Arrival of Strangers One day, a group of young men appeared in the forest. They weren’t hunters or villagers. They were students from a medical college, looking for frogs to use in their laboratory experiments. The moment the frogs saw them, they panicked and dived underwater to hide. But one elderly frog, known for his wisdom and calmness, gathered the others and spoke. “My friends,” he said, “we are already on the verge of extinction. Many of our brothers have been crushed by wild animals. Perhaps, instead of fearing these humans, we should try to speak with them. They might help us.” The younger frogs were horrified. “Help us? They want to take us away! If more of us disappear, our kind will vanish from this forest forever.” But the old frog insisted. “Humans are not always as cruel as we believe. At times, they can be kinder than the animals we fear. Let me go and speak to them. If I fail, at least I will have tried to save you all.” Three or four brave frogs agreed to join him. “We will risk our lives if it means hope for the rest of us.” --- A Risky Bargain As the students reached the pond, the old frog hopped forward. To their astonishment, he spoke: “What do you seek here?” The students stared, half amused and half amazed. Finally, one replied, “We are medical students. We need some frogs for our experiments.” The old frog nodded. “Very well. But I will come with you. I must speak with your professor. Only then will we agree to go.” Surprised but curious, the students agreed. They placed the frogs gently into a large glass jar and carried them away. Back at the laboratory, the frogs trembled in fear. The students took the old frog out and set him on a plate while they went to call their professor. --- The Plea of the Old Frog When the professor entered, he looked down at the tiny creature. “You wished to see me?” he asked. The old frog’s eyes welled up. In a trembling voice, he recounted everything—the drying pond, the death of his companions, and the danger of his species disappearing. The professor listened in silence, moved by the creature’s desperation. At last, he said, “If what you say is true, then I cannot, in good conscience, use your kind for experiments. First, I must see the forest with my own eyes.” He assigned a student to watch over the frogs and set out with a team to inspect the forest. --- A New Home The professor and his companions searched all day. At last, they discovered a large, thriving pond hidden deeper within the forest. The water was clean and plentiful, with space enough for hundreds of frogs. Excited, the professor hurried back to the laboratory. He shared the good news with the old frog, who could hardly believe his luck. The very next day, the professor carried the frogs to this new pond. There, the old frog called out to his fellow survivors who had remained in the shrinking pool. “Come! We have been given a new home. We are safe!” Overjoyed, the frogs leaped into the new pond, splashing and croaking with relief. --- An Unexpected Kindness As the frogs settled, the professor called out to the old frog once more. He opened the glass jar and released the remaining captured frogs into the water. The old frog looked at him with wonder. “Why, Professor? You could have kept them.” The professor smiled. “Because your species is already endangered. Too many animals have gone extinct because of human actions. I will not let the same happen to you. From now on, no student of mine will harm your kind.” The old frog bowed his head. “I told them that humans are not always what they seem. Today, you have proved me right.” From that day forward, the frogs lived happily in their new home. They made the old frog their king, honoring his wisdom and courage. And whenever they croaked under the moonlight, they remembered the kindness of one human who chose to protect life rather than destroy it. --- Moral of the Story This tale reminds us that kindness can be found in unexpected places. Even when fear tells us to mistrust others, courage and honesty can open doors to compassion. Humanity, at its best, has the power not only to heal itself but also to protect the fragile creatures with whom we share this earth.
By Ubaid about a year ago in Fiction