Short Story
Unhinged. Content Warning.
"When it starts," Phil said (thick, freckled fists clenched) "You join in. Got it?" Riley, a scrap of a boy next to his mountainous classmate, gulped and nodded. It was hard to believe they were both fifteen. Phil sloped to the back of the line. Whispers had been circulating that something was going to happen in Ms. Garnett's woodworking class. Exactly what was unclear. She appeared in the doorway in her leather apron, hands on hips, a determined set to her face. She was a tiny woman, but tough. Many of her classes were all boys, and oversubscribed. She ruled them with an iron fist. Her flashing green eyes tolerated no nonsense. Her red hair had been escaping from her bun all day as if it were a live thing, Medusa's snakes uncoiling in a ginger halo of stress. Ms. Garnett let them pass into the room singly, or in pairs, only when they were neat and orderly. Several gave an appreciative sniff. It smelled the way all woodworking classes do: mostly of woodshavings, a hint of oil and glue and hot metal. "This is practical time you're wasting," she said when the noise level rose. "I don't want to see a lot of wandering about and chatting. Stay at your workstations!" Near the end of the lesson, Phil nudged his bench partner, Jay, who nodded at Ruben and winked at Ollie. Jay asked Ms. Garnett for help. Handsome and charming, teachers rarely refused him.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
Lost Glory
A young painter put careful but eager brush strokes to his canvas. His subject was tall, broad shouldered, dressed in a well tailored military uniform with ornate medals pinned to his chest and a velvet cape draped over one shoulder. Vittorio IV di Alomario, Grand Duke of Ravania, Prince of Corvus, Count of Surio, and the young artist’s host and master had been standing stoically in his private quarters for hours. The painter, a man originating in the humble woodland countryside, could not have been more overjoyed to be selected to create the duke’s official portraiture. The duke himself though, was less enthused. He’d been through the process a number of times over the years, each new painting requiring more metal and heavy cloth to be draped uncomfortably around him for long periods of time.
By Kyle Ketterhagen2 years ago in Fiction
No Loitering. Content Warning.
And then Emily died. A bunch of guys in an empty mall parking lot talking about it. Not quite dusk. The dusk of dusk. Boozy belches acting as ellipses. Liquor from that place that sold Jack Daniels by the gallon. Or, if you didn't need something fancy, Old Crow and Red Savage in thin bottles with a curve to fit in the back pocket of your jeans. A sign on the brick wall that said No Loitering, right above a bench. And an overflowing trashcan. Always overflowing. Always.
By Jason Edwards2 years ago in Fiction
Roc
The skies above the world were vast and calm, stretching endlessly in all directions. The Air Dragon soared gracefully through the air, its form almost invisible against the cerulean sky. It moved as one with the wind, its translucent wings shimmering in the sunlight, creating ripples of gentle currents. Its domain was the atmosphere, where it maintained the delicate balance of weather and wind that allowed the world below to thrive.
By Vasco Silva2 years ago in Fiction
The Garden
I’ve never been one to enjoy the great outdoors or have any kind of appreciation for nature. So, when we moved into our new home, I decided that I would be responsible for the interior (I love soft furnishings) and my husband James would maintain the garden, something he readily agreed to. James is the opposite of me in many ways. He revels in nature and will happily mow the lawn and trim our hedges. He says it’s therapeutic. In the summer, he likes nothing better than to sit outside having his tea and gazing with pride at the bloom of our gardenias. When he asked me to keep his precious garden in good condition while in hospital, I sighed deeply and promised I'd do it through gritted teeth. I really didn’t want to be on all fours digging up weeds even with gloves on. The thought of all those creepy crawlies living in the soil turns my stomach. I wanted to call in a gardener and pass off their work as my own but after 10 years of marriage, James can always tell when I'm lying. He says I make a twitchy movement with my mouth, apparently. Anyway, I had put it off long enough. I retrieved James's equipment from the shed and tied up my long locs with an old silk scarf. If I could, I’d wear one of those hazmat suits, but I had to settle with the next best thing: James’s overalls.
By Melissa Abraham2 years ago in Fiction
You Won’t Believe How Seeing Myself in Media Changed My Life . AI-Generated.
