Young Adult

Where Summer Fades
J.D. lingers in the doorway of the record store, his eyes adjusting to the dim, cozy light inside. The soft crackle of an old vinyl playing on the store's sound system fills the air, a familiar soundtrack to countless hours spent flipping through albums and talking music with Chuck, the store’s owner. The low hum of the turntable needle on the groove of the record is like a heartbeat—steady, comforting, timeless.
By Faded Slackerz2 years ago in Fiction
The Long Road
The air was thick with that late-night summer heat, the kind that makes the inside of your car smell like sweat, spilled soda, and whatever mix of body spray you thought would impress someone at the party. I was driving, hands gripping the steering wheel like my life depended on it, even though the streets were as empty as my head at that moment. Next to me, Alyssa sat in the passenger seat, legs crossed like she had nowhere to be and all the time in the world to get there.
By Faded Slackerz2 years ago in Fiction
The Story of An Hour
Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death. It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing. Her husband's friend Richards was there, too, near her. It was he who had been in the newspaper office when intelligence of the railroad disaster was received, with Brently Mallard's name leading the list of "killed." He had only taken the time to assure himself of its truth by a second telegram, and had hastened to forestall any less careful, less tender friend in bearing the sad message. She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her. There stood, facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair. Into this she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul. She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window. She sat with her head thrown back upon the cushion of the chair, quite motionless, except when a sob came up into her throat and shook her, as a child who has cried itself to sleep continues to sob in its dreams. She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, whose gaze was fixed away off yonder on one of those patches of blue sky. It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought. There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name. But she felt it, creeping out of the sky, reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air. Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously. She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will--as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been. When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under the breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her. A clear and exalted perception enabled her to dismiss the suggestion as trivial. She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome. There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination. And yet she had loved him--sometimes. Often she had not. What did it matter! What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in the face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being! "Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering. Josephine was kneeling before the closed door with her lips to the keyhole, imploring for admission. "Louise, open the door! I beg; open the door--you will make yourself ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven's sake open the door." "Go away. I am not making myself ill." No; she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window. Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had thought with a shudder that life might be long. She arose at length and opened the door to her sister's importunities. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory. She clasped her sister's waist, and together they descended the stairs. Richards stood waiting for them at the bottom. Someone was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip-sack and umbrella. He had been far from the scene of the accident, and did not even know there had been one. He stood amazed at Josephine's piercing cry; at Richards' quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife. When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills. The Story of An Hour was featured as The Short Story of the Day on Wed, Feb 08, 2023 Earlier, I pointed out that this story was first published in 1894 as The Dream of an Hour before being republished in 1895 as The Story of an Hour. Having read the story, why do you suppose Kate Chopin chose to change that one word? Given societal norms and expecations about women and marriage in 1895, do you see how simply changing a single word in the title may have been an answer to the controversy and criticism that the story received at that time? The Story of an Hour is one of the stories featured in our collection of Short Stories for High School I and Short Short Stories to read when you have five minutes to indulge yourself reading a great story.
By Dip2 years ago in Fiction
The Rich Man's Clothes. Top Story - September 2024.
An emperor who had no clothes was once gifted with a rich man's attire. Wearing them seemed like a breeze in the air covering his soul. His steps quickened and the marvellous seemed possible. Even his daydreams seemed remarkable but there was nowhere to put them so he stuffed his hands in his pockets. With no touch to his senses, the world became cloudy - no gift giving his new point of view. Through the mind of an apple, his thoughts grew...if only I can. The apple became a new world he could almost taste. Then he realized that the apple and the clothes were not his own, nor the windswept thoughts between the threads. So he made bare his mortality and walked naked in the sunlight.
By Canuck Scriber Lisa Lachapelle2 years ago in Fiction
The Daydream Believer
Ellie Sinclair was always lost in her thoughts. Growing up in the small, sleepy town of Brookhaven, she was known for her daydreaming—her head in the clouds while the rest of the world moved around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the real world. In fact, she was fond of it in her own way. But in her daydreams, everything was brighter, more exciting, and full of possibility.
By Willow Peddy2 years ago in Fiction
My mother's tears. Content Warning.
