Romance Short Stories

The Void

The world is a blur of black, like someone smeared ink over my eyes. All I hear is the screeching of the train, metal grinding against metal, a sound that…[...]

The Foolishness of Men

The Cut The brightness of the Haitian day brought spray sparkles flying outward splattering the aquas of the waters. Peebo picked the conch shell up from the bilge still eyeing…[...]

Sock Baby

The Lawyer just sent me the bill, three hundred dates of a bad time. She charges 300 an hour because she’s not the greatest lawyer – and I probably should…[...]

Dead end

"Wait."I pause and slowly, carefully turn back to him."Stay a little more"His request is a plea addressed to me, in the garden that was our temple for a few minutes.…[...]

Luv Me For My Ambition

They tried, they tried so hard. I know life throws us melons, but at times we catch it like it’s apples. There’s a person at the moment who is looking…[...]

The 13th Colony

He hadn’t seen this corridor since the last time they let him free, and that had been months. The concrete hall that separated the free world from him and the…[...]

Awaited Rescue

CW: Physical violence, kidnapping 1.The boat moved out slowly despite the strong winds and high tides. It sailed away from the land, dwindling away with his only hope of being…[...]

Half a Heart

We were born two, but we only ever lived one life.We learned young how to pass the body back and forth — like trading a coat in a doorway. One…[...]

A Gift in the Blackwater

Dev had never felt such cold. The air seemed more frozen than the wintry landscape he looked out on. He had never experienced snow before, and yesterday’s knife-sharp winds and…[...]

The Faster I Go, The Farther Behind I Become

He chased success as if speed alone would bring him closer to it. He filled his days with tasks, his nights with deadlines, and his heart with pressure. Yet, with…[...]

Chosen

DELIA The Collective. This is where those who have nowhere else to go end up. Those who can no longer fit into society. Those whose minds have been destroyed by…[...]

CW: Physical violence, racism, apartheid BLACK AND WHITE South Africa 1975It's dark. Not inky-black, you understand. Just city-dark; the darkness of stone-shattered streetlights.I can still see the road, stretching wet…[...]

Wherever You’re Going

“Next stop is Union Station.” Lauren loved taking the train. It was her preferred means of transportation, even in college. She enjoyed waking up early and boarding the train before…[...]

Those Who Refuse to Lay

The exception is the babies. Babies are snacks for lots of things – even birds of prey. Silty was an old bird waiting for a pension check from the San…[...]

Kweli

Contains references to a past assault involving a weapon (not graphic). The gun rises and his chest knows what comes. Hands on the track. Fingers spread, searching for something solid…[...]

Prism Walk

It was getting dark between the houses as we rushed through the borough for the last time this week. The shadows hiding in the concrete pavement came to life beneath…[...]

Tyrone the evader

Leonard squinted at the clouds and sniffed as a few light drops spattered his ruddy nose. Brooding — but he reckoned he still had a few good hours yet. Behind…[...]

Maybelle’s Cook Room

CW: Mature themes and mild sexual contentIt was hot in the cab with the plastic covering over the back seat here in the tropics. I guess I can’t really call…[...]

IS IT LOVE

He did not know he was hungry until the hunger had a name.For years, love had been a word Jonah used loosely, the way he used fine when people asked…[...]

Egusi soup and the hunger to begin again

The plate had sat empty for a while before Anna finally noticed it.It was on the small kitchen table, white ceramic with a thin crack near the rim, clean except…[...]

Alyse’s Special Recipe

The first thing Alyse did was turn on the lamp over the sink instead of the overhead light. It was early enough that the kitchen could still pretend it wasn’t…[...]

The Ronin Team Challenge

“What y’all, good?”Click.“What-at’s, go-od, chy-all?”Click.“Yo…” Mike could only utter one syllable before breaking into uncontrollable snorting.“Mike, you are never doing the intros again,” Ben sighed. “Take four,” Cameraman Dajuan yelled.…[...]

Love Potion Number 242

They call me Pepper, short for Pepperpot, because I's a black cat with a lil white patch on my chest, like the spoon mark you does see when someone take…[...]

🌙 A Witch’s Funeral

Six days after her mother’s murder, the elder women of the family argued over who would get the liver. White-haired and silver-eyed, they surrounded the rosewood dais where Shai and…[...]

A Day’s Outing

A Day’s Outing Golly, I can’t believe she’s still lying in bed. Not great judging by the open bottle of tranquillisers on her side table. How on earth is she…[...]

Little Stranger Danger

My syndrome may be down, but my alert is always up! That's what I told Big Mama to let me walk to work. I am always, and I mean always,…[...]

