Top Stories
New stories you'll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
You Believed in Me. Top Story - November 2024.
Dear Carrie, Most of the time I show up to the gym in a Supernatural-themed T-shirt, black mid-thigh shorts, and sneakers that have seen better days. My socks aren’t trendy. My hair is usually in a ponytail held by an 80s-style scrunchie, and I carry my Walmart bottle of water around. Around me I see the young women and buff men with enviable bodies, but I also see the older folks, working out and improving their quality of life.
By Barb Dukeman2 years ago in Humans
Sky-ku Challenge Winners
We apologize for the slight delay in announcing the winners—some of our team got a little too inspired by the changing skies and caught the seasonal sniffles. But we’re back and thrilled to share the poetic treasures you’ve crafted.
By Vocal Curation Team2 years ago in Resources
Timothy. Top Story - November 2024.
I’m sitting on the floor of the high school gym, yawning at the monotone promises of Student Council candidates. Picking the neon-pink polish from my nails, I glance up to see a young man dressed in white robes stepping up to the podium. Suddenly, I’ve forgotten my nails. The hubbub in the audience goes up a notch as this bearded presidential hopeful announces that his campaign speech will be a reading from John Lennon: In His Own Write.
By Marie Wilson2 years ago in Humans
Fourth Wall. Top Story - November 2024.
Listen to the audio version on Spotify: (Available on all major platforms—full list) *** "The situation is simple, Zeke," Chairman Phillips addressed me from across the varnished table. "We are simply not doing enough to leverage this economic climate to our particular advantage. What good is SimCorp if we cannot provide the reassurance that people fall back on during such times of uncertainty?"
By Stephen A. Roddewig2 years ago in Futurism
A Letter to my Friends and Family. Top Story - November 2024.
To my dear friends, Some of you were only in my life a short time, or we have not met in person for far too long, due to whatever combination of factors. Some of you have been in my life for longer than I care to recall, a steady undercurrent in these turbulent times. Some of you I set out to make friends with, others snuck up on me without warning, until one day I turned around and discovered that the number of my friends had increased.
By Natasja Rose2 years ago in Humans
Escaping the Curse . Top Story - November 2024.
He walks through the door, a smile lopsided on his face, his cheeks slightly red. Perhaps it’s the cold, perhaps it’s the long afternoon spent in the garage. He had been loud before, quite loud. His green eyes flash bright, like his teeth. His curls are messy, streaked with grease and kissing his forehead. Internally, I flinch. Familiar chords pluck in my chest in a painful pinch. But, not him, never. He’s not afflicted with the same curse as my parents, as many are. I was careful in my choosing.
By Laura Lann2 years ago in Horror
The Parasite. Top Story - November 2024. Content Warning.
“Hey Lynette, you busy?” “Nahhh, just finished with my last patient. What’s up?” “I was thinking of dropping by your clinic. Would that be okay?” Dakota asked. “Of course! Are you alright, or do you have some juicy gossip for me?” Lynette chuckled. Dakota rolled her eyes, “Ugh, I wish! Unfortunately, I’m not feeling too great.” “Oh! What’s wro—” “I’ll explain when I get there”, Dakota hung up. ~~~~~ “Dr. Verlice is waiting in her office for you”, the receptionist, Becky, greeted Dakota with a smile as she walked in. “Okay, thanks Becky.” Dakota knocked on Lynette’s door but didn’t wait for a response before entering. “Oh my God, Dakota! You look awful!” “Hello to you too.” “Sorry, hi! But seriously, what happened to you?!” “That’s what I’m hoping to find out. I’ve been feeling so nauseous for weeks now, throwing up at least once a day.” “Could be food poisoning, but go on, what other symptoms?” “I feel bloated all the time, and there’s this constant, dull stomach pain.” “Hmmm…how’s your appetite?” “Ravenous! I’m eating like a beast, only to throw up afterwards, so hard you’d think I’m turning into a werewolf!” “That’s quite the exaggeration, but I’ll let it slide”, Lynette stifled a giggle. “I’m guessing you’re fatigued too, right?” “Yeah, that too!” “Do you remember eating anything unusual prior to all of these?” “I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast”, Dakota grinned sheepishly. “You’re useless, you know that?” Dakota gasped in mock offense, “Do you talk to all of your patients that way?” Lynette, lost in thought, barely registered what Dakota asked, “Nausea, bloating, fatigue…yeah, sounds like a classic case of tapeworm or some other foodborne parasite. We’ll start with a blood test and a stool sample.” “Oh, wait! Come to think of it, I had sushi about a month or two ago. Do you think it came from that?” “Possibly, but we’ll know more after we test your stool sample”, Lynette handed her a sample container. “And my nurse will draw some blood. It’ll take a few days for the results. In the meantime, I’ll prescribe some medication to help manage the symptoms.” “You are the best! Thank you!” ~~~~~ Dakota’s phone pinged:
By Dharrsheena Raja Segarran2 years ago in Horror
Yes, YOU. Top Story - November 2024.
Dear Vocal community, I missed an appointment today. ECG. They rang me, and they sounded properly pissed off. I don’t blame them, what a waste, with waiting lists as they are. It’s not like me, though, to miss an appointment. Not the kind of thing I do. It’s just, it’s all felt a bit much lately. The other day, I tried to unlock the front door with the car key – not the key itself, the fob, the little button to unlock the car doors. Pointed it at the house and pressed away with mounting frustration. Didn’t even try the door mind you. Perhaps it worked. I wouldn’t know, I didn’t complete the necessary steps to facilitate ingress. I feel a bit like my brain exploded and the pieces are all in there, but rolling around like spilt marbles. I suppose I should be grateful I haven’t lost any, really.
By Hannah Moore2 years ago in Humans
When Women Were Dragons . Top Story - November 2024.
The author, Kelly Barnhill, created a rich and fascinating world that parallels America's history in many ways. I found the book relevant in this 2024 U.S. presidential election season, where misogyny and the continued desire to control women are prevalent. The populace in the novel bans the discussion of dragons and does their best to ignore the facts of any metamorphosis.
By Andrea Corwin 2 years ago in BookClub
Accusation. Top Story - November 2024.
Dave and Bethan walked in the direction of the quarry, Bethan letting Dave lead. "I don't know how you can think that I killed her, Bethan." Dave acknowledged to himself that he's not a great man but he's still reeling from Bethan's accusation.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in Fiction
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 11/14/2024
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal2 years ago in Resources
You pay the price for the life you live. Top Story - November 2024.
Many "Rich people", whom you consider all-lucky Deal with countless misfortunes and pay to get what you say, 'Luck!' = A wife you see— cherishing every luxury; all that spiceHas her heels cut and her hands scarred with veins of sacrificeEdison earned his life, the fame, and the betterA light bulb cost him hardships and teacher's letterSocial media stars seem like having no regretTheir sacrifice of privacy and the unseen debt~"Woah! All those friends... Your life is prime"': He radiated his energy, gifts, and time'"Her baby, her beauty— She's the luckiest mom"': The 9 months were rigorous than a storm'
By Maryam Batool2 years ago in Poets