Why did I think uncertainty would be fun? For 20 months, I complied about having a good job and cushioning my sibling's expenses as the last born of the family, not knowing I wouldn't be in that position forever. I had sometimes wondered how it feels to be taken care of. A few days ago, the organisation I was working for announced that they would be letting people go due to lack of funding to support their work and staff, and unfortunately, or should I say wish granted, I made the cut. Lots of thoughts came to mind; I mean, why would they keep me? I did the bare minimum; I got too comfortable having the job that I forgot to save to have a backup plan. I blamed myself for making it to the list of the people they would let go. My karma has finally arrived, giving me a beautiful chair of uncertainty. After hearing the news, I informed my sibling that I no longer worked with the organisation that honestly puts bread on the table. I couldn’t care less how they felt or took it; my main worry was how my mother would react when I broke the news to her.
By Adebusayo Esther Obasa2 years ago in Fiction
The scent of pines. Content Warning.
The light was too harsh and too white when I entered the filming set. A woman pointed at a chair in front of a camera and told me to sit. I could barely hear her. I pulled my papers out of my breast pocket, where I had carefully tucked them in. Someone told me to start so I started. I could hear my voice tremble as I read my text.
By Clem2 years ago in Fiction
The Wedding That Almost Wasn't
It was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. Eloho and Tega were finally getting married after years of dating. The preparations had been meticulous, with every little detail carefully planned out. Eloho had found the perfect white lace dress, while Tega was set to wear a sleek, tailored suit. Their families had come together, and the small Warri church was filled with the joyful chatter of their loved ones, eagerly awaiting the couple's arrival.
By Emmanuel Ojenike2 years ago in Fiction
Explanation of surah noor
**Surah An-Nur (The mild) – An In-intensity explanation** Surah An-Nur, the twenty fourth chapter of the Quran, is an essential Surah that carries 64 verses. It become discovered in Medina and focuses on moral and social troubles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity, modesty, and morality in private and societal life. The title, “An-Nur,” refers to mild, symbolizing the guidance of Allah in humans’s lives. This Surah serves as a comprehensive guide on how Muslims ought to behavior themselves ethically and maintain decency within their communities. ### creation to Surah An-Nur Surah An-Nur offers with a extensive range of topics along with punishment for adultery, the significance of keeping off slander, the ethical behavior within houses, and the price of modesty. It also describes the allegory of Allah's mild, which has been interpreted as religious enlightenment and divine guidance. This bankruptcy addresses each individual conduct and social conduct, aiming to create a society based totally on high moral requirements. ### Key issues in Surah An-Nur #### 1. The Punishment for Adultery (Zina) the primary phase of Surah An-Nur (verse 2) truely lays down the punishment for adultery, which is one hundred lashes for each male and female offenders. This verse underscores the significance of retaining purity in relationships and highlights the severity of violating the sanctity of marriage. The punishment isn't only a form of retribution however serves as a deterrent for others to keep away from such sinful acts. furthermore, the Surah emphasizes the importance of providing credible proof earlier than accusing someone of adultery. all of us who accuses every other without 4 witnesses is issue to punishment themselves (verse 4). This strict requirement for proof indicates the Quran’s dedication to protecting people’ honor and stopping slander. #### 2. The tale of false Accusation (Hadith of Aisha) one of the maximum extraordinary incidents linked to Surah An-Nur is the story of the fake accusation against Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This occasion is known as "Hadith Al-Ifk" (The Slander). After Aisha turned into falsely accused of adultery, Allah found out verses (eleven-20) to claim her innocence and spotlight the grave sin of slander. those verses strain that spreading fake accusations with out evidence is a chief sin and causes good sized damage in the community. those verses no longer only cleared Aisha of the accusations but also mounted rules to shield people's reputations, educating Muslims to keep away from suspicion and gossip. Verse 12 reminds believers to suppose nicely of others and avoid spreading rumors. #### 3. The concept of Modesty and Hijab Verses 30-31 of Surah An-Nur recognition on the concept of modesty and the significance of reducing one's gaze. guys are informed to decrease their gaze and guard their private elements. Likewise, girls are informed to maintain modesty by using covering themselves and now not showing their splendor except to positive classes of people, inclusive of close household. The command of modesty extends to each ladies and men, reflecting Islam’s concern for shielding the dignity and purity of each genders. The idea of hijab in those verses isn't only a bodily masking however an usual approach to keeping a feel of decency in conduct, speech, and interplay. #### 