Perhaps in a Life Elsewhere

#Describes a character with oligodactyly/ polydactyly. Less or more than 5 digits (fingers in this case) While not a disability, might be sensitive for some. Kamsi stared at the book,…[...]

Apartment 328

I always joke around and say that my life is a movie, but at this point I need Spike Lee. It's 4:45 pm, I know that I need to ring…[...]

90s Fine

Word Count: 2718 “Your neighbors are here,” the host said.She leaned in so close to Lola’s shoulder that Lola caught the sharp, citrus bite of her cleaning spray.Lola glanced up…[...]

The Gig

LaLa DeVille2,518 words Imani didn’t miss the stage.What she missed was the half-second before it—the moment when your name hasn’t been said yet, and your body hasn’t decided whether it’s…[...]

Mother Wound

The Contract This is not what I signed up for - to spend my life translating someone’s suffering into love. They say before we are born, we choose our own…[...]

ALMOST LOVE IS NEVER ENOUGH

Almost Love The first warning sign was how quiet everything felt.Not peaceful, quiet in the way a house feels after someone has moved out but left their furniture behind. Abena…[...]

If Romeo Read The Bible

(Note: This story contains sensitive language and mentions self harm.) When you're locked up, the ways you can pass time become limited. Restricting access to positive entertainment and outlets to…[...]

A Taste of Home

I rarely ever called her. Not because I hated my mother, but because I couldn’t bear the pain that came with it. Seeing her face on Face-time, or hearing her…[...]

When The Avocado Tree Dies

Her hand trembled as she poured the boiling water into her mug. As she dropped a teabag into the mug, the rooibos teabag turned the water into a deep red-brown…[...]

Allergic to Coffee

I’ve worked in coffee shops and in several restaurants where everyone was enjoying a cup of Swiss Mountain blend, or Mocha Java, or any of the fifty million other named…[...]

Culpabilité

“”By Valerie Fowler Set in the 1990s when home phones hummed, goodbyes took their time, and calls lingered in dead air before letting go. Pastel dawn nudges night from the…[...]

Exploration

“You know, every time I come back into the room, you’re hitting that delete button. Are you getting any work done?” I ask, setting my mug of coffee on the…[...]

What We Never Said

The soft glow of morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Ayana’s childhood bedroom, casting long, golden streaks across the familiar floor. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as…[...]

Love Without Losing Myself

Sometimes Love Isn’t Enough “Sometimes the hardest lesson is learning that love alone cannot save us.” The scent of jerk chicken mingled with laughter and the clamor of taxi-horns. For…[...]

Go To Her

Since I didn’t know what to expect at the Hotel Oloffson I dressed respectful of island custom in long pants at night and a better quality cotton shirt. By the…[...]

Tasha’s Story

Tasha’s Story As Tasha placed her phone down on the bed, she felt nothing but happiness. She had just spoken with her boyfriend, and he had some things to do…[...]

Benjamin Franklin and his runaway slave named King

I was told this story about Ben Franklin, you know the American guy with the string and kite. This was years ago when I travelled over East to the town…[...]

Moon Landing 2026: Sequins in Space

The Crew2026, and humanity has decided to revisit the moon. But this time, the mission is not just about science — it is about style, inclusivity, and proving that history…[...]

The Woman in the Mirror

As Ashley stood in front of the bedroom mirror, she began examining the woman who had quietly turned fifty-seven. The warm glow of the bedside lamp softened the faint lines…[...]

Here.

Text Message- 6:42 pmHereDelivered Text Message- 6:47 pmI parked on the streetDelivered Text Message- 6:47 pmI didn’t want to take your spotDelivered No response Missed Call- 6:49 Voicemail (0:27)“Hey… I,…[...]

Move

The air inside was warmer than it should’ve been, like the house had been holding its breath and finally let it out when I stepped in. My footsteps echoed louder…[...]

The Heart Posture for True Love

Vikie and Tonya have been best friends since they were 5 years old. Their parents always told them that when they got older, they would become wives and have a…[...]

Wishes

Krystal, 25 I treated myself to some M&M ice cream with caramel sauce for paying my credit card bill and my student loan bill on time. It was also my…[...]

Humanity: Is It Me or You?

CW: Emotional distress UmmHumanityIs It Me or You? Is it me or you?Remind me. Is there something wrong with me?I’m going to admit it now.I’m not gonna hide behind the…[...]

Pawnshop & Prejudice

“Was I born only to be unloved? As soon as they see my skin—” The boy’s thoughts were interrupted by the rope tightening around him, cutting into his arm. “Still…[...]

