Top Stories
New stories you'll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
The Grisly Game. Top Story - October 2024.
“There was only one rule: Don't open the door.” I listened to Justin give the usual spiel for what felt like the four hundredth time this Halloween season, for the third year in a row to guests who had paid for the privilege of being lied .A. ll while I stood behind the bar preparing ‘eyeball martinis’ and tried not to roll my own eyes out of my skull. The pub wasn't even really haunted. I would have known. Never mind the fact that the ghostly ghoul in question didn’t exist, it had always irritated me that he was fundamentally wrong about the rules. When dealing with the dementedly deceased, or demonically disastrous, there are four rules. 1. Never open the door 2. If you do, remember to turn on a light 3. 3 knocks mean danger 4. Never make bargains or deals When the dead have been hunting you all your life, you learn the rules quickly. Though never quickly enough. The tour ended. We locked up. I made the dark and depressing walk to the Traymore family home, arriving just before 3am as arranged. Lawrence my long suffering confidant was there already, preparing. I ascended the stone steps to the front door and as I raised my hand to ring the bell, 3 loud knocks reverberated through the wood of the door ‘Don't open the...’ I cried out too late. Mr Traymore swung the door open and I felt the pain rip through my body as the spirit of the demon pushed through me. I held back a scream and collapsed into the hallway as the heavy door slammed shut; pushed by hands only I could see. The game had begun. Would this be the night my luck finally ran out? Would this be the night I died?
By Bessie Burns2 years ago in Horror
Writing Trauma and Grief. Top Story - October 2024.
I have just read a beautiful flash fiction – prize winning – Fearful Symmetry by Holly Barrett. (Here) It is about a complicated grief. Grief for a sibling never known, a family living with trauma. I have a lump in my throat that refuses to be swallowed.
By Rachel Robbins2 years ago in Writers
Such A Lovely Place. Top Story - October 2024.
Blue. The sky way blue. Not, as it would happen, an unusual colour for the sky to be. Rather, it was what one might expect. Though, Remi was surprised, nonetheless. For some reason, on that Tuesday, he felt the sky should not be blue.
By Alexander McEvoy2 years ago in Fiction
I’m Putting on My Nicest Boxers Today!. Top Story - October 2024.
It’s 9.00 a.m. on Monday morning. It’s raining hard. I’m outside the back door, coat on, hood up. I’ve got the blue recycling bin tipped up at a 45-degree angle and my head and shoulders are deep inside it.
By Brendan Donaghy2 years ago in Humor
I'm glad I waited until after high school to care.. Top Story - October 2024.
I would never call myself a fashionista, although if you asked my mom and siblings, they would say otherwise. I'm the one who quote on quote 'overdresses' for casual events and wears popular fashion brands. If it's possible, considering all the women in the house are different styles with some overlap in sizes, my closet and jewelry stash are the first raided.
By Alexandria Stanwyck2 years ago in Styled
Heavenly Seas Chapter Two. Top Story - October 2024.
Theo needed calories after the heavy dancing. Heath’s stomach rumbled so much he couldn’t read anything from the library. Calvin ate to get his mind off his frustrations. Heath didn't think much of the buffet. What could a devout vegan like him have to eat when there was an assorted selection of fish? Fish…the smell of them made him flinch. Didn't help that his big brother would taunt him with a big plate of fish and meat. His stomach churned at the crisp animal flesh.
By Chloe Gilholy2 years ago in Fiction
Burst. Top Story - October 2024. Content Warning.
Well well well, fancy seeing you here! I know it has been a few weeks since my last post but it's been a turbulent time as those of you who read my author's notes will know. This is what this 'blog' story is about. I have my diagnosis!
By ThatWriterWoman2 years ago in Viva
The ShambElla Saga. Top Story - October 2024.
Introduction I've long had a fascination with the transformative power of decay. I recall as a child walking the streets of my neighborhood here on the East Side of Indianapolis, as I still do to this day. Indianapolis is what I've heard some describe as a "Swiss Cheese Ghetto". The East Side, especially, has some swanky gentrified communities nestled in between trash-ridden and crime-riddled neighborhoods. One can hear gunshots a few blocks away while they pay for their venti pumpkin spice latte!
By C. Rommial Butler2 years ago in Fiction
Taking Root. Top Story - October 2024.
Remembering how our first introduction was me trying to hold your hand and you throwing french fries at me, how I watched you fill the dining area with your giant smile and let your uncontrollable laughter fill my ears and heart,
By F Cade Swanson2 years ago in Poets
