Hopeful. That’s the word. We’re so hopeful when we meet someone. Things are good. Quirks are cute. Minor annoyances are just minor — after all, why let small things get in the way? They’re great! They’re amazing! They’re… Human. With flaws, yes. That’s fine. But they’ll work on it, right? For me. For themselves. Everyone […]
It’d been just a bit over three years since the Great Blinding, when the entire world suddenly became unable to see for no reason. Doctors, scientists, and religious zealots could find no explanation for the event, and though there was a drastic period of adjustment people eventually came to rely on their other senses. Until […]
A salesman, their manager, and the CEO of the business found themselves on the same flight after a business convention. The CEO, happy to have landed several new deals and trade agreements after the convention, upgraded both the salesman and manager’s flights to first class so they can sit with him. Both of them were […]
Hey you. Teen me. It’s me. Older you. Almost 30, but not quite. A decade’s more time and experience, but I am the person you will become. You’re about to start on a weird section of your life. Or at least, it’s going to take you to places you didn’t know you’d go and put […]
The string snapped past his cheek. The eleventh arrow of the day THWOCK‘d. The zebra’s head jerked to the side, and its bloodied body seemed to finally relax. Zuba exhaled, then extended his legs and stood up. His thigh muscles protested predictably. The tracking had been long. The zebra had taken ten arrows and kept […]
Prompt: truth, friendship, love, purity, peace Truth then, or at least the closest approximation: Love is friendship given without ration, A purity of emotions exalted in relation, Transcending when one sees with pupils in dilation, A state of being declared without need for citation, Achieve a sense of peace with enduring duration.
“I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel like something I want to read.” Claire was confused at Doyle’s obstinance. “But why?” She wanted to know. “I don’t agree with what he’s saying or implying. It’s all flawed.” Claire sat down with Doyle, who seemed to ignore her by immersing himself in his book, Lost Winds. […]
“What’s that?” The sentry noticed his friend bundling up something reddish in the torchlight. “Fresh strawberries, just picked them in the afternoon.” The second sentry was gently tying up the bundle. “Lorraine said she liked them.” “Celestials be damned, Nolan, you’re still thinking about that girl?” The first sentry stamped the butt of his spear […]
“I sincerely apologize, Master Ji, it’s… my first time paying for protection,” the owner put the crinkled red envelope on the table with two trembling hands. “You are new. I understand.” Ji chewed deliberately. He dug the toothpick into the last piece of mochi and left it there before pocketing the envelope. The owner bowed […]
I forgave you thrice; The right thing to do. The mistake? I’m too nice. Three times and we should’ve been through. You never learned From mistakes one, two, or three. So I got burned (But honestly, that’s on me). I don’t slip into regret Because they’re memories of fondness. But you better bet You’ve hardened […]
Monadic Storytelling 