“The Girl Nobody Came Back For”

Envy Leeown learned how to measure time by abandonment. Not in minutes. Not in hours. But in how long it took for hope to start hurting. She was ten the…[...]

Words Made Things Stay

Today is April 31.I write it the same way every morning. Even though the days don’t move like they used to and no one is checking. Even though the numbers…[...]

DO YOU REMEMBER HIM? A POLICE NOTIFICATION AND MEMORIES COME BACK

On March 6, 2026, a notification from the state police arrived at the apartment in Centocelle, in a small and quiet street close to the main street of Via Castani.…[...]

Misunderstood

The bell rang, and Room 12 settled into its usual hum—pencils scratching, chairs shifting, quiet whispers floating like dust in sunlight. In the back corner sat Eli, small for his…[...]

Stress Test

God slid his glasses down the bridge of his nose and let out a heavy sigh. The celestial conference room was white, almost sterile, with a large glass table in…[...]

In the kitchen of Madame Noro

In THE KITCHEN OF Mme NORO The house was smelling very good. The delicious odor emanated from the other room. It was apparently the kitchen after a glance at it.…[...]

Just a Sky

The first time the train came, I thought it was thunder.I was standing on my back porch, staring at a sky so clear the noise felt like a mistake. But…[...]

The Sun’s Great Descent

The only thing I can manage to do in this moment is look at the sky, at the sun, at that over-encompassing plaster of color, and grand, imposing ball of…[...]

The Day I Opened My Eyes… and Everything Was Still Black

They say that when I was born, I opened my eyes and saw nothing.Black.That’s how they tell it, like it was a tragedy, like something inside me had failed before…[...]

Colored Central

May 2001, Central High School Tuscaloosa, Alabama, AP Stats "You should definitely stay put," said Janiyah. "Why would you change and then risk getting the wrong door?" Mr. Nade had…[...]

Color Thief

Mid-day. Soldier of Rovasanvic, named Arcstat woke up in a world where there's nothing to fight or protect. He got up and went to the washroom. His sister called him…[...]

426: Fade to Black

426: Fades to Black While in a coma, I dreamt about things that had happened on this date throughout my life; although I didn’t know it was a dream, it…[...]

Flow the Names the Sea Remembers

Children born after the Deluge laughed when elders spoke of roads that stayed still. They ran across pontoons and solar decks as if the world had always shifted underfoot, as…[...]

What Survives Being Measured

The ground had forgotten how to give anything back. It held its shape when she pressed her heel down.The town called it a drought, like naming it made it simple.…[...]

Not Yet

In the Edo and Yoruba traditional archives, a god rules the deep ocean floor. Not by will, though, or by want. Olodumare the Ultimate spoke, and that was all it…[...]

The Calligrapher

Nora hated Brighton Mall. She wanted to go home as soon as she stepped on the grounds. She had moved her shop from her home at the request of her…[...]

Foley’s Follies

Pre-AI-flashes of light emanate from the half dozen compact discs suspended by ribbons of multiple lengths and colors hanging from different branches of the venerable pepper tree in front of…[...]

Foley’s Follies

Pre-AI-flashes of light emanate from the half dozen compact discs suspended by ribbons of multiple lengths and colors hanging from different branches of the venerable pepper tree in front of…[...]

Trails of a Garden Past

I still remember the first year Grandma decided she couldn't garden anymore. In truth, the decision had been about four years overdue, but a shock to the family nonetheless. Back…[...]

No more laundry.

It's a mortuary fact that dead bodies should not be buried without a banana. Most of the dead people around our town drink too much coffee and spout their mouths…[...]

The Last Man Kneeling

(*warning; Implied racism and mentions of slavery. *) THE LAST MAN KNEELING The man in the painting was nameless, but he knew three things for certain:1. He was depicted kneeling…[...]

Wrapper

Before I even saw your face, I had the wrapper picked out. It was made of crimson Ankara, adorned with golden flowers outlined in black. I had others, of course…[...]

Stoker

FROM THE SIDELINES I don’t belong here. Sometimes I feel I’m the “EYE” that’s watching and at times I can’t tell the difference. Nothing makes sense anymore. Not the memories,…[...]

The Little Moth that Could Not Fly Anymore

Trigger Warning- SOME LANGUAGE and SUSPENSE lis ahead! Blood! Lots of blood! If you are squeamish- you might want to read something else! Inspired by true events. Please, enjoy! “The…[...]

“Now You See Um!”

