Phantalament
(joining of phantasm & lament) the sharp disappointment of realizing you weren't in another world... you were only reading
It all made sense now. The perfect ambushes. The timely attacks.
It was him.
He'd been playing me all along.
Betrayal pierced me as I stared into cold blue eyes. Regret, disgust, and hurt warred inside me, battling for dominance.
But on my next breath, another emotion burned those down to ash, leaving nothing but resentment.
"Why?" I whispered, my voice quivering with ire.
A cool smirk tilted his lips as he watched me fall apart. His icy eyes gleamed like he'd been waiting to deliver this blow since the beginning.
"You wondered once how villains were made." His tone was like smoke; light with a touch of dark. It pained me to hear the familiar tenor. Only this time, there was a subtleness of cruel satisfaction. "It's because one self-righteous person presents themselves as a hero, and suddenly, their sins are forgiven." He paused, staring at me with an expression so harsh, I'd never unsee it again. "But anyone with a different sense of justice- who challenges their edicts- becomes labeled villainous. Tell me, would you still see me as evil if my name were spoken with awe and admiration? Or would you recognize them as lies?"
Fingers trembling, I flipped to the next page in haste, needing to learn Amira's fate, only to discover it was over.
"No!" I groaned and plopped onto my pillow, covering my face with the book.
Each passing second brought me back to reality, and a sharp ache settled deep within my heart.
About the Creator
B
I have a few stories and poems inside me that I want to share. Maybe, if I'm lucky, they'll reach people who'll enjoy them. 📖
Wild Card Weekend Recap: What Happens Now?
I think I figured out why I love Wild Card Weekend so much. It's because it's the first playoff anything of the calendar year. The NFL season starts in the fall, and once upon a time, the champion was crowned either on or slightly before New Year's. The evolution of the NFL schedule has resulted in the playoffs starting just into the New Year, and currently, the final week of the season falls on the first weekend of the New Year, with Wild Card Weekend coming a week after that. So yes, chronologically, the NFL's Wild Card Weekend serves as the first playoff anything of the calendar year.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsa day ago in Unbalanced
Comments (18)
Quite the application of a word! Not only give a definition, but let us experience it first hand! Belated congrats, Brin!
This is really good writing! very engaging. Great 1st person voice. Good luck with your book;)
I feel like I spend my life in this constant state. Actually, that's not true - only certain books. When I do get phantalament, it's like coming out of daytime nap in the sun. All woozy and a little disoriented!
How did I miss this, what a fantastic word!
As usual... I'm behind the times, reading stories from previous months...but they don't go stale! I can see why this placed in the comp... Phantalament is a great word & meaning... I regularly experience it... it's so sad to farewell such good friends & fun places etc.
Wow 💯 Interesting. Im interested
This was stunning...so relatable...and well done on this placing, again apologies for only getting to it now. I'm so delighted you got some recognition for your awesome work, Brin!
This was freaking amazing, Brin!!! You had me lured right in, and I felt every letter of your word spelled out all over the page. I know I've experienced phantalament sooo many times. Excellent work, congratulations on placing in the challenge, my friend :)
I was on the edge of my seat when your story ended!
Ha! Spot on. We definitely needed that word. Congratulations on placing 🥳 Now I just need to think of a word for when you don’t enter reality and live most of your life in your head, as if you are in a book 😂
Yayyyyy congratulations!!!
Great word and excellent writing!
Congratulations on the runner-up win!!!
You're a magnificent storyteller!
Cool concept! Cooler story!
Omgggg I was so immersed in that story and really wanted to know what happens next but you brought me back to reality! And now here I am, phantalamenting! Loved your word and story!
Cliffhangers! The bane of every following week (or whatever interval the serial takes).
Fantastic!!! Loving it!!!