You inhale and sigh. You place your fingers on the temporalis muscle that twitches. And look at what’s in front of you. You’ve been taught to appreciate, to be humble. You know that a great effort went into making the meal. Not to mention the hard work of the farmers and delivery men who provided the ingredients. You want to run away. From the plate … Continue reading be good
Water splashes in sync with the creaking of boats. On the shore, children run, and adults do chores in and near the huts. “This river originates in the mountain where your ancestors are from.” “My ancestors, Grandpa?” “Yes. Those you never met, some even I never met.” “You? You know everybody.” “I might be older than you but, no, I do not know everybody.” “Do … Continue reading sail away
The sultry wind caresses her wispy hair as she steps down the gangway. Once on the pier, the local men, children, and women surround her, their hands extended ― some with cheap scarves and trinkets, some empty. She passes the buses waiting for passengers, who have paid to be taken to places with more hands before returning to the never-ending food and the towels folded … Continue reading a temple
“How many years?”“Thirty-three.”“Oh, my… But why?”“Why what?”“Why did you come back now?”“I’ve no one there. No job, either. My mom’s here. And my sister, too.”“Uh-huh. And how are you doing so far?”“Better than I thought I would, I think.”“You think?”“Yeah.”“Things are different from what you remember or are used to, I suppose.”“The sky’s the same.” For Friday Fictioneers. Continue reading comfort
The sound of an escaping breath wakes me up. I slowly open my eyes and notice the pale light. The curtains, which I’m sure I had closed before I went to bed, are wide open. A figure stands by the window. Its smooth face, which is shined by the moonlight, stares outside. I stay quiet and still. The figure sighs, turns its head towards me, … Continue reading a ghost
The rain pelts down on the remnants of civilization—reflections of flashing red lights, flyers with blurred words, and discarded paper wraps. Tall buildings behind the mist are quiet, windows dark.I cross the empty street.My head tells me to hurry, but my feet feel clumsy. I glance behind and see no one. Hear no footsteps. Only shadows shrouded in the night rain linger.The rain pummels harder.Thump, … Continue reading a ghostwriter
“Hello.”“Hello there. I’m just calling to let you know that I’m on my way.”“You’re coming to take him.”“Yes.”“Take me, too.”“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”“I don’t wanna be left alone.”“I know it’s hard.”“You’ve taken everybody.”“I’ll come back for you some other time.”“Don’t keep me waiting too long.”“You’ll be fine.”“I’ll have to be. Again. Alright. See you soon, Death.” For What Do You See #122. Continue reading a call
Yelling and shouting, I heard. Oh, I don’t know about what. I just saw the truck leave the driveway shortly after. I’d heard them argue before. They scream all the time. They don’t talk. They shout. One morning, I recall, she stomped out of the house, screaming, “I’ll kill you.” Then he came out, grabbed her, and went inside with her. The whole time, her … Continue reading a witness
They frowned, looked askance at me, and then spat the word out, turning away. “Weirdo!” My eyes widened and sparkled, the corners of my mouth turning upward. For Three Line Tales – week 304. きみ、変わってるよ。一番の褒め言葉だね。ありがとう。 Continue reading best compliment
I enter a gigantic, circular room and am surrounded by books.Walkways and a spiral staircase connect the shelves along the curved wall and disappear into the darkness above.I walk towards the tightly lined spines of books, my heart racing, lift my hand, and touch… For Friday Fictioneers – 8 October 2021 and Three Line Tales – week297. Continue reading virtual reality
What does nelkumi think? 