CW: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Cannibalism Hear ye! Hear ye, all young and old! What you may read here is incredibly bold. God made me write this. I believe in God,…[...]

Tooth Decay Jack

In loving memory of a mum who wrote poems that turned monsters into teachers. On the night before the dentist, Ellie dreamed of castles. Not the grey stone and moat…[...]

Bump

By Christine Heriat 1. “Oleeever, you can’t hide from me,” it said, with a voice sharp as a squeaky door. The bed’s legs bumped against the wooden floor. Oliver groped…[...]

Goodnight, Eugene

Living under a bed was entirely too cramped, Eugene thought to himself. He often bumped his head, and it was impossible to keep the dust out of his fur. Sometimes…[...]

Death’s Child

The first child that Death came to claim was unlike any other. She was born in a time before children were taught to fear Death and she stared up at…[...]

My Name is Monster

Struck by lightning, I respond, "I'm more alive NOW than I was ever!" Ron seems incredulous, looking at two me's. One on the ground, one glowing with an azure blue…[...]

The Big Bad Wolf’s Perspective

The forest is the only home that I have ever known. I lived in it and do tend to it often. I truly have tried to keep it tidy and…[...]

Christmas at Tinsel Town

Trying to find a gift during the Christmas season can be a daunting task, but when you’re twelve and trying to buy your mother the perfect gift with your own…[...]

Into the Woods

Nocturna had been basking in solitude for five years, tending her garden and conversing with the birds and insects when she hears something crying. Occasionally, hikers or kids on a…[...]

“Out of the Woods”

Michael had always been the dependable one. The one who showed up early, stayed late, and never asked for much. He was the friend who listened more than he spoke,…[...]

Prayer of the Mantis

Trigger Warning- Mild Sexual, Drug, and Mature Content lies ahead, and, oh yes! Nudity.Genesis 2:8-9 KNJV-8The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man…[...]

Silvermoss

“Mum, Mum, get up! It’s championsday,” the young mouse screeched,as she ruffledher mother’s tiny pillow, demandingher out of bed.“Morning then, Missy,” The greyer and much less bouncy mouse yawned as…[...]

Crickett Finds a Secret Gate to Fairyland

Crickett is a tri-colored Corgi and her full name, which she loves telling everyone she meets, is Crickett Elizabeth Turtle Hobson. She lives with her parents in a nice quiet…[...]

Becoming Baba Yaga

Between two mountains, there lay a sleepy village surrounded by a great forest. The villagers whispered the secrets of the wood to each other as they went about their daily…[...]

What Dreams Can Do

Lieutenant Barrington “Bear” Stryker’s DA-42 starfighter dropped out of hyperspace, and he shouted, “Hal, dark mode, STAT,” as he lowered his helmet. Immediately, every single thing that emitted heat or…[...]

Code

October 1-- Program is working great. I have downloaded all protocol using a complete list of commands and has responded with a complete accuracy of the return commands. We are…[...]

Limerence

Ronald was lying in his bed. It was 2:20 AM, he checked a minute ago.He never would’ve thought that googling the meaning of a word that he half-heard in a…[...]

The Summoning of Astaroth

A sudden bang causes Lucy to jolt up in her bed. Her wide eyes scan the dark room. Lucretia St. Germain had always kept her room tidy. Despite the lack…[...]

Falling in Love

FALLING IN LOVE (1317 words) He looked as forlorn as a greyhound’s tail. He didn’t care. Not caring had become like breathing, the oxygen of despair. His head was uncovered…[...]

Worth of a Duck

Doug’s webbed feet paddled vigorously through the clear blue water of Averdale Pond. He huffed and puffed, the wind whistling all around him. The fragrance of dirt hung in the…[...]

Old Salt

His lone green eye stares out upon the boundless sea. There's a ship on the horizon. Every day the ships bring him new treasure. He licks his wrist, his tongue…[...]

Instructions to Mariners

I was drowning in deep waters, waiting to be rescued. Or rather, I was waiting for someone to come and rescue me. Someone to see me sinking in the dark…[...]

Between the Waking and the Dream

Mara hadn’t slept in three days.At least, she didn’t think she had. The lines between waking and dreaming had blurred until her mind became a broken clock—ticking, rewinding, skipping entire…[...]

Living The Dream

Time to wake up.No, that’s not right, Jay thought. I’m already awake... I think.A giant whale floated through the sky as he opened his windows to let the cool morning…[...]

What Talks Back

Fred was always a talkative sort. Ever since his first word, “me.” When that was the only word he knew, he chirped and burbled over and over, “me, me, me,…[...]