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)
Filter by community
The Coffee Shop
Peter always needed to trek across town if he wanted to enjoy the welcoming feeling he got when visiting his favorite coffee shop. No matter the traffic conditions or the weather, he felt the trip was always worth it. The joy Peter felt when he learned the local company was opening a new shop in his neighborhood was indescribable. There would be no more sitting in traffic or hunting for a place to park. In a matter of a few short weeks, he would simply walk down the block to his new home away from home.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
SSSSnake
“Well, kids, today is a great day to learn about humans. The first thing you have to learn is that they are more afraid of us than we are of them. Let me show you exactly what I’m talking about. I’ll just poke my head up through the space between the boards and watch how the people react.”
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Humor
What to Believe?. Top Story - October 2023.
You probably won’t believe what I’m about to tell you, and I can’t say that I blame you for being skeptical. Really, with all this disinformation floating around the web, it’s hard to know what’s real. For example, did you know Elvis is alive and living in a trailer park outside of Vegas, and how about all those pictures of Bigfoot? If it’s on the internet it must be true, right?
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
Un-Haunted House
The high-mileage car sputtered, bucked and coughed before giving up the ghost, stranding its occupants. Kevin, Marsha, and their two kids sat quietly for several minutes, trying to decide on their next move. The family stared out of the car windows at what looked like the set of a Hitchcock movie. A full moon illuminated the leafless trees lining the windy driveway, which led to a dilapidated Victorian-style house. It sat atop a hill, commanding the surrounding valley. None of the family were sure if it was the crisp October night air or the creepy surroundings that made them all shiver.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Horror
Personal Connection
The steady rhythmic beep, beep, beep of the monitors attached to Ida’s body lull me into a semi-conscious state. I cradle her hand in mine, absentmindedly rubbing her wedding ring with one of my fingers. It’s strange how the mind works. I sometimes have trouble remembering what I had for breakfast, but even after sixty years, my memory of the day we met is as vivid as if it were yesterday. I know it’s the same for her because of a recent conversation.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Humans
Treasure
A fade of spectacular orange hues announces the approaching night. The tide has ceased its retreat and will soon follow the moon’s command to invade the shore. I am here at every low tide, rain or shine, in daylight and darkness, combing this section of beach, hoping the sea will return what it has stolen.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
The Doctor Won’t See You Now
Am I being cynical? I’ll leave that up to you to decide. My point of view may be jaded because I’ve lived through changes that have brought us to what is now called Modern Medicine. It’s true that technology has transformed how people are being cured and that is amazing. However, is that all medicine is about?
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Longevity
Let’s Make a Deal
As I look back on the events of the last three days, I still can’t believe how fast my life has spiraled out of control. Everyone says a deal is a deal and once made, there is no going back. Most times I would agree, but let me explain what happened and see if you understand why I must renege.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Horror
A Beautiful Thing
It has it all! The design incorporates sleek aerodynamic lines. The smoothly crafted body includes functional air scoops that feed a ravenous ram-induction power-plant. Fit and finish are flawless down to the micro millimeter. The interior, constructed of soft Corinthian Leather and brushed chrome, radiates luxury. However, there is no doubt in the observer’s mind that functionality has value over all else. Completing the package is a seven-speed, paddle-shift transmission, wide road hugging run-flat tires, and adaptive suspension.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
The Minstrel
Kings, Queens, and nobles of all ranks love a good minstrel show. The common folk travel for miles just to watch me sing and play my lute. Draw bridges are dropped, so I may perform for the lord of the manor. No one denies me access, and no place is off-limits to me. It is a far cry from the way they treat me when my true visage is revealed. Of course, by then, it’s too late.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
A Brief Conversation
Eight-year-old Billy sat on a counter stool in the local diner where his grandfather worked as a short-order cook. He was finally tall enough to eat his pie at the counter instead of sitting at a booth. In Billy’s mind, this shift of location signified a rite of passage. Truckers, factory workers, police officers, and even men in suits sat at the counter discussing grown-up things. Now he could at least be close enough to hear what they talked about.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Journal