4. The Allegory of mild (Nur) The famous verse of mild (24:35) describes Allah as the light of the heavens and the earth. This verse is a profound metaphor that conveys the idea of divine steering and religious enlightenment. the myth compares Allah’s mild to a niche, inside which is a lamp that shines vivid. This mild represents steering that leads people out of ignorance and into information and righteousness. Commentators of the Quran have explained that this allegory illustrates how faith illuminates the hearts of believers, guiding them closer to righteousness. simply as mild dispels darkness, Allah’s guidance leads people faraway from ethical and non secular confusion, supporting them see the fact. #### five. conduct in homes and personal areas Surah An-Nur also outlines regulations for personal and social etiquette, specially when entering homes. Verses 27-29 coach Muslims to are seeking for permission earlier than entering someone’s house, emphasizing the significance of privacy and admire for others' non-public spaces. This coaching underscores the Quran’s broader message of preserving limitations and respecting the honor of individuals. moreover, verse 58 discusses the etiquette for youngsters and servants, teaching them to searching for permission before getting into the private quarters of adults at some point of 3 unique times of the day whilst privateness is probably to be wanted. #### 6. The significance of Marriage Marriage is emphasized as a way to preserve chastity and build a morally upright society. Verse 32 encourages Muslims to marry off single individuals, consisting of slaves, so that they will stay honorable lives. Islam strongly promotes marriage as a way of gratifying natural dreams in a lawful and natural manner, as a result safeguarding society from immoral conduct. ### Social Justice and duty Surah An-Nur now not most effective addresses troubles of personal morality however also calls for collective responsibility in preserving a simply and ethical society. The regulations laid out in this chapter intention to save you the spread of immorality and make sure that each one people are treated with dignity and recognize. through upholding the laws of modesty, safeguarding personal honor, and adhering to the concepts of justice, the network as a whole advantages from social concord and righteousness. ### ethical and moral training from Surah An-Nur 1. **retaining Honor**: The Surah makes it clean that individuals’ honor and dignity are of maximum significance. the strict necessities for proof before accusing someone of a ethical crime serve to defend people from false accusations. 2. **retaining Modesty**: Modesty is a relevant subject matter in Surah An-Nur, with a focus on modest dress, conduct, and speech. This extends to both men and women, emphasizing the need for recognize and decency in interactions. 3. **Divine light as steerage**: The metaphor of light is a reminder that Allah’s steerage is vital for moral and non secular fulfillment. just as physical mild permits one to peer virtually, divine steering enables people navigate their lives in accordance with Allah’s will. four. **The Gravity of Slander**: The Surah condemns slander and gossip, emphasizing the harm they are able to cause to individuals and society. It encourages believers to think well of others and avoid suspicion. five. **Respecting privacy**: Respecting the privacy of others is a key lesson, with clear pointers for searching for permission earlier than getting into private spaces. This promotes agree with and mutual appreciate in society. 6. **Encouragement of Marriage**: Marriage is supplied as a way to fulfill human goals in a lawful manner, shielding people from immoral conduct and contributing to the general moral fabric of society. ### conclusion Surah An-Nur gives profound steering on private behavior, social ethics, and non secular insight. Its teachings emphasize the importance of modesty, respect for others, and maintaining social justice. The allegory of light serves as a reminder of the divine steering that illuminates the route of righteousness for believers. by means of adhering to the principles specified in Surah An-Nur, Muslims are advocated to create a network based on purity, appreciate, and moral behavior.
By Angel sky2 years ago in Fiction
The Lake
Walking around the lake, I stumbled along the rocky shoreline. The large rocks made it very difficult to walk around the gorgeous lake. The fluffy, white clouds reflected in the lake, and I took the view all in. It was breathtaking. The ripples in the water made me want to take a swim. I hesitated on that thought though as I did not have my swim suit along with me. I inhaled deeply, the smell of the lake water and the fresh greenery was intoxicating. It was beautiful. I gazed at the scene before me and noticed the house on the shoreline.
By Chloe Unfiltered2 years ago in Fiction
The Golden Dragon Keys
The dismal fog hung thick and low over the frozen coastline, a suffocating blanket that muffled all sound. The jagged cliffs loomed overheard, as the beam of Black Tower Lighthouse swept by. The shattered moon casting an eerie glow across the smooth polished, snow-covered beach rocks.
By Wendy Christine Allen 🌸💖🦄 aka EelKat 🧿💛🔮👻2 years ago in Fiction
What’s Next?
“Hey Jaz. So what do you think?” My twin brother joins me on the deck while we watch a few of the pups play in our backyard.
By Lis E.2 years ago in Fiction