Romance Short Stories

Nine Lives

Content notice: allusion to fertility issues.First life: Dubrovnik, Croatia ‘It’s going to jump!’ Indi gasped. Alfie stopped her, one hand on her waist, other on her navel. She shivered. ‘Don’t…[...]

The Wrong Order

“Ooh, here we go.” Salvia’s hand brushed away some damp debris and leaves on the ground right below the tall sturdy elm that shot up and branched out to hug…[...]

Just Another Halloween

Just Another Halloween "Aaahhh!" I screamed, gaping at my reflection in the bedroom mirror. Why did I agree to do this? "You okay in there, Noni?" Juliana's impatient voice called…[...]

Ignis Ultionis

It was the night after Halloween. The autumn air was bitter, contrasting against the stars twinkling in the dark, clear sky. The moonlight illuminated the lone cat's black fur as…[...]

The Baby and the 18-Wheeler

It all started with just one more drink. But one became two, then three, until she was light-headed enough to know she shouldn’t be driving her baby home. It was…[...]

Gigi

I loved this time of year, when Gigi would come and stay with us from around Thanksgiving and through Christmas and into January! Gigi was my Great Grandma, Dad’s Grandma.…[...]

Monster Bar Brawl

Knowhere is the type of city that draws in the worst of the worst, we’re talking ghouls, ghosts and goblins. I am one of those lucky numbers, got a little…[...]

You Smell Like Grandpa

It wasn't long into the quiet November night that the craving suddenly and inexplicably struck. Cole had been passed out, feet dangling over the edge of his childhood bed, when…[...]

One Day Sale

ONE DAY SALE M. L. Rowlett AdultHoliday Short Story ONE DAY SALE A Short Story Robin was desperate, pulling into the last parking spot and checking the time. Not desperate…[...]

Thank You for Stopping

“Thank you for shopping at Marshall Fields,” she called after each customer. Her voice rang clear as a bell into the frigid Chicago night air, swallowed by traffic noise and…[...]

Faux-Ho-Ho

I never meant to impersonate Santa, but the situation escalated.This happened to me. A few years ago. In a MonstroMart or Allthings Depot or one of those stores where you…[...]

The Gathering

“I told you I didn’t want to go.”“And we told you to start getting ready an hour ago, Jimmy. Don’t make us late,” his mother says. Thirty minutes later, they’re…[...]

Esplanade

It was too warm outside to leave the pies on the porch the way Lillian would have back when the kids lived at home. She put them in the spare…[...]

A Forgotten Christmas

A FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS The empty stares hid the treasures of a lifetime.“These people seem like they want to say something but just can’t seem to remember what they want to…[...]

“Gift Me Not”

The holiday hustle was in full swing at the Super Center packed with shoppers buying gifts for the season. Just outside the entrance stood George, dressed in a soft, velvety…[...]

Fighting in a Winter Wonderland

Snow poured out of the darkening sky, covering the branches of the pine trees that lined Paul Mullen’s backyard. His floodlights illuminated the fenced in area, where Sam ran in…[...]

Aunt Maggie

The last time I saw my Aunt Maggie was New Years’ Eve, 1999. I had just turned 10 a few weeks before that, and Aunt Maggie had joined us at…[...]

The Old City Bar

Let me tell you a story that you won’t believe, even if I told it twice, in case you didn't believe me the first time. It all started at the…[...]

First Foot

The story I am about to tell you happened to me when I was about twelve – that awkward age between childhood and adolescence. It was a time before mobile…[...]

Memories of Blue

There had to be something unspecial about the fractals of snow that littered the yard, year after godforsaken year, one edge to the other of this godforsaken town. It was…[...]

Gravity and Entropy Always Find One Another

“Knock at my door, please.”The words trail on in my head repeatedly as I anxiously pace back and forth in an attempt to calm the surge of simmering energy within.…[...]

It’s A Wonderful Death

Thomas W. had been enjoying a lovely evening on the town with his wife when all of a sudden, they were accosted by a ghetto thug.“Gimme all yer money and…[...]

My treasure

Every kid growing up in our little village in the north of England has heard the story about the magic lake which, once covered with ice as the freezing winter…[...]

The Gift

CW: Contains strong language "Give me a sec. The McCarthy group was supposed to send over the TC7 form by 5. I just want to check if it's in my…[...]

Winter Wolf

The buildings along the street were the same silvery shades as the low banks of clouds above. Their faces revealed dark windows and funereal emptiness. The muddy, snow-slushy street glowed…[...]

Of Flowers and Frost

"May our love be everlasting." The voice of Lily Hopea's mother would always hum those precious words in her mind, taking her back to an amiable Christmas day spent with…[...]

