Top Stories
New stories you’ll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
Fate Train. Runner-Up in The Runaway Train Challenge.
Sarah smelt ammonia. The putrid aroma tickled her nose as she jostled her body onto its opposite side, frustrated that the harsh smell was disturbing her sleep. This blissful nap was the best rest she’d had in months, years even. Facing a different direction, the smell abated and slowly she was rocked into another REM cycle. The inertia of back and forth was constant beneath her. The movement was so soothing, it was an invitation into total relaxation. Sarah wasn’t ready to wake up. The last few weeks had been nothing short of exhausting.
By Dana Stewart2 years ago in Fiction
I Felt Something Cold and Squishy Stuck to My Butt Cheek in Bed
I spend a lot of time in bed during the course of a normal day. For starters, I’m in it for 7–8 hours each evening while sleeping. Then, I sit on it for much of the day doing my writing with my laptop and my comfy little lap table. My daughter just got me that for Father’s Day and it’s a game changer. It has a little beanbag padding on the underside of it. Stellar Father’s Day gift for a writer.
By Jason Provencio2 years ago in Confessions
Taking a Step in Knowing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Towards the end of April, in the year 2019, I learned a lot about myself. I learned more than I thought I would, learned about my mind and why the things I thought happened the way they did. I came to understand why I was so different from the kids I grew up with, why I always felt strange and alien even as I pretended I was "just like every other girl."
By Brittany Miller2 years ago in Psyche
1983
The year is 1983, and I am going to turn thirteen in November. It's the third of June. I have already seen Return of the Jedi five times. I am proud of this fact, at this critical time in my life, as it is currently three more times than my best friend, Kale. His name is actually Justin, but like me, his folks are Portuguese, and it seems like every meal is kale this, kale that. So, I just call him Kale, “Kale of the Kale Family, The family who eats kale.” He doesn’t seem to mind being called “Kale,” and I let him call me “Flinch,” somehow that describes my nervous, distracted nature better than “John.” Life is simple. School and friends and movies and video games. Speaking of games, Kale and I are supposed to be going to see War Games tonight.
By H.G. Silvia2 years ago in Fiction
Where I Used to Vacation Has Become My Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
For more than twenty years, I’ve been in and out of the Florida Panhandle. From New Orleans to Panama City, I’ve lived in all of the cities along the Gulf Coast at one time or another. However, I keep coming back to Pensacola, Florida.
By Crystal A. Wolfe2 years ago in Wander
Five Superheroines Worthy of their Own Movie
Superhero movies are a staple for Hollywood big blockbusters now. But after over a decade, it is only now female heroes are finally getting their own spotlight films. Wonder Woman was the first and now has two films, Captain Marvel shortly followed with her sequel on its way and Black Widow's film was released during the Covid pandemic. Each film has been praised and criticised for various reasons, but they do bring a powerful message about equality and encourage young female fans to the genre.
By Craig Arnott2 years ago in Geeks
What’s Your Smile Hiding?
Twelve years ago, my kids and I attended a birthday party for one of my son’s classmates. It was held on the family’s farm, in the shearing shed. Kids were running around screaming and having fun. It was a simple spring day: nothing exceptional, nothing to keep this event fresh in my mind.
By Kelly Sibley 2 years ago in Humans
You're Letting Your Hypocritical Friends Walk All Over You
I'm the survivor of a hypocritical friendship. I got out of the friendship before I too turned into someone I didn't like or couldn't respect. And I exited once all my faith this person cared about had vanished beyond return.
By Ellen "Jelly" McRae2 years ago in Humans
How to: Turn Your Life Around
My mother once told me depression didn't exist. I was a nine-year-old developing mixed feelings about the world while growing up with parents screaming and throwing plates at each other. Hence, the depression I suffered at the time and many years after that. By the time I reached high school, I had found people with similar family issues. There was no denying how messed up we were due to all the trauma thrown at us.
By Sunshine In the Storm2 years ago in Motivation
Three Stops. Runner-Up in The Runaway Train Challenge.
The first thing Arthur noticed was that his leg had stopped aching. A botched surgery nearly thirty years ago had left him with a twinge in his right knee that persisted every morning when he awoke. But now he felt only smooth leather seats and a thin carpet under his bare feet. The pain was gone.
By Addison Horner2 years ago in Fiction