“Papa, did you ever go into the attic to retrieve the decorations like I asked?” Linda’s voice cut through the hallway again, sharp enough to poke a hole through my last bit of peace. I rolled my eyes. How many times was she going to nag me about those damn decorations? 

*clop* *clop* *clop*

The sound of numerous horse hooves trotting along a dirt path could be heard among the many other sounds of village life. Among the mundane ambience of the village various merchants could be spotted advertising their wares which ranged from weapons, oil, healing elixirs, herbs and many more lucrative items stored away in the pack mules residing behind their owner. However of the countless merchants lining the sides of the street one stood out the most.

 It was skin prickling, chilly Halloween night. The kind of chill that makes cold seep into your bones at the very second you step outside. Goosebumps scattered across Martha’s skin as she got her son ready for trick or treating with his friends.

When Tim’s parents died his world fell into a black hole. He didn't know what to make of his life with a new reality. He felt lost, depressed and discouraged but suddenly there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Frantically stuffing the heavy duty construction garbage bag into the large plastic container, Julia dragged it into a dark corner of the basement, walked up the stairs and slammed the door behind her. Julia turned the brass key in the keyhole locking the door like she was a prison guard locking away the most dangerous killer on death row.

Sitting in the window seat, in deep thought Mary steered at the falling autumn leaves as they gently landed on the soft powdery snow. This time of year was always a difficult time for her because it was the time when she lost her mother to cancer.

Blandness. 

That's what Lucas was feeling as he watched his literature teacher express the admiration of his favorite piece of reading for the umpteenth time this month.

I dreamed of nothing and prayed for silence.

“Behold!” The stars rejoiced so brightly that they almost touched, the skies shimmered with infinite arrays of light!

The celestial witnesses that stopped time itself to recognize the beauty that would outshine any immaterial concept or any material reality that would occupy the heavens in appearance and purpose!

The footsteps of the Andomerian army echoed through the silent forest. As they approached the massive gates of Edgecrest, Sir Nigel, general of the royal army raised his torch high in the air. The troops marched on, extinguishing their torches one by one as they took their positions outside the city wall. A horn blew a dreadful note, and the city gate was broken down with a thunderous slam.

“Little Children Little Children beware for he watches you with a treacherous stare. Little children. Little misbehaving children take care of you must always be aware.”

A son is born, wheezing air out of his lungs as he struggles to breathe through the empty air. The woman, now mother who lays weakened by his conception on the plastic ground that surrounds her but not only her. The plastic surrounds all.

“I’ve had it, I can’t take it anymore!” I heard my mom yelling through my bedroom door. I don’t know how she wasn’t able to see it, it was right there. 

So, to sum it all the entire town including my family thinks I’m insane.

Norway Blu’s laughter rang through the campus library, a bright, carefree sound that turned heads. Her short ginger curls bounced as she closed her psychology textbook, and her warm, golden-brown eyes gleamed with unspoken secrets. At just five feet two, her presence was magnetic, as if she carried sunlight in her pocket.

Growing up in the projects was all 14-year-old Anna had ever known. The struggles, poverty, and violence were a daily reality in her neighborhood. But Anna was determined to break free from this cycle of hardship and create a better life for herself and her family.

She was a radiant celestial being, gliding gracefully across the vast expanse of the sky, her golden rays reaching out like warm, comforting arms to embrace the world below. They spoke of her as a benevolent queen, bestowing her light upon all living creatures with a gentle touch that brought life and vibrancy to everything in her domain.

Welcome to Night City. In this city, towering skyscrapers pierce the night sky, and bustling streets are littered with corporate drones, hustlers, and druggies alike. Everyone here is a puppet for someone else.  Everywhere you go somebody wants to write your ending.

The sun was settling over Eleuthera, shining light through the research center’s windows. I leaned over my desk, studying the strange carvings on a rock from a dig site. My curls had escaped their bun and covered my face as I traced the markings with my fingers. These symbols had haunted me since childhood.