Short Story

The Artist
The first time Vinnie knew he was different was when he was 7. Drawing was always Vinnie's specialty, one night he drew a small UFO, a perfectly circular disc with a bubble atop the centre. Inside was an alien waving, as the ship was beaming up a sheep - he thought a person would be difficult, and a horse or cow seemed too big. The very next day, Vinnie was out on a walk with his family, in the distance, off to his right over a field, Vinnie saw the exact same UFO he'd drawn the day before, and it was beaming up a sheep.
By Liam Storm2 years ago in Fiction
The Joyful Journey of Ellie and the Magic Garden
In the picturesque village of Willowbrook, nestled between rolling green hills and a sparkling river, lived a young girl named Ellie. Known for her bright smile and adventurous spirit, Ellie was beloved by all. She spent her days exploring the village’s meadows, forests, and hidden nooks, always on the lookout for new wonders. One crisp, sunlit morning, while wandering through the meadow behind her house, Ellie stumbled upon an old, overgrown path she had never noticed before. Curious and intrigued, she decided to follow it. The path was framed by wildflowers that whispered in the breeze, leading her deeper into the woods. After a short walk, she arrived at a gate entwined with ivy and adorned with ancient symbols. Ellie gently pushed open the gate, which creaked softly, and stepped into a realm that seemed to exist outside of time. Before her lay a magical garden, a place of such breathtaking beauty it felt almost dreamlike. Vibrant flowers of every conceivable color swayed in perfect harmony, their petals glistening as if dusted with stardust. Butterflies with iridescent wings fluttered gracefully, creating a kaleidoscope of movement in the sunlight. In the heart of the garden stood a grand, ancient tree with golden leaves that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow. Beneath its sprawling branches was a silver fountain, its water sparkling like liquid diamonds. Ellie approached the fountain, mesmerized by its beauty, and noticed an inscription engraved on its base: “To find true joy, embrace the magic within.” As she peered into the clear, sparkling water, a gentle, melodious voice filled the air. “Welcome, Ellie. I am the guardian of this garden. Your pure heart has guided you here.” Ellie looked around, surprised but intrigued. “Who are you?” she asked softly. “I am the guardian of the Magic Garden,” the voice responded. “This garden reveals itself to those who seek joy and wonder. Each visitor is granted a gift that reflects their innermost desires.” With a mixture of excitement and curiosity, Ellie asked, “What kind of gift will I receive?” The guardian’s voice was warm and comforting. “Close your eyes and make a wish. The gift you receive will help you share happiness with the world outside this garden.” Ellie closed her eyes and thought about her deepest wish. She wanted to find a way to spread joy and happiness to everyone she met. When she opened her eyes, she found a small, ornate golden key resting in her palm. “This key,” the guardian explained, “unlocks a special box hidden within the garden. Inside the box is something that will help you fulfill your wish.” Ellie’s heart raced with excitement as she followed the guardian’s directions to a secluded part of the garden. There, beneath a cluster of blooming roses, she discovered a beautifully carved wooden box. With trembling hands, she inserted the golden key into the lock and turned it. The lid creaked open to reveal a collection of small, sparkling seeds nestled inside. “These enchanted seeds,” the guardian said, “possess the power to grow flowers that bring joy and laughter to those who see them. Plant them in your village, and their magic will spread happiness far and wide.” With the seeds safely tucked in her satchel, Ellie made her way back to Willowbrook. The journey home felt both thrilling and meaningful, knowing she carried something special that could make a difference. Once she arrived in the village, Ellie wasted no time. She chose various spots throughout Willowbrook—the village square, the edges of the forest paths, and the gardens of her friends and neighbors. Carefully planting the enchanted seeds, she tended to them with care and anticipation. Within days, the seeds began to sprout. The flowers that grew were unlike any Ellie had ever seen. They were vibrant and radiant, each bloom more spectacular than the last. Their petals seemed to dance in the breeze, and their colors were so vivid they seemed almost alive. The magic of the flowers quickly became apparent. As they bloomed, they brought an unparalleled sense of joy and wonder to the villagers. Children laughed as they ran through fields of flowers, their faces alight with happiness. Neighbors gathered in the village square, marveling at the beauty around them and enjoying the newfound sense of community. The flowers seemed to radiate a warmth that touched everyone’s hearts, creating a ripple of positivity throughout Willowbrook. Ellie watched with delight as the garden’s magic transformed her village. The once quiet streets were now filled with laughter and conversation, and the air was alive with a sense of togetherness. The flowers became a symbol of hope and happiness, reminding everyone of the simple pleasures in life and the beauty of shared moments. As the years passed, the Magic Garden’s legacy continued to flourish. The enchanted flowers grew and spread, creating a lasting impact on Willowbrook. The village became known far and wide for its vibrant blooms and the joyous atmosphere that enveloped it. Visitors came from distant lands to experience the magic and witness the beauty of the garden. Ellie’s wish had come true in ways she had never imagined. Her journey to the Magic Garden had led her to discover the profound joy of giving and sharing. The enchanted seeds had not only transformed her village but also touched her heart, teaching her that true happiness lies in the connections we make and the joy we bring to others. And so, the tale of Ellie and the Magic Garden became a cherished story in Willowbrook, a reminder of the magic that lies within each of us and the incredible power of spreading happiness. The garden’s enchantment continued to inspire generations, and Ellie’s legacy of joy and wonder lived on in the hearts of all who experienced the magic of the flowers.
