Adventure
Relocated
There was nothing but this brown dust as far as the eye could see. Its dry, clay-like texture choked my senses. I would have sighed, but that would have meant sucking in a mouthful of whatever this crud was. And the air—don’t get me started on the air… all I could smell was excrement… everywhere.
By Alicia Anspaugh2 days ago in Fiction
The Lantern in the Fog
The fog settled over the village like a blanket soaked in silence. At first it was gentle, wrapping the streets in a quiet hush. But as night deepened, it thickened into something heavier, almost alive, crawling along the cobblestones and slipping into the cracks of every home. It was not the kind of fog that simply blurred the edges of things. This fog carried a chill that touched the marrow, a weight that pressed on the heart, and whispered doubts in voices that sounded eerily familiar.
By Sound and Spirit2 days ago in Fiction
Unclaimed
In Laceloom, even kindness has teeth. My office sat above a perfumer’s shop that sold bottled nostalgia to people who couldn’t trust their own memories. The stairwell smelled like bruised lilac and old smoke, which suited me fine. Down on the street, the city glowed the way a lie glows when it’s almost convincing. Lanterns hung from living branches. Cobblestones shone. Every passerby looked like they’d been sculpted by an artist.
By Aspen Noble2 days ago in Fiction
Dragon's Breath
Zorb checked the calculations on the dash as his ship zoomed through space. His controls went crazy as he entered the meteor field. Lightning appeared out of nowhere, striking the fragile ship. As the crew hit the ground, the instruments flickered as they dove into an odd planet. Its fields were green and lacked any bases. The strange planet seemed simple, and yet Zorb still kept his guard. The land was empty until a small creature, ridden by a new species, appeared. Zorb walked out of the opening wearing his galactic translator.
By Sarah Danaher2 days ago in Fiction
A Love Forboding. Top Story - January 2026.
The chipped stone slope caused unbearable footing. I slid, skirting on my heels. I cast my shield, relinquishing my guard to stay upright. Left with my double-edge and a prayer to the maker, I skated toward my objective. The earthly stubble gave way to solid ground. I found myself restored, a trail of dust in my wake.
By James U. Rizzi2 days ago in Fiction
After the Storm. Top Story - February 2026.
After the storm of winter snow there sat a small bear by the name Ted, of course. He loves the snow and likes to roll around in it making all sorts of trails and whatever he has a mind to do. He wondered where all the people are, but in a way, he is hoping that they are all snug in the homes maybe drinking hot chocolate-one of his favorite drinks with mini-marshmallows and eating something homemade for he likes this winter wonderland all to himself to romp and play and maybe even catch some fish down by the river.
By Mark Graham4 days ago in Fiction
Patriots. Expatriates.
The white china cup clattered against the serving plate as the train hit a soft bump. He stared glassy-eyed as the coffee within swirled. Mountains flitted by his window, their gray dominance only interrupted by the lush green landscape at their base.
By Matthew J. Fromm4 days ago in Fiction
The Sun Who Envied The Moon
Do you ever wish you were like someone else? Wish you had that dream life, that dream car, that loving family? I wish I was like the moon, she sees the real side of people, when humans are at their most vulnerable they turn to the moon like an old friend. People only talk to me when they’re “happy” but usually they are just faking it.
By Christian Sanchez4 days ago in Fiction
Greybridge
My name is Alden Rook. I am 17 years old and I’ve lived in Greybridge for all my life. My mom raised me all by herself along with me and my 2 siblings, and somehow made this strange city home. I'm dating a lovely girl named Mara Ellison. We’ve been dating for about 3 years now and I love her and wanna spend all my days with her. This city though isn’t a normal city, there’s rules, rules that nobody can explain but you just know like its a law. Everyone learns these rules when they turn 18, like they’re embedded in your mind. Nobody questions it, it's just how life is in Greybridge. Nobody in my family has ever been outside of Greybridge, you get the food inside the city, you go to the doctor inside the city, never outside. I’ve always wondered about what it would be like to leave this city, for something new, stretch my arms out like a falcon and fly away. I try to brush all these thoughts out of my brain, as I bike my way to Mara’s house. I turn 18 tomorrow and we planned on going to the movies and maybe grabbing a bite after, so I was ready for a fun night. I arrive at her house, as she’s sitting on the front doorstep waiting for me with her special outfit on. It’s got a certain glow that reflects off of her making her seem like an angel from heaven. “You look beautiful tonight Mara”, I tell her as she jumps into my arms with a crushing hug. Her brown eyes stare at me back and she utters a calm thank you. She hops on the back of my bike as we ride to the theater hoping to catch that new movie, before all the tickets are sold. We arrive, get our tickets, the very last two left: Lucky us, and get a drink and popcorn to share. She’s going off about how excited she is about the movie and all I can do is sit and admire her. Her dark black hair like ink flowing in the hair matched with her brown eyes light as milk chocolate. Matched with a smile that lights up this city with the energy it needs, she's perfect. We take our seats down in the theater and enjoy the movie. She's dead silent and laser focused on every scene, every character and by the end she’s going off about how good it was and all her favorite parts. I do have to agree the movie was pretty good, and I had a really fun time with her in my arms while watching. We biked down to our favorite restaurant, a little small owned business, where our first date was. We sit side by side instead of across from each other, and order our food, she gets the burger with fries and I get a cheese steak sub, my favorite from here. As we eat and enjoy the food, she tilts her head on my shoulder, her black hair spilling everywhere, and I feel at home. I feel like I could sit here all night with her and never get tired of it. Though eventually the night ends, and we go our separate ways, I drop her off leaving her with a kiss on the lips and bike home. On the way home I hear a scream, not a scared scream, a scream that echoes like your life is in danger. I rush out looking for the source and realize I rushed too far, I’ve stepped outside of the border.
By Christian Sanchez4 days ago in Fiction
