Holiday
A Twist of Fate on a Midnight Train
It was during the summer of 2018 that Ana, a bright-eyed eighteen-year-old, returned to Brazil for her university studies. Her parents still lived in Europe, and she felt an overwhelming sense of homesickness in her first semester. Everything seemed daunting—adjusting to her new roommate, an aloof senior who barely acknowledged her presence, juggling the rigorous academic schedule, and adapting to the chaotic life in the student hostel. She found herself wondering how she would survive an entire year without seeing her parents. Adding to her woes, she had to endure the unofficially sanctioned hazing rituals of the first few weeks, which often left her in tears.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
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
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 HEART OF THE JUNGLE; THE ROAR OF THE TRUE KING
In a time long before humans roamed the earth, the jungle was a vast and vibrant expanse filled with a rich tapestry of creatures. Towering trees stretched high into the sky, their branches forming a lush canopy that filtered sunlight onto the forest floor. Colorful birds flitted about, chattering cheerfully, while small animals scurried through the underbrush, each playing their part in the great circle of life.
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
Maple Leaf Mansion Escape From Reality
With all the favorites nowhere around David headed north to the Maple Leaf Mansion, planted deep inside the Woodbine forest. Mature single fillies resided throughout the property, spending their time claiming things, not worrying about the truth. On this day, David, an American states man travelled across the border, wanting reward points he earned mare and square.
By Marc OBrienabout a year ago in Fiction
Lunar birthday
Commending a lunar birthday in Chinese culture is an old custom established in the lunar schedule, a framework that has directed Chinese celebrations, cultivating, and day-to-day existence for quite a long time. The lunar birthday, otherwise called "阴历生日" (yen lì sheng rig), frequently contrasts with the Gregorian date, mirroring the periods of the moon and bringing about moving dates consistently. This one-of-a-kind festival entwines crystal gazing, reasoning, and family values, representing an individual's association with the universe, predecessors, and individual predetermination. Here, we'll investigate the rich social implications, customs, and contemporary works on encompassing lunar birthday celebrations in Chinese culture.
By nadia khanomabout a year ago in Fiction
Colours and Trends for 2024!!
The world of fashion is always changing, and 2024 is no different. As we step into this new year, fashion lovers are excited to discover new trends, color palettes, and styles that will dominate the scene. In this article, we’ll explore what’s hot in fashion for 2024, focusing on the latest color palettes and emerging styles that everyone will want to wear.
By Mr.sharukhabout a year ago in Fiction
THE VEIL OF HALLOWEEN
The Shadows of HalloweenOctober 31st, and the small town of Willow Creek transformed into a realm of magic and terror. The air was alive with the whispers of ghosts, the creaking of trees, and the distant laughter of children.I walked through the crisp autumn air, surrounded by glowing jack-o'-lanterns and eerie shadows. The moon cast an ominous glow over the town, as if warning of impending doom.As I strolled down Main Street, a chill ran down my spine. The old Victorian houses seemed to loom over me, their windows like empty eyes staring back.Suddenly, I saw her – a ghostly figure in a tattered white dress, floating toward me. Her face was deathly pale, with sunken eyes that seemed to bore into my soul."Trick or treat," she whispered, her voice like the rustling of dry leaves.I tried to run, but my feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot.The ghostly figure drew closer, her eyes black as coal."Choose a door," she whispered, pointing to three ancient doors behind her.The doors stood before me, each one representing a different path.Door number one was old and rusty, with cobwebs clinging to its surface.Door number two shone with a golden glow, inviting me to enter.Door number three appeared modern, with a sleek design that seemed out of place.I chose the central door, the golden one.As it creaked open, a warm light spilled out.Inside, a room filled with cobwebs and decay.A voice whispered, "Face your fears."Suddenly, I faced my deepest fears: loss, rejection, and darkness.The room seemed to darken, the shadows closing in.But then, a light flickered.The room transformed into a warm, cozy space filled with loved ones.My heart swelled with joy.I realized that fear was just an illusion.And then, I woke up.It was Halloween morning.I realized it was just a dream.But the memory lingered.Was it just a dream, or a message from beyond?The line between reality and dreams blurred.And I wondered, what lies beyond the shadows of Halloween?Throughout the day, the dream haunted me.As I walked through the town, I noticed strange occurrences.People wore masks, but their eyes seemed to hold secrets.The jack-o'-lanterns grinned mischievously.And the wind whispered eerie tales.As night fell, I returned to my room.The dream still lingered.I decided to explore the town, seeking answers.Main Street was deserted, except for a lone figure.The ghostly woman in white."Welcome," she said. "Tonight, the veil between worlds is thin."She led me to an ancient door."The door you chose," she whispered, "was the door to self-discovery."As I opened the door, a bright light enveloped me.And I saw the truth.Halloween wasn't just a night of terror.It was a night of transformation.A night to confront fears.A night to discover oneself.And as the light faded, I found myself back in bed.The dream had ended.But its message lingered.I realized that Halloween was more than just a holiday.It was a journey into the shadows.A journey of self-discovery.And I knew that I would never see Halloween the same way again.
By Samuel Asamoahabout a year ago in Fiction
Pumpkinus. Top Story - November 2024.
Pumpkinus D. A. Ratliff Professor Rath gathered his students before the schoolhouse, his excitement as palpable as the apprehension he witnessed in their young eyes. His favorite event of the year was the night the children met the wizard of Halloween.
By D. A. Ratliffabout a year ago in Fiction