By Juliusly 2 years ago in Fiction
The Enigma of Kireba
Nestled in the heart of Africa, the country of Kireba was a place where the ordinary laws of nature seemed to bend, giving way to a land steeped in mysteries. Its vast savannas and emerald forests were home to creatures that defied explanation, and its ancient stones whispered secrets from times long forgotten. It was a land where myth and reality wove together seamlessly. In the village of Tinda, on the edge of the Verdant Forest, lived a young woman named Zuri. Known for her inquisitive nature and keen intellect, Zuri had always been fascinated by the strange occurrences around her. The villagers, though steeped in traditions and superstitions, avoided certain areas of the forest, believing them to be cursed or protected by spirits. But Zuri was determined to uncover the truth. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Zuri set off into the heart of the Verdant Forest. Her only companions were her lantern and a notebook, filled with her sketches and notes. Rumors spoke of a colossal stone known as the Elder Pillar, said to be a relic from an ancient civilization that vanished mysteriously. The forest was alive with sounds. An owl hooted softly, and the rustling of leaves seemed to carry voices from the past. Zuri pressed on, guided by the directions given by the village elder, an old woman who had once claimed to have seen the Elder Pillar herself. As night fell, Zuri reached a clearing bathed in a ghostly luminescence. The Elder Pillar stood in the center, a massive stone covered in intricate carvings that seemed to shimmer under the moonlight. The carvings depicted strange creatures and celestial symbols, and in the center was a depiction of a serpent entwined around a sun. Zuri approached cautiously, her breath misting in the cool night air. As she touched the stone, a sudden vibration pulsed through her fingertips, and the carvings seemed to shift and change. Before her eyes, the scene transformed, revealing a hidden chamber within the stone. The chamber was lined with golden artifacts and scrolls. Curiosity overwhelmed her fear, and Zuri stepped into the chamber. She discovered scrolls written in an ancient script, depicting a civilization that had once thrived in Kireba. The texts spoke of a prophecy about the Serpent of Light, a mythical creature said to control the balance of nature and time. According to the prophecy, the Serpent would awaken when Kireba was on the brink of destruction. As she pored over the scrolls, a soft rustling drew her attention. Emerging from the shadows was a creature unlike anything she had ever seen—an ethereal being with the body of a leopard and wings of a hawk. The creature’s eyes glowed with a soft green light, and its presence was both majestic and intimidating. The creature spoke in a voice that echoed like the wind through the trees. “You have uncovered the truth, Zuri. But now you must face the consequences.” Zuri was taken aback. “Who are you?” she asked. “I am the Guardian of the Elder Pillar,” the creature replied. “The prophecy has been set in motion. The Serpent of Light is stirring.” Before Zuri could respond, the ground beneath her trembled, and the clearing transformed. The trees seemed to twist and stretch, and a massive serpent with scales of gold and eyes like molten lava emerged from the earth. The Serpent of Light had awakened. The serpent spoke in a voice that resonated through the very soul. “The balance of Kireba is in jeopardy. The time has come for you to decide the fate of your land.” Zuri, heart pounding, realized the gravity of the situation. The ancient texts had hinted at a choice—one that would either save Kireba or plunge it into darkness. With a deep breath, she addressed the serpent. “We need to understand what is threatening Kireba. What must we do?” The serpent’s gaze softened. “The harmony of nature has been disturbed by forces unknown. To restore balance, you must venture to the Abyssal Caverns in the southern mountains and retrieve the Heart of Kireba, a gem of immense power. Only then can the harmony be restored.” With determination in her eyes, Zuri embarked on a perilous journey to the Abyssal Caverns. The path was fraught with challenges—treacherous terrain, mystical illusions, and creatures that tested her resolve. Yet, Zuri’s bravery and intelligence guided her through each trial. Deep within the caverns, she found the Heart of Kireba, a radiant gem pulsating with a calming energy. As she held it in her hands, she felt a surge of hope and clarity. The cavern began to tremble, and the exit was blocked by a massive rockslide. With the Heart in hand, Zuri focused her thoughts, and the gem’s light expanded, clearing the path and guiding her back to the Verdant Forest. She arrived just in time to confront the serpent, who awaited her with bated breath. Placing the Heart of Kireba on the Elder Pillar, Zuri watched as its light enveloped the serpent, the forest, and the entire land. The balance was restored, and the mystical disturbances ceased. The ancient carvings on the pillar glowed brightly, and the strange creatures returned to their natural state. The Guardian of the Elder Pillar appeared beside Zuri, gratitude in its eyes. “You have done well, Zuri. Kireba is safe once more.” As dawn broke over the land, Zuri returned to Tinda, her heart full of pride and relief. The villagers celebrated her bravery, and the mysteries of Kireba were acknowledged not as threats, but as parts of a grand and intricate tapestry of life. And so, the land of Kireba continued to thrive, its secrets still waiting to be unraveled by those daring enough to seek them. For in Kireba, the boundaries between myth and reality were ever-blurred, and its mysteries were as boundless as the horizon.
