shortfiction
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Hannah, caregiving for her ailing mother Dorothy, endures the challenging demands of aging and unpredictable behavior. As Hannah’s own health deteriorates rapidly, Dorothy exhibits a strange renewed vitality and obsession with youth, seemingly aging in reverse. Tragedy strikes as Hannah passes, leaving her only daughter, Gemma, to uncover a terrifying family legacy.
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A parable about giving power to the wrong people, how they abuse it, and what the consequences are in the end.
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In a chilling narrative, the story juxtaposes the grim reality of a young girl trapped in a factory, leading to her tragic suicide, with the carefree life of a young woman in Los Angeles. As the red dress symbolizes both despair and hope, it connects their fates across time and space, culminating in a dance…
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In a tropical setting, two flamingos enjoy a serene day until an approaching storm disrupts their feeding. They struggle against powerful winds, eventually soaring into the eye of the hurricane. After being safely deposited in a new environment, they adapt to their colder surroundings, eventually laying an egg in their nest.
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Olivia watches a live cam featuring a rocky cliff and a seagull while taking a study break. Engaging in a conversation with another user, she reveals her double major in biology and quantum physics. The interaction leads to a casual exchange about their locations, interests, and a potential private chat.
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Not in the mood to read? Here’s an “Audio-Visual” story I’m working on. Images are “placeholders”, but the story, voiceover, and effects are mine.
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Marguerite, a Parisian spirit trapped in a mundane midwestern town, escapes to New Orleans, where she designs dresses inspired by French culture. Fascinated by her mysterious grandmother’s Parisian past, she decorates her home with antiques and dreams of love in Paris, though awake, she grapples with heartache and longing.
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Social media child influencer controlled by her greedy mother, When her beautiful hair falls out unexpectedly, her mother panics at how she will make more money.
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Leonard, a passionate vintage liquor collector, attends two estate sales filled with potential. He scores valuable bottles before heading to meet Lucia, a buyer. However, after sampling a rare white chartreuse, both he and Lucia suffer fatal reactions. It’s later revealed the liquor was poisoned, linked to a tragic family incident.
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Joey becomes involved with Delores, an older woman he meets while working at a bar. Initially, their relationship is based on material exchanges, but it quickly escalates to something more mysterious. As they attend a hidden ceremony together, Joey feels increasingly uneasy, sensing the ominous atmosphere surrounding Delores and the women present.
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In a harsh, cold land, a boy named Achak, born during a brutal winter, became a revered messenger at a young age due to his exceptional skills. After sustaining injuries while on a vital journey, he was rescued by a majestic wolf that transported him home, where he shared an important warning and received gratitude…
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Sylvia leads a group in a spiritual chant on a cliffside, surrounded by ocean mist. Among the participants is Betty, her old friend seeking personal transformation after rehab. After an emotional exchange regarding past mistakes, things take a dramatic turn.
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Silently, I sit. Eternally waiting for something, or someone, to happen. My thick-skinned, firm body, rests motionless. Self control is my strength. I move one eye, then the other. Nothing. Nobody. I am alone. Time passes, as it always does. Finally, I sense movement. A tiny leave shivers, ever so slightly. I dart an eye
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A musician recalls his journey from a vibrant life in Jamaica to a struggling existence under an awning in a Los Angeles strip mall. Despite years of touring and sending money home, he feels trapped and disconnected. Encountering a woman offering food triggers his resentment, yet playing his flute rekindles his spirit and sense of…
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In a dimly lit room, a woman lounges on a sofa, unconscious and under the influence. A man enters, eyeing her with a mix of pity and disdain. After observing her, he sets the sofa on fire and escapes into the rain-soaked alley, leaving behind the chaos and flickering flames.
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Desiree’s journey unfolds as she transitions from aspiring actress to living a seemingly luxurious life with husband Dean, marked by infidelity and neglect. Facing divorce and loneliness, she discovers a retreat offering community and support. Ultimately, she embraces a new beginning, recognizing the need for an exit plan from her tumultuous situation.
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In January 1989, Valerie navigates the harsh winter of Philadelphia while struggling financially from her entry-level library job. Seeking a better income, she interviews at a questionable day spa. Encountering Marie, the owner, Valerie grapples with the implications of a massage-related position that hints at flexibility but raises moral concerns about its nature.
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Eighteen-year-old Rene struggles to find a job as a waitress in a Boston café amidst the harsh realities of life in the early 80s. After a tumultuous first day, she encounters Joe, an older man who offers her protection and money.
Lost Art of Mystery 