Mark Gagnon
Bio
My life has been spent traveling here and abroad. Now it's time to write.
I have three published books: Mitigating Circumstances, Short Stories for Open Minds, and Short Stories from an Untethered Mind. Unmitigated Greed is do out soon.
Achievements (1)
Stories (451)
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Lesson Learned
There was only one rule: don’t open the door. The rule is posted on the door in big bold letters. Of course, instead of scaring everyone, it had the opposite effect on curious children. There was one child braver, or more reckless than all the others. He was the one that Marlon, as leader of the commune, had to find a way to make him understand what was at stake. Scolding didn’t work, making him stand in the corner was ineffective, even a swift kick in the butt was only a temporary fix. Within the next day he was poking around the door latch again. As a last resort, Marlon decided to try logic.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Horror
Solve the Unsolvable
The river ran backwards on the day the queen vanished. Not just one river, but every river of information needed to flow in reverse. As head of intelligence, I had access to multiple rivers of information and right now they all needed to flow to the same location, the Queen. My team and I had to work backwards, scouring every potential piece of evidence hoping to find our Queen. Without her at the helm the country would fall into chaos. Only Queen Tyce possessed magic powerful enough to control her evil brother Lord Erebus. Her sudden disappearance must be connected to the dark lord. I just needed to discover the link that would prove his involvement.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
We Hate Halloween
There was only one rule: don’t open the door. It’s only for one night of the year. “There is no reason we can’t control our urges for one freaking night, right folks. We have 364 nights to reign terror on the world, but not tonight. Tonight, we must remain calm and no matter what happens or who comes knocking, that door stays closed. Understood, everyone?”
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Rules Ain’t for Me
There was only one rule: don’t open the door. It was a simple rule, clear and easy to understand. Everyone involved in the experiment was told what the rule was. What they weren’t told is what would happen if anyone opened the door. Why would anyone need to be told about the consequences opening the door would bring? Everyone involved was an adult. They all volunteered to participate in the research and were being paid well for their time. All that was required was follow the rule and keep the door shut.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
To My Headless Stalker
Dear Headless Horseman, I have decided to write you this letter because every time we get within speaking distance you try and cut off my head. I know that the jack-o-lantern you carry with you as a replacement for your missing head has no functioning eyes so maybe you can talk one of your undead friends with working eyes to read it to you. This is my last attempt at a peaceful resolution, so I hope it works.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
An Open Book. Top Story - October 2024.
I meandered along the twisting paths that weaved between trees and shrubs, flower gardens and Koi ponds all of which comprise our splendid city park. Every ray of sunshine burst into a rainbow of color as it struck the grass coated in morning dew. All my senses sparked to life as I drank in the beauty of this perfect day. Days such as these are what make life worth living, or so I thought at the time.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Mr. Wannabe
One bright summer morning four-year-old Dennis bounded into the kitchen and announced to his parents that he wanted to be a cowboy when he grew up. His father rose from the breakfast table, shook his head, and replied, “Good luck with that son,” then grabbed his lunch box and headed off to work at the factory. Understanding that every young child needs support and encouragement, his mother told him that he could be whatever he set his mind to.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Criminal
Stranger. Top Story - September 2024.
The word hospital comes from the Latin word hospes meaning guest or stranger. Patient comes from pator, another Latin word meaning suffer. It makes sense that by placing the two words together the result describes a place where strangers that are suffering go for care. Logically, it was precisely where Remi belonged. He had been in town for less than an hour, so he qualified as a stranger, and he was suffering. It was a pain that started in the depths of his soul and radiated through every cell of his body. Maybe, possibly, hopefully, he could find relief in this place of healing.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
You Believe Me Don’t You
“You believe me don’t you, Mitch? Sure, I may have left out a few small details about things that have happened in the past, but I would never intentionally skip anything pertaining to something this important. The police have shown you the video, and you’ve talked to some witnesses, so you must know I’m telling you the truth. I mean, what good is having a lawyer if he doesn’t believe you, right?”
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Criminal
100
It’s been five days since I’ve heard a live human voice. I don’t count the voices on the TV or radio. I can’t have a conversation with them. My AI companion doesn’t count either because it lacks the spontaneity true person to person interaction generates. No, this isn’t what I had imagined in my youth.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Longevity
The Return . Top Story - September 2024.
Walter swore once he left his hometown he would never return. Just thinking about the place ignited a flicker of rage that was difficult to control. There were no special memories that made him long for the good old days because there were no good old days. All his recollections about life where he was born involved growing up poor, other kids always picking on him in school, and never having a single person he could call friend.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