Aunt Mira’s Pancakes

In this village, in a now largely lost world, it almost never rained in summer. A blessing for the spoiled city folk, a curse for the villagers here.“Eee-eee-eee! How can…[...]

The Biggest Feast

When I first met Eleni, we were at a dinner party in Chicago, inside a regal-looking gala space, celebrating the opening of the new play. I was a mere background…[...]

Chestnut’s Roasting

The audience waited in silent anticipation, knowing the lights would come up at any moment, revealing this year’s panel and the beloved host, Chestnut. “Action in five, four, three…” The…[...]

Coquito

CW: Heavy alcohol use “... Blasted coquito...” I groan as I hold my head. Oh yes, I could already feel the effects of the damned Christmas drink.Despite the effects, abuelita…[...]

The Quiet Work

I sat vacant, watching flames lick up our green dining room curtains. My Father and Uncle threw in slow motion, flinging water from a pitcher and a cup to douse…[...]

Holding the Temper

Bill set the double boiler on the stove and watched the water begin to simmer. Saturday morning, and he was tempering chocolate because his daughter asked him to make truffles…[...]

The Best Gifts Don’t Fit Under The Tree

Marley English had learned, at twelve, that growing up didn’t arrive all at once. It came in small recognitions, like noticing the way her mother rubbed her temples when she…[...]

Cookies for Santa

I leaned against the end of the stairwell, watching my mother guide my younger sister’s hand to stir the bowl. Flour dusted the countertops and Dakota’s curly hair, her giggles…[...]

A Thanksgiving Mishap

A Thanksgiving Mishap Once again I was asked to make my “yam casserole” for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. However, I don’t use yams, people! I use sweet potatoes. Yams are…[...]

Snow Cookies

“As the grey skies shed their first snowy tear, these snow cookies come only this time of year.” Charlie looked at his Auntie skeptically as she finished her recitation, hands…[...]

Pearly white and electric blue Christmas lights illuminated the main street, flickering in a slow rhythm. Endless minuscule snowflakes were drifting down the sky making the ground seem like it´s…[...]

Killing Christmas

I could hardly believe my ears when Steve Miller said he wanted to kill Christmas. Other than Ebenezer Scrooge, who would say such a thing? Most kids in Saint Francis…[...]

Wishing For A White Christmas

From: Colin McCallister <xmasluvr420@aol.comSent: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 11:07 AMTo: Santa Claus <jollybigred@realnorthpole.com>Subject: Christmas Miracle Dear Santa,I can’t believe that I found you online, I guess you have adapted with…[...]

Shredded Paper

It was the twenty-sixth of December, a day in which the world runs on rusted gears. There are certain requirements for this day: the wind must pick up, and the…[...]

Thank you for the gloves

It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark. The lingering winter sun rested lazily in the dulled sky. The streets had been plowed earlier that…[...]

An Idiot Gang Snow Day

An Idiot Gang Snow Day I was trying my quickest to put my snow gear on, which led to some mistakes that ended up in me taking MORE time instead…[...]

The Contest

Sunday, December 21st I was thinking about this week’s writing contest. The writing prompt I have selected is to tell a short story using journal entries. Immediately that sounds right…[...]

Why I Don’t Celebrate Christmas

I wasn’t supposed to open it.That’s the one rule everyone knows. You wait. You don’t peek. You don’t ruin the surprise with impatience. But when you’re twelve and the box…[...]

Liminal

There was a knock at the front door.“I’ll get it!” Moire called from down the hall.Just as well, Declan thought. He had been preparing to open the door leading into…[...]

We All Were, Ethan

CW: Physical violence, suicide, sexual content “Ethan, your mask.”Clara appeared at my elbow, holding up the black silk thing I had tossed onto the limo seat. I let her tie…[...]

HOUSE PARTY ROBBERY by Holden Wennekers

FOLLOWING: PHONE MESSAGES SEIZED DURING INVESTIGATION INTO HOUSE PARTY ROBBERY AT [ADDRESS REDACTED] ON 12/24/18, THIRTEEN DAYS PRIOR TO ARRESTS OF SUSPECTED ASSOCIATES. NAMES REDACTED (ALTERED PSEUDONYMS); INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING.…[...]

The Year of The Snake

The Chinese Zodiac has always been fascinating to me—the idea that whatever animal the year holds, its lessons will occur in oneself. This last year, 2025—the Year of the Snake,…[...]

I’ll Be Quiet Now

CW: Strong language: “What do you mean, you don’t want to go to The Kinks?”“That’s what I mean, stupid.”“I am, but so are you.”“Why?”“Because you don’t want to see The…[...]