As the night crept in and the stars ignited the sky, Elysia stared at her reflection in the still waters of the enchanted lake. She didn’t recognize the person looking back. For years, she had hidden behind her village’s expectations, swallowing her desires like bitter medicine. But that night, something was different. She had seen herself for the first time, not as Elysia the baker’s daughter, but as Elysia, the heroine of a world she never knew existed.
By Mohammad Zahidul Islam2 years ago in Fiction
A Day in the Life of a Cloud
A Day in the Life of a Cloud Imagine being a tiny droplet, suspended in the vast expanse of the sky. One moment, you're basking in the warmth of the sun; the next, you're being tossed about by a gust of wind. Then, without warning, you feel a chill, and before you know it, you're falling. Welcome to the life of a cloud. Clouds come in all shapes and sizes, from fluffy cumulus to towering cumulonimbus. But what exactly are they? Essentially, clouds are collections of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. These droplets form when water vapour cools and condenses. The type of cloud that forms depends on a variety of factors, including temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. For example, cumulus clouds are often associated with fair weather, while cumulonimbus clouds can produce thunderstorms. But clouds aren't just pretty to look at. They play a vital role in Earth's climate. Clouds help to regulate the planet's temperature by reflecting sunlight back into space and trapping heat in the atmosphere. They also play a crucial role in the water cycle, as they can produce rain, snow, and other precipitation. So, what's it like to be a cloud? Well, it's a wild ride. One moment, you're soaring high above the earth, enjoying the breathtaking views. The next, you're being pummelling by a storm, feeling like you're going to be torn apart. But even in the midst of the chaos, there's a certain beauty to being a cloud. You're part of something much larger than yourself, a tiny cog in the vast machinery of the Earth's climate. And as you float through the sky, you witness the incredible diversity and complexity of our planet. The Life of a Cloud: A Closer Look While the life of a cloud may seem simple from the ground, it's actually a complex process. Clouds form when air rises, cools, and condenses. This can happen in a variety of ways, such as through convection, orographic lifting, or frontal systems. Once a cloud has formed, it can continue to grow and evolve. As more water vapour condenses, the cloud becomes heavier and denser. Eventually, the droplets or ice crystals in the cloud may become too heavy to remain suspended, and they will fall to the ground as precipitation. The type of precipitation that forms depends on the temperature of the cloud and the atmosphere. If the temperature is above freezing, the cloud will produce rain or drizzle. If the temperature is below freezing, the cloud will produce snow, snow, or hail. Clouds can also have a significant impact on weather patterns. For example, cumulonimbus clouds can produce thunderstorms, while stratus clouds can lead to fog. And clouds can also affect the Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight back into space and trapping heat in the atmosphere. Clouds and Their Impact on Humans Clouds have a profound impact on human life in many ways. They provide us with water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. They also influence the weather, which can affect everything from our daily activities to our economy. In addition to their practical benefits, clouds can also have a profound emotional impact on us. They can evoke feelings of wonder, peace, and inspiration. And they can also be a source of comfort and hope during difficult times. So, the next time you look up at the clouds, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey they've taken. From tiny droplets to towering masses, clouds are a fascinating and essential part of our world. The Future of Clouds As our understanding of clouds continues to grow, we are developing new technologies to harness their power. For example, scientists are exploring ways to use clouds to generate electricity and to modify weather patterns. While the future of clouds is uncertain, one thing is clear: they will continue to play a vital role in our lives for many years to come. So, the next time you look up at the sky, take a moment to appreciate the incredible beauty and complexity of these fascinating natural phenomena. Please subscribe https://youtube.com/@creativeworldpro1?si=p8H3vaDeR9IPLyFn
By Lubna Akter Akter2 years ago in Fiction
The AI Debate
The hum of conversation and the clatter of cups filled the small coffee shop. Sarah sat by the window, idly scrolling through her phone. It was a rainy Saturday, perfect for staying in, but Jake had convinced her to meet up. They hadn't hung out in weeks, and Sarah was looking forward to catching up-though she already knew what the topic of discussion would be.
By Hashimoto Tashis2 years ago in Fiction
DNR. Content Warning.
(A/N: this specific version of this song is part of the intro to my favorite horror game, “Until Dawn”. The song is very haunting and I love it. But there is a long gap between the first verse and the second, which makes sense when playing the game but is kind of annoying when listening to just the song. Just so you know.)
By J. L. Green2 years ago in Fiction