By Juliusly 2 years ago in Fiction
**Intellectual Passion**
Mia was sitting by herself in her tiny apartment, staring at her tablet's screen. She'd learned long ago to ignore the bustling activity of the city outside. She liked her home's peaceful seclusion, her daily routine's steady beat, and the reassuring glow of her virtual environment. It was regulated, secure, and most importantly, she never had to experience the sting of being alone.
By Abdul Qayyum2 years ago in Fiction
A Room with a Moose
“Death is coming for me,” Blue said. “Don’t be dramatic,” said Agent Lamb, switching the recorder to off. “You don’t understand. The Golden Hand of Maronhi has eyes and ears much further and deeper than you can understand.”
By Amos Glade2 years ago in Fiction
The Hunt
The dragon looms over me. It's reptilian stink is almost solid and makes my eyes water. It's breath feels burning hot on my skin. I think maybe some of what I smell is my own hair getting singed. I am completely helpless. Why doesn't it kill me?
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
Early in the Morning
Nana scrunched her nose as she entered the “head”, and wondered at what point one should speak to a doctor about one’s bottom smells. She opened the porthole and reversed out of the room, faith in her bladder’s capacity to hold on a little longer re-invigorated. Crossing the cabin, she busied herself with the washing up, seeing as no one else was going to do it, humming the only sea shanty she knew, and pondering what “scuppers” might be and whether this boat had them. She could certainly think of a drunken sailor she would happily put there.
By Hannah Moore2 years ago in Fiction
Rox Kasker
Boston Rox Kasker braced himself for impact as he fell fifty feet from the giant oak tree in the heart of the Boston Common. The branch he was standing on wasn’t as strong as he assumed it was, snapping under the weight of his two hundred twenty pound frame.
By Kale Sinclair2 years ago in Fiction
Becoming Urania
The plan to destroy the tower was intricate and fraught with peril. Stacy Mendez - former right-hand to the man who wanted to be god- had to bypass layers of security and countermeasures. Every step she took was calculated, every move deliberate. Her heart raced as she planted explosives around the critical nodes of the tower’s infrastructure. She was acutely aware of the stakes—destroying the tower was not just about stopping Argo’s reign of control but also about restoring the freedom that had been so insidiously undermined.
By Karina Thyra2 years ago in Fiction
The Cost of Freedom
Stacy Mendez stood before Kenrick "Argo" Kemp, her heart heavy with the weight of what she knew she had to do. Kenrick, once her ally and lover, had gone too far. He believed that by eliminating the weak and ensuring only the brightest would survive, he was doing mankind a favor. "What you're doing isn't fair, Kenrick," Stacy said, her voice trembling. "You’ve brainwashed people, used evil propaganda, and experimented on innocent lives."
By Karina Thyra2 years ago in Fiction
Intermittent Fasting: A Double-Edged Sword?
Diet Fads: Reality Bleeds with Disinformation Intermittent Fasting is one of the many methods promoted for both weight loss and better health; does it work?
By Emily Chan - Life and love sharing2 years ago in Fiction
**Beyond the Headlines**
In a quiet suburban neighborhood, the Whitaker family lived a modest life. Tom and Sarah Whitaker, along with their two teenage children, Emma and Lucas, had always been content with their simple, middle-class existence. Tom worked as an accountant, Sarah was a part-time librarian, and their children were focused on school and their own hobbies. Their home was filled with the usual signs of a well-lived, if unremarkable, life.
By Abbas2 years ago in Fiction