A. J. Schoenfeld
Bio
I only write about the real world. But if you look close enough, you'll see there's magic hiding in plain sight everywhere.
Achievements (9)
Stories (96)
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Lost to the Darkness
There was only one rule: don't open the door. In case we forgot, it was secured shut with a rusty old padlock with no key. But, we never considered opening it, not after seeing the terror in Grandpa's eyes when he told us not to. We knew there was evil enclosed in that cellar.
By A. J. Schoenfeldabout a year ago in Horror
In Your Life, I Love You More
The cool Spring air wafts in through the sliding glass door as the sun drops lazily behind the purple mountains in the distance. I wrap a soft quilt tight around the tiny boy nestled in my arms and he nuzzles dreamily into my shoulder. He's been fussier than usual tonight; his first night without his Mommy. My heart swells with satisfaction that he wants me to cuddle him. He wants me, his awkward teenage aunt, not Grandma, not Booga. It's probably because I sound just like Mommy to him. But whatever the reason, I'm more than happy to indulge my sweet little nephew.
By A. J. Schoenfeldabout a year ago in Families
Run, Little Girls, Run
When I was grown up I wasn't scared like this. But today I'm small again, a little girl just six years old playing with my best friend Jess, her sisters, and mine. It seems like a typical summer day with the sunlight streaming through the front window and bathing the five of us in warmth as we laugh together with our Barbies spread out around their living room. But my heart is pounding in my ears, my mouth feels dry, and the little hairs prickle along the back of my neck whispering to me of unseen peril. I try to focus on the fun we're having, but I can feel the danger lurking close by.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Fiction
Let the Whispers Lead
Rays of sunlight streamed through the green canopy above me, bathing everything in a soft welcoming glow. A gentle breeze fluttered through the branches kissing the back of my neck with its welcomed cool touch. I could hear the leaves whisper to me as they rustled in the wind.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Fiction
The Colors Of My Dragon's Scales
I saw her as the most stunningly beautiful creature imaginable. Graceful in her movements, confident in her melodic voice, with bright shining eyes that could captivate your soul. She stood out from the ordinary creatures around her; the sunlight dancing across the rainbow jewellike scales along her back. When she spread her pearlescent wings wide, the world would stop and stare in awe. I had the fortune of growing up in the shadow of those wings.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Families
Cheerleader
The crack of the bat echoed through the crisp evening air as Lexi watched the softball climb high into the sky. Years of practice and instinct kicked in, propelling her forward. Before she even realized she'd begun running her feet hit the rubber mat at first base. Despite her heart pounding in her ears as she pushed herself to run faster she could hear the roar of the crowd cheering her on. But somehow above all that noise she could hear one voice clear as day.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Families
Words of Love. Top Story - March 2024.
The filtered sunlight bathed the room in a warm glow befitting a lazy Sunday afternoon. A brown haired girl about eight snuggled a small ball of white fur from her perch on the black lava rock hearth. Nearby, a tall lanky man with a full dark beard stretched across the dark brown shag carpet, resting his head on the bottom of the olive green couch. A curly brown haired woman sat in the Naugahyde rocking chair in the corner, a book splayed open in her hands, as she filled the air with a tapestry woven of words written decades before.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Writers
Worth All the Hurt
My chafed and cracked nipple shrieks in pain as I pull my heavy swollen breast from my nightgown, exposing it to the sharpness of the cold night air. His tears cease and mine begin as I place the nipple in his waiting mouth. He gulps eagerly pulling the milk through my throbbing, clogged ducts, oblivious of the excruciating pain it gives me. I press my free hand against the side of my breast massaging the hard lump that is blocking the flow. The skin is hot to the touch and the pain deep inside my breast tissue burns with such intensity it makes me nauseous. I want so much to stop, but he needs this. So, I close my eyes against the searing pain, continue to massage the clog, and wait for this to pass as my tears pour down my cheeks.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Families
Blizzard Of Tears. Runner-Up in Snow Micro Challenge.
Snow falls softly, in a gentle blanket all around us. The world is quiet and serene. I could sit here forever and watch as the snow obscures the shadows and shapes of everything. There are no sharp edges in this world, the snow has softened and rounded them all out. There are no bright colors, the snow has turned everything white. There are no cars driving past or people racing about, the snow has driven them inside to hide. There are no sounds interrupting our thoughts, the snow has swallowed them up in silence.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Fiction
Safely Home
As we leave Grandma’s house the snow packing the roads makes the tires of the truck slip and my heart climbs a little higher into my throat each time. I look at Dad behind the wheel in the seat next to me. He smiles at me encouragingly as he turns onto the freeway. As we approach the point of the mountain, I feel the back of the truck wiggle precariously behind us. I might only be ten, but I understand all too well how dangerous snow can be. I lost my cousin four years ago on a night like this and ever since I have secretly been terrified of riding in cars in the winter. Again, I look over at Dad and see his strong jaw isn’t clenched in nervousness, his knuckles aren’t turning white from the strain of holding the wheel. He actually appears completely relaxed. He glances over to me long enough for his eyes, full of love and reassurance, to meet my own. My heart stops pounding and the knot in my stomach loosens. No longer terrified, I am now able to enjoy the beauty of the silent blanket that is covering the world around me. I watch the flakes fly at the windshield like stars streaking past a rocket ship and enjoy the remainder of the ride home. Finally, after nearly twice as long as it normally takes, we pull into our driveway. Dad got us safely home and I now know he always will.
By A. J. Schoenfeld2 years ago in Fiction
