Excerpt

"The Healer’s Burden: Faith, Legacy, and the Weight of Divine Gifts"
The Healer understood her gift far better than the Apprentice ever could. To be *Blessed* was not about skill or effort—it was simply *being*, carrying a selfless faith so profound that it shaped the world without intent. Though she healed with her hands, sometimes the Divine intervened, mending what mortal ability could not.
By Nasir Khan8 months ago in Fiction
The Thirsty Crow
Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by green fields and dense forests, there lived a clever little crow. His feathers were glossy black, and his eyes shone like tiny beads. He was known throughout the village for his wit and intelligence. While other birds would often act foolishly or get into trouble, this crow always managed to find a way out of tricky situations.
By Muhammad Naeem8 months ago in Fiction
Eid ul-Adha.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Eid ul-Adha Eid ul-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the two most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims across the globe. The other is Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Eid ul-Adha commemorates the profound act of obedience and devotion exhibited by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) when he was willing to sacrifice his son as commanded by Allah (God).
By Krypton 8 months ago in Fiction
Of Chaos and Consequence. Top Story - May 2025.
Consequences, mapped, spread, and stretched across the chaos they so deftly served in their given time, are ordered by unseen forces. We grasp at straws to find reason and rhyme, some semblance of "the why" when the seemingly random shatters our steady ground.
By Paul Stewart9 months ago in Fiction
Echoes of the Brave
The wind whispered through the pines, stirring the mist that clung to the mountain’s edge. Seventeen-year-old Lira stood alone on the cliffside, staring into the vastness below. Somewhere in that silent, sweeping valley lay the answers she had come for—but more than that, a version of herself she hadn’t yet met.
By k zarmal9 months ago in Fiction
Restoration. Top Story - May 2025.
The healer’s hands glowed slightly as she moved them over the child’s head. Her fingers danced in the air, matching the rhythm of her humming like she was playing an instrument. Her dress was a pale blue, and she wore her hair tied back in a low bun, safely out of her face. She was spotless, despite the blood on the boy’s face.
By Alexander McEvoy9 months ago in Fiction
Hunger
Hana sat in the kitchen, a cool breeze laced with fragrances from the rūtos and daffodils below rolling in from the open window above the washbin. She stood on the chair watching over her grandmother’s shoulder as she rolled the potatoes reduced to paste for the cepelinai.
By Matthew J. Fromm9 months ago in Fiction
The Camel and the Fox
A tale of mischief and clever revenge Once upon a time, in a desert near a green village, lived a camel and a fox. They were not the same kind of animals, but somehow, they became friends. They often went out together in search of food and fun.
By Imran Khan9 months ago in Fiction
The Power of Fiction: Escaping Reality to Understand It Better
Fiction is often seen as a realm of imagination, a universe of made-up worlds, characters, and events. At its core, fiction is the art of storytelling—narratives not bound strictly to facts, but rather to possibilities. While it may appear to be an escape from reality, fiction has always played a significant role in shaping human thought, culture, and empathy. From ancient myths and fables to contemporary novels and short stories, fiction continues to influence how we perceive the world and ourselves. One of the greatest strengths of fiction lies in its ability to transport readers to different realities. A novel can take you to medieval kingdoms, futuristic cities, or the mind of a misunderstood outcast. This journey into the unknown does more than entertain—it builds empathy. When readers engage with fictional characters, they experience emotions, struggles, and perspectives different from their own. Through the eyes of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, we explore justice and racism. Through the voice of Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale, we confront issues of gender and freedom. Fiction allows us to feel what it’s like to live another life, and in doing so, it deepens our understanding of the human condition. Moreover, fiction acts as a mirror to society. Writers often reflect the political, cultural, and social realities of their time, disguised in narratives that captivate and provoke thought. George Orwell’s 1984 was not just a dystopian novel—it was a warning against authoritarianism. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart told the story of colonialism and its impact on African identity. Fiction enables writers to criticize, question, and even rebel against the world around them without direct confrontation. The symbolic and imaginative nature of fiction gives it power: the power to speak truths that are hard to hear. Another compelling aspect of fiction is its role in personal growth and creativity. For many readers and writers, fiction serves as a form of therapy—a way to process trauma, dream of better futures, or explore “what if” scenarios. Writing fiction allows individuals to channel their emotions, experiences, and fears into narratives that give meaning to their inner world. Reading fiction can do the same. Research has shown that people who read fiction regularly tend to have stronger emotional intelligence and better interpersonal skills. These benefits come not from the plot itself, but from the act of engaging deeply with characters and their emotional journeys. Fiction also plays a central role in education and intellectual development. Stories are one of the earliest ways we learn about morals, history, and society. Fables teach lessons about honesty, kindness, and courage. Historical novels bring past eras to life, making them more relatable and memorable than textbooks. Science fiction challenges readers to think about ethics in technology and the future of humanity. Fiction thus becomes a bridge between knowledge and imagination, facts and feelings. In today’s digital world, fiction has expanded beyond books and entered multiple formats—films, web series, graphic novels, video games, and virtual reality. The core remains the same: storytelling. Whether it’s Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, or a gripping Netflix drama, fictional narratives dominate popular culture. This popularity is a testament to our need for stories. Despite advancements in technology and science, humans still crave connection, wonder, and meaning—needs that fiction fulfills brilliantly. However, fiction is not without its criticisms. Some argue that excessive immersion in fictional worlds can detach people from reality or create unrealistic expectations. Romantic novels, for example, are sometimes blamed for fostering idealized views of love. Action and fantasy genres can promote escapism over real-world action. But such concerns highlight not the flaws of fiction itself, but rather the responsibility of readers and writers. Fiction should inspire reflection and creativity, not delusion. When engaged with critically, fiction can enhance—not replace—reality. In conclusion, fiction is more than just entertainment. It is a vital form of expression that bridges the gap between reality and imagination. It enables us to explore different perspectives, confront complex issues, and understand ourselves better. Whether read for pleasure, insight, or inspiration, fiction enriches the human experience in countless ways. As long as people seek to tell stories and to listen, fiction will remain a powerful force in literature and in life.
By Sabrina 9 months ago in Fiction
When Dreams Remember
Elira had always felt the quiet pull of something just out of reach. It began in dreams—glimpses of a place she had never seen. A field of golden grass beneath a violet sky. The haunting sound of a melody carried on the wind. A boy with storm-grey eyes who looked at her as if she were the only thing that mattered.
By Kaleem Ullah9 months ago in Fiction
What Happens to Your Body if You Walk Just 20 Minutes a Day, According to Doctors
Walking is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise—yet many people underestimate its power. You don’t need intense workouts or expensive gym memberships to improve your health. In fact, research shows that walking for just 20 minutes a day can lead to remarkable changes in your body, from boosting heart health to enhancing mental well-being.
By Niranjon Chandra Roy9 months ago in Fiction
Angel Number 1116: Meaning and Significance in Your Life
Do you get an ‘ah-ha’ moment when a number appears often? You might vent your problems, and then the number shows up. It gives you a soft reminder that you are not alone. You learn to trust your gut and see the guide in front of you.
By Badredine Djali9 months ago in Fiction