Stone And Breath

The bells begin while Éva is still standing in her kitchen, holding a mug she has no intention of finishing. They strike too early, as they always do in the…[...]

Analise

On the fifth ring, Jonah picks up, finally. His mother has been calling for days, every attempt going unanswered. She’s been worried about him. He is a shy boy, her…[...]

Train of Thought

On the train/under the trainOn the train/under the trainOn the… “Have we met before?” Sophie pauses her inner train of thought to look round to the speaker of the question.…[...]

Hobbling Along

Snooze.Over and over and again, he pressed down on the snooze button. The couch wasn’t comfortable. For only a few hours, his face was pressed against the green cushions, emerald…[...]

Doing the Limbo

Doing the Limbo“Wake up, Meredith. I'm meeting Mark downstairs for breakfast if you want to join us. Then I'm going for a massage at the Vail Hythe Well and Spa.…[...]

The SSC

My heart was broken and I needed an egg. Partly because I’d run out, but mostly because I needed something to break so that, for once, I could be the…[...]

rum whispers

"MILK,EGGS AND FLOUR AND DON'T FORGET THE CHOCOLATE!!!" Mom's handwriting is surely a masterpiece,especially on this off white small piece of paper on which she wrote the ingredients for her…[...]

Vertigo Mountain

Shoes polished like rare gemstones, brand new shirt neatly pressed, hair washed and pulled back, I'm ready for my shift at Vertigo Mountain, otherwise known as the shit-show. I’ve heard…[...]

Taking Tillie to Bally’s

All convention aside, the grandmother we knew would have applauded the family’s decision to take her ashes to the place she loved most on Earth, especially now that Tillie is…[...]

The Power of Decision Making: My Life, My Power, My Choice!

I decide how my life gets to be; nobody else but me! These are my words I said; not in text but to myself - my deflation of greed, true…[...]

A Roadside

It was meant to be all so simple. A bus would take us up into the mountains. We would be dropped off at the trailhead, and then we’d start walking.…[...]

Fruitcake Season

Do you remember when your family was the center of the world and you didn’t question your role in it?December 1st generally marked the beginning of fruitcake season in the…[...]

Performance Anxiety

Performance Anxiety I wore my ecru lace dress with a burnout velvet evening coat and my lace Jimmy Choos. I wandered around my favorite park until offices started closing and…[...]

Saving Grace

In hindsight, it was clear that finding Tommy had saved her. Grace was adrift and nearly without hope by the time they first encountered each other. The air was cold…[...]

A Red Suitcase in Vonitsa

A Red Suitcase in VonitsaIt was one of those days when the midday shadows feel thick and heavy across the narrow alleys of the Mediterranean. The eucalyptus trees still held…[...]

Calennig

It was terribly cold; the snow fell softly, but determinedly, through the rolling, darkening Welsh hollows. This, the last night of the year, bore grim reminders for Eira. There were…[...]

Spirit Present

Spirit Present The air shifts in the office with the scrape of Jacob Marley’s chains sliding across the wood floor behind us. The gold box thumps down with a thud,…[...]

The Remembrancer

“First and foremost, we’re an experience company,” said our CEO as he meandered about the stage. “Meandered” was not the right word. Francis Echo did not meander. Francis Echo did…[...]

NIGHTMARISH CUSTOMERS AND CUNNING PLOYS TO STEAL THE OWNER’S DATA

The room and breakfast in Ferrara, in the Emilia-Romagna region, represent a category of structure as a guesthouse very clear in the description: it is an apartment with two or…[...]

On The Wrong Foot

Edie’s grandmother used to tell anyone who would listen that her family was cursed with bad luck. Edie was pretty sure the only true misfortune in her bloodline was the…[...]

Last walk down the aisle

The flight attendant looked up at them with a feeble smile.“You go first, Col,” said Liv, scratching her cheek.“It’s okay, sis,” said Colin. “We’ll see you in Greece. Thanks again…[...]

I Tried to Help, But I Ended Up Feeling Used.

I Wish I Didn’t Help Last week Sunday, I was already running late while getting ready for fellowship. My mind was on prayer, worship, and the message I was expecting…[...]

The Right Thing To Say

“You’ve always been so quick to say your opinions, Kamiyah.” Ma gives the navy beans a stir, running the spoon along the bottom of the pot, making sure none of…[...]

Excluded

She spent all of the days leading up to Thanksgiving planning and purchasing, preparing and packaging, developing a festive menu that would delight all the members of her family. She…[...]

