Fable
Life Circle
My back-door neighbors disappear almost fully every summer. It’s a slow, patchy, green obscuration, courtesy of a tall persimmon tree next to the fence that separates our houses. Today morning, as I stand at the kitchen sink filling water in a small saucepan and look out of the window in the back, their seasonal eclipsing is almost at totality. Only an edge of their terracotta tile roof and part of the upstairs window remain. Come fall, the gaps between the branches of the tree, bending under the weight of many fruit, will widen. And, as I walk through the different levels of my house, I’ll start to catch glimpses of them again. An upside-down triangle view of their patio door and the periodic appearance of the man as he jogs in circles around his house. Or, of the lady sitting on the step with her back resting against the pale brown-pink walls, head tilted, and her eyes closed against the sun. I always feel a strange reassurance at their reappearance. We don’t know each other, but they’re part of a cycle I unconsciously track, and though I can never be sure of the shape their return will take, I still count on the little predictability it offers.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
A Tale of Love and Recognition. AI-Generated.
In the bustling city of Delhi, where dreams clashed with reality amidst the honking cars and crowded streets, lived Rohan, a dedicated software developer at a leading tech company. Despite his hard work and dedication, he often felt like a cog in a machine—unrecognized and undervalued. Each day, he trudged to work, hoping for a sign that his efforts were noticed, but those signs never came.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
Arjun and Meera. AI-Generated.
In the bustling city of Bengaluru, where skyscrapers stood tall and the hustle never seemed to end, lived Arjun—a dedicated software engineer who was always available. His phone would buzz with emails and messages at all hours, and he prided himself on never missing a call or turning down a request. This constant availability had earned him accolades at work, but it also led to a growing sense of burnout and discontent.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
The Art of Self-Love
In the heart of urban Mumbai, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant life, lived Aakash. A successful software engineer by day and a painter by night, Aakash had everything that seemed perfect from the outside. Yet, inside, he was constantly battling a sense of emptiness and an insatiable need for validation.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
The Echoes of Father's Love
In a cozy house nestled in the heart of Mumbai, a young girl named Ayesha grew up surrounded by love and laughter. Ayesha, the youngest of three sisters, was her parents' precious jewel. She was especially close to her Abbu, Imran, whose presence in her life was like a warm, constant embrace. Every Sunday, Imran would take Ayesha and her sisters, Zara and Noor, for delightful picnics in the nearby park.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
SOARING ABOVE, ROOTED BELOW: EMBRACING OUR GIFTS
Once upon a time, in a vibrant village nestled between lush green fields and shimmering streams, there lived two brothers—Fowl, a sturdy chicken, and Dove, a graceful bird. They were not just brothers by birth; they were the best of friends, sharing laughter and dreams as they explored the countryside together. Every day brought new adventures, filled with discoveries that sparked their imaginations.
By Sam Jethro about a year ago in Fiction
THE SHELL OF COURAGE
In a time long ago, in a lush and vibrant land filled with verdant forests, babbling brooks, and sprawling meadows, lived a community of animals that thrived together in harmony. Among these animals was a tortoise named Tulu, known for her kind heart and gentle spirit. Tulu was admired by all for her wisdom and patience, but there was one thing that set her apart from the other creatures: her soft, vulnerable shell.
By Sam Jethro about a year ago in Fiction
The Ritual
The river ran backwards on the day the Queen vanished. From morning until night. Nobody in our little village understood why. Frankly, nobody understood how a Queen could vanish. As in, disappear into thin air... She had many public appearances before her disappearance and was expected to have many more, especially with so many sporting events coming to the country.
By Hummingbirdabout a year ago in Fiction
LITTLE CHAMPION
Three-year-old Jack sat at the starting line, his eyes fixed intently on the finish line. His father, a seasoned runner, had brought him to the track to teach him the basics. Jack's chubby little legs wobbled with excitement as he prepared to take off."Ready, set, go!" his father shouted.Jack sprinted forward, his tiny feet pounding the track. The wind rushed through his curly brown hair as he giggled with glee.Suddenly, Jack's attention shifted from the finish line to a butterfly fluttering nearby. He veered off course, chasing after the colorful insect."Jack, focus!" his father called out, laughing.But Jack was too captivated by the butterfly's dance. He followed it around the track, completely forgetting about the finish line.As they finished their "race," Jack's father scooped him up in a warm hug."You may not have crossed the finish line first, kiddo," he said, "but you won something even more important.""What's that?" Jack asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes."You discovered the joy of exploring," his father replied. "Sometimes, it's not about reaching the finish line but about what you discover along the way."Jack's face lit up with understanding.Over the next few weeks, Jack returned to the track with his father. Each time, he'd start strong, only to be distracted by something new – a bird soaring overhead, a leaf rustling in the breeze, or a fellow runner's smile.His father never pushed him to focus solely on the finish line. Instead, they explored the track together, discovering hidden wonders.One day, as they strolled around the track, Jack's father pointed to a small, weathered plaque."See that, Jack?" he asked. "It's a quote from a famous runner: 'The real contest is always between what you are and what you could become.'"Jack's eyes widened as he read the words."What does it mean?" he asked."It means that the finish line is just the beginning," his father explained. "The real challenge is becoming the best version of yourself."Jack nodded thoughtfully.As the months passed, Jack's love for running grew. He still chased butterflies and explored the track, but he also began to understand the value of perseverance and self-improvement.One afternoon, as they prepared to leave the track, Jack turned to his father with a determined look."Daddy, I want to run across the finish line," he said.His father smiled."Let's do it, kiddo."This time, Jack focused on the finish line. His little legs pumped furiously as he sprinted toward the end.As he crossed the line, Jack beamed with pride."I did it!" he shouted.His father swept him up in a hug."You sure did, Jack," he said. "But remember, the real victory is beyond the finish line. It's in the journey, the growth, and the joy you find along the way."Jack grinned, already knowing that.From that day forward, Jack continued to run, always keeping in mind the lessons he learned beyond the finish line.Years later, as Jack stood at the starting line of his first marathon, he recalled his father's words.The real contest is always between what you are and what you could become.With a deep breath, Jack took off, ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing that the finish line was just the beginning.The crowd cheered as Jack crossed the finish line, his arms raised in triumph. Tears of pride streamed down his face as he hugged his father, now gray-haired but still beaming with pride."I did it, Dad," Jack said, his voice choked with emotion.His father smiled."You've always been a champion, Jack," he said. "Not just because you crossed the finish line, but because of the person you've become."As they walked away from the finish line, Jack realized that his journey had only just begun. The real victory lay beyond the finish line, in the lessons he'd continue to learn, the growth he'd experience, and the joy he'd find along the way.
By Samuel Asamoahabout a year ago in Fiction
