Short Story

Escape Into the Darkness
I peeked cautiously out the window. It was still raining. Night was creeping near. Night was the friend of the hunted. Rain, not so much.
By Laura DePace2 years ago in Fiction
Goliath’s End
Evan Canberra pulls his cap down, staring at the black sky ahead. “I thought this was supposed to be a squall.” Connor Lynn wipes the rain off his face. “So, the weather report was wrong. What a surprise.”
By Michael Jefferson2 years ago in Fiction
The Cost Of LO♥E...
Hey folks, I’ve been developing a story idea and would appreciate your thoughts. What do you think of this plot? A middle-class woman values her independence and happiness above all else. She’s always believed that she doesn’t need to be in a relationship to feel fulfilled. Whenever someone suggests that relationships are essential, she questions them with, “Are relationships really necessary?” Then she meets him—a man with sharp, piercing eyes and a powerful presence. He’s handsome, confident, and exudes authority. He’s the kind of person who commands respect with just a glance, like a king in his own world. She knows she should stay away from someone like him, someone whose life is so different from hers. But fate has other plans. Their paths cross, and over time, they start to develop feelings for each other, though neither of them admits it at first. The man eventually confesses his love for her, but she doesn’t respond. Even though she doesn’t give him an answer, she stays close to him, sometimes because of work, but also because she enjoys being near him. Deep down, she’s falling for him, but she tells him, “I’m not interested in a relationship,” rejecting him even as her heart pulls in the opposite direction. Her internal struggle grows stronger each day. She loves the way he cares for her, and she knows he loves her too, but she pretends not to notice his feelings. She’s torn between the desire to be with him and the fear of losing herself. She wonders if she’s being foolish for holding onto her independence so tightly, especially when being with him could offer so much. But then, she remembers the small things that bring her joy—walking through the streets, enjoying simple pleasures, buying a cheap pair of shoes—and she knows she’s not ready to give up that part of herself. He, on the other hand, is struggling too. He loves her for who she is, but he also wants her to fit into his world. He’s used to having control, to shaping his environment to suit his needs. Yet, as he watches her, he begins to realize that trying to change her might mean losing the very person he fell in love with. He’s caught between his love for her and the demands of his world, and he’s not sure how to reconcile the two. Their worlds clash in moments of stark contrast. She attends an event in his high-society circle, feeling completely out of place. The conversations are foreign to her, the expectations suffocating. She finds herself longing for the simplicity of her own life, where happiness isn’t measured by wealth or status. This only deepens her fear of losing herself if she were to fully enter his world. Then, a catalyst forces her to confront her feelings. His family demands her presence at a major event, a clear sign that they expect her to step into his world. The pressure is immense, and she realizes that she’s already started to change, bending to the expectations of his life. It’s a turning point for her, a moment where she must decide who she really wants to be. She faces a choice Acceptance with Conditions, She could agree to be with him, but only if he accepts her as she is, without expecting her to change. She tells him, “I love you, but I won’t lose myself for you.” They both realize that if they want to be together, they must find a way to blend their worlds, to adjust and grow together without losing their individual identities. Alternatively, she might choose to leave, realizing that her own happiness and sense of self are more important than any relationship. She decides that she can’t sacrifice who she is, even for love. It’s a bittersweet ending, but she finds peace in her decision, knowing that she’s stayed true to herself. Or perhaps, she finds a third way, where she doesn’t have to choose between him and herself. Maybe she becomes a bridge between their worlds, finding a way to be with him without losing her identity. She shows him a different way of life, one that values simplicity and peace, and in doing so, transforms his world in a way that’s more inclusive of her values. Throughout her journey, symbolic elements reflect her internal state. A recurring image of a caged bird symbolizes her fear of being trapped, while a flower that wilts and then blooms again represents her struggle and eventual growth. Supporting characters—friends, family—offer different perspectives, some advising her to follow her heart, others warning her of the dangers of losing herself. In the end, the choice is hers. Whether she stays, leaves, or finds a middle path, she knows one thing for sure: she won’t lose herself in the process. ---
By Sugan Ya 2 years ago in Fiction
Typical Day on a Boat
To get out to the wreck nearest our county, a boat must travel at least an hour and a half. We wanted to get past the West Florida Shelf toward the deeper water in the escarpment area. There are many areas with wrecks, man-made reefs, and even a WWII ship out there, great havens for tons of fish. These areas are about 2800’ deep, and that’s where the more decent dinner fish are- grouper, amberjack, mackerel, and dolphinfish (also called mahi mahi). I joked that I’m only there to catch the bait fish.
By Barb Dukeman2 years ago in Fiction
Bad Blood and Betrayal. Top Story - August 2024. Content Warning.
Isabella and Ethan climbed on board his cabin cruiser that she discovered was named The Boozer Cruiser. Embarrassed by the bold black print of shame, Bella pulled her wide hat brim down to cover her face. She’d hate to be seen by the other women at the yacht club. The Tampa Bay area had many well-connected families, and to be seen as a party girl would be a crime.