Two Timing Poem

On the last day of January, the only snowy day of the month, I walked into my favorite sandwich shop. Waiting for me was my future best friend. We met…[...]

Happy Thanksgiving

Sam wanted to prepare Ashley for what he feared would almost definitely happen. But so far it’d been twenty minutes of driving without a single word, just a lot of…[...]

A Light in the Cold

A Light in the Cold A drop of tea leaped over the thin wall of the china cup and onto her walnut coffee table as she knelt to sit on…[...]

The Biggest Feast

When I first met Eleni, we were at a dinner party in Chicago, inside a regal-looking gala space, celebrating the opening of the new play. I was a mere background…[...]

The SSC

My heart was broken and I needed an egg. Partly because I’d run out, but mostly because I needed something to break so that, for once, I could be the…[...]

The Craving

cw: miscarriage This could not wait till morning. The craving came on so sudden and intense that resisting never even crossed her mind. For some reason Claudia needed fudge. Maybe…[...]

Forthright Thursday

8:45PM Thanksgiving Day – GLOVES OFF: My mother, Mary, and her sister Alice were engaged in a wrestling match on the dining room table. Aloysius – my father - and…[...]

The Counter and the Coal

Not even magical reindeer who fly are immortal, and Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen were tales of Christmas mornings that had…[...]

Ghoul

Time was an abstract concept to me. Images, sensations had fluttered past me in those brief moments of lucidity. I was in formation, spear in hand, listening to the emperor…[...]

The Undead Walk of Shame

Bottles clang against each other in the distance. The stench of liquor burns my nose. I open my eyes to see the legs of tables and chairs, some turned over.…[...]

Scared Thirst

04/05/2026The bat caves were insane. Thousands of them…hanging overhead, shifting and whispering to each other in the dark; a hive mind, alive and thinking.One of them dipped low enough to…[...]

What Remains of Us

A year ago, a virus spread through the world. Towns transformed into chaos, people doing whatever it took to survive. Hospitals were burnt down, buildings were destroyed, and once enjoyable…[...]

Last Man on Earth

Last Man on EarthJoshua sat with his back to the wall, every breath a wet, rattling pull through cracked ribs. His shredded clothes, saturated and sticky with blood from burning…[...]

Nuclear Winter Wonderland

The overlapping strands of fairy lights made the innocence of my infant years come flooding back. My guts cramped up from the bitter nostalgia of the sight. The comfort of…[...]

Days After

There’s a stranger in my home. She sits across from me at the dining table, ravenously devouring the food I cooked for her. My arms remain rigid, fingers tightening around…[...]

Finding Love in Times of the Scourge

“It’s Thursday, your turn to go shopping.” Tom flashed his usual sarcastic smile as he held out a pair of bolt croppers. “There’s a backroom to the store on Harding…[...]

April 31

Today is April 31. If you start on the 10th floor, the writing will make sense. The wall to the left of room 1001 is the beginning. Follow the numbers…[...]

Monsters

Shev reached up with her long arm, the one with the hand on it, to pick a fruit. The fruit was lumpy, but nutritious, with plenty of worms in it.…[...]

The Fugitive

Marcus woke suddenly to the loud clatter of beer cans banging together. The room was dark, and the clock on the bedside table read 2:10 a.m. He sat up and…[...]

Raging Hell Hole

We rolled up to The Raging Waters Resort in our van stuffed with kids and parents all possessing high hopes and grand expectations. This was our first mistake. The hotel…[...]

Slime

Georgie’s town had once been a lively little city with cars and commerce and corruption, but things started to change the day the mayor was taken from his office at…[...]

In The Shadows Deep Within

Thump Thump, I felt my heart beat quicker and quicker as the pain shot through my whole body. What has this human done to me? Why does my body feel…[...]

Mary

My rifle is getting heavier, and I’m not sure if it actually is, or if my body is getting weaker each day. It’s my dad’s .308 deer rifle. I only…[...]

Perfidy

(I am so sorry for the structure of this. This is my first time and I have no idea what I'm doing) “I’m starving, Erik, let’s just check out one…[...]

The Man Behind the Badge

I have five rounds in my magazine, which is not ideal when a horde of zombies is tearing into my makeshift gondola fort. The shrieking combined with the pounding of…[...]

Letters to Earth

[TRIGGER WARNINGS: Physical violence, gore, or abuse, suicide or self harm] My father used to write letters. He said they were “to Earth”, though at the time the concept was…[...]

Fifteen days with Cathy

Today is April 31.It's become a quiet rule to avoid saying “May 1.” It's the day the giant gastropods irrupted. The month of May begins with the 2nd. Some scientist…[...]