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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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.…[...]
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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…[...]
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🌙 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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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,…[...]
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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,…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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“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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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.…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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.…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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.…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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“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,…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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“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,…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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…[...]
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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,…[...]
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I’m in Love with my Sleep Paralysis Demon
I’m in love with my sleep paralysis demon. I’ve only ever seen him out of the corner of my eye. He freaked the hell out of me the first time…[...]
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The Girl of your Dreams
~~TW for death and mental health things~~ She reached for her drink and reseated herself – her thigh now just barely touching his. She handed him a Kleenex. “Thank you.”…[...]
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Diddle Diddle
“Pa! Bessie’s actin’ up somethin’ fierce!” The screen door slammed behind Tommy as his boots clomped over the linoleum floor in the big country kitchen. Ma sat at the huge…[...]
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James, Jimmy to His Friends
The nurse, making her rounds, peeks into the dimly lit room and gasps. She turns away and pads as silently down the hallway in her crepe-soled shoes as the cat.…[...]
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Merrily, Merrily, Merrily
CW: Mental health, horror The boat sped by, water sloshing onto his little makeshift raft. Jamie clung for dear life, fearful of the dark, tumultuous water. Only a few inches…[...]
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I Gave Him Soup
CW: kidnapping, physical restraint, and implied sexual threat So, I've just moved to the island. I'm in my fifties and a single woman. I thought I'd stay in the Airbnb…[...]
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Bella’s Determination-A Ghostly Encounter
PLANET EARTH-TWO DAYS BEFORE HALLOWEEN ROBERT HAYES It seems like she’s been stalking me for a couple of weeks now, following me around the Macy’s department store, where I work.…[...]
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The Fountain’s Last Drop
Long, long ago, the mayor of a small town was gifted a large fountain by an old couple.“Take care of this fountain,” they said. “For it can provide water to…[...]
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The Morgan Smith Case: Evidence
A Letter. April 10,2009 I called in sick this morning. I read something that said writing your thoughts down can help you navigate a problem. I’m not sure how much…[...]
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Revealing my Name
That was quite a ride. I’ve ridden along plenty of times, every time, for ages, but yesterday was different. It was… yeah, it was different. I’m Jinx. That’s the name…[...]
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Amy, the Boy with a Girl’s Name
It was a cold winter when I first met Amy—a boy cat with a girl’s name. “Amy” means beloved, but he didn’t look loved at all. He was curled up…[...]
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Crunch Time
CW: Physical violence, domestic abuse, animal abuse It began with a bang. No, not the fireworks, those finished hours ago. It was the kind of bang that makes you somehow…[...]
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Running away to Granny’s
Running away to Granny’s house. I remember Granny Norah’s thatched cottage with fluorescent red roses in the garden with the utmost affection. In fact, Granny's house was such a haven…[...]
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Today is a write-off
Content warning: References to drugs and metaphors of sexual violence(Super mild. You can probably handle it, I believe in you) *Clears throat and cracks fingers*Every time I try to “do”…[...]
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Sleep Therapy
*** Content Warning: Contains adult themes, sexual situations. *** Demons don’t sleep. Obviously. So, I work a more or less twenty-four-hour day, seven-day week, no holidays. I work while the…[...]
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