By Barb Dukeman2 years ago in Fiction
Just Go Back. Content Warning.
Owen looks thirty, but he's lived many days many times over. Decades pressed thin and folded over. He discovered his Talent accidentally. It's a knack, like snapping your fingers, only in more dimensions.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Fiction
The sad story of a mute girl
In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, lived a young woman named Elara. Elara was mute from birth, but her silence was not a barrier; it was her unique way of perceiving the world, and she communicated through gentle gestures and expressive eyes. The villagers admired her for her kindness and the beauty of her silent presence. One day, a young man named Rowan arrived in the village. He was a traveler, with a heart as open as the horizon he roamed. Rowan was captivated by the village’s charm, but what truly caught his attention was Elara. He was drawn to her silent grace and the way her eyes sparkled with a depth that words could not capture. Rowan made it his mission to understand her world. He learned her gestures and the simple signs she used to express herself. Their conversations, though silent, were filled with understanding and warmth. Rowan and Elara grew close, their bond deepening with each passing day. They shared dreams and fears in a language that transcended words, finding solace and joy in each other’s company. Despite their growing affection, Elara's parents were troubled by their relationship. They were traditional and believed that a marriage must be blessed by mutual understanding and societal approval. They worried that Rowan’s itinerant lifestyle and Elara’s silence would not create a stable future. They could not see the depth of the love that Elara and Rowan shared, seeing only the differences and the uncertainties. One evening, Rowan proposed to Elara beneath the old oak tree where they had shared many of their quiet moments. Elara, overwhelmed with emotion, accepted, and they were filled with hope for their future together. However, when they went to Elara's parents to seek their blessing, the reaction was not what they had hoped for. Elara's parents were firm in their disapproval. They were polite but resolute, stating that while they respected Rowan, they could not support the union. They feared the challenges that might arise from their unconventional match and held to their belief that a marriage without the blessing of the family could not prosper. Heartbroken but undeterred, Elara and Rowan chose to follow their hearts. They left the village together, embarking on a journey to carve out a life of their own. They traveled to new lands, where their love and commitment grew stronger with each passing day. They built a home together, a sanctuary where words were unnecessary and love spoke for itself. Years later, Elara and Rowan found peace in their life together, creating a family of their own and finding joy in each other’s presence. The village, though never fully accepting of their union, heard stories of their enduring love and saw the happiness that followed them. Though Elara's parents never gave their blessing, the love and life Elara and Rowan built together spoke louder than any approval could. In the end, their story became a testament to the power of love transcending obstacles, proving that sometimes, the most profound connections are those that are understood in silence.
By Julis Amateur2 years ago in Fiction
The Journey of the Last Warrior. AI-Generated.
In a small village surrounded by mountains, there lived a young man named Tarek. He was born into a poor family that worked in agriculture. From a young age, his life was filled with hardships, as he worked tirelessly in the fields from sunrise to sunset. Despite the harshness of life, Tarek's heart was full of hope and ambition.
By Lacey Morgan2 years ago in Fiction
My Spy: The Eternal City – A Blend of Action and Heart in a New Spy Adventure. AI-Generated.
In My Spy: The Eternal City, the beloved sequel to the 2020 action-comedy My Spy, David Bautista reprises his role as JJ, the tough but lovable CIA operative. This time around, the stakes are higher and the setting more glamorous as JJ is thrust into the heart of Rome’s bustling underworld. Directed by Peter Segal, the film continues to balance action-packed sequences with heartfelt moments, making it a compelling follow-up that expands on the charm of its predecessor.
By harish2 years ago in Fiction
The Instigators: Doug Liman’s Heist Comedy Delivers Laughs and Insight with Charismatic Leads. AI-Generated.
Doug Liman’s The Instigators, streaming on Apple TV+, is a heist comedy that dances deftly between absurdity and sharp social commentary. The film’s approach is refreshingly unpretentious, favoring comedy and satirical critique over traditional suspense. With Matt Damon and Casey Affleck leading a talented ensemble, Liman crafts a narrative that, while predictable at times, is buoyed by its charismatic performances and witty script.
By harish2 years ago in Fiction
"Meeting with Earthly Suns"
Last year, on a Tuesday afternoon, I found myself drawn to the third floor of the company by the scent of incense, like the child in the story following breadcrumbs through the forest. The instructor had prescribed relaxation, but my aching shoulder had other plans. That hour of yoga is one of those rare moments I wish could last forever, much like the soothing hour of a massage, the quiet hour of writing, or the healing hour of therapy—those precious times when we allow our body and soul to stretch, unwind, and simply be.
By Azam Salehi2 years ago in Fiction
The Whispers of Pages
In the city where silence reigned and shadows grew long, Evelyn walked with her head bowed, careful not to meet the eyes of the Watchers that stood on every corner. Their visors gleamed in the harsh light of the street lamps, reflecting a world drained of color and life.
By Caleb Lahr2 years ago in Fiction