Psychological
A Halloween Eve Horror Story. Content Warning.
Angel thought of her brain melting in her skull as she stared at the microwave that hummed and spun in a warm yellow radioactive glow. Inside, popcorn danced, and salty butter permeated the air. It was Halloween Eve, quiet and drafty inside the dark but sophisticatedly decorated interior of the Castevets’ cabin.
By Samantha Almeida2 years ago in Fiction
The Symphony of Manipulation
Synopsis Accusations of ingratitude often provoke a dramatic performance from manipulators, who resort to an array of psychological tactics to maintain their control. From frustration and guilt-tripping to playing the victim and spreading complaints, each reaction is meticulously crafted to exert pressure and elicit compliance. This article unravels the common reactions of manipulators when their expectations go unmet, shedding light on their intricate web of emotional manipulation. By understanding these tactics, we can better equip ourselves to navigate and counteract such behaviours, maintaining our emotional well-being and autonomy.
By Rafael Fiuza2 years ago in Fiction
2026 The War of the Americas
"Where is Mrs. Platt?" The Seal again barked at Dom. Dom's mind reeled as he sought to provide an answer that would satisfy. He knew that if he told the soldier his wife was still in the house he would insist on a rescue attempt, and very likely would succeed. Dom was sorely tempted to do just that as it would result in what he very much wanted, Sylvia with him as they fled Mexico. However, she had told him she wanted to stay, that she needed to stay. He knew in his heart that she might never forgive him if he did not give her that chance. And, he knew, that ultimately she was right. She could do much more good for the war effort from behind enemy lines then with him safe in America. Having made up his mind he replied "She's dead." The Seals eyes widened "What? Are you sure? Are you one hundred percent certain?" The tears still in his eyes over the death of his two beloved dogs likely helped him sell the lie as he replied "Yes, I am certain. All she was doing was trying to stop the dog. She made a move to block him, and the Mexican soldiers just opened fire. She was shot multiple times. In the head and the body. No one could have survived. She is dead. Let's go." The seal radioed to his team that he and Dr. Platt were on the way out, back to the RIB. He instructed them to provide covering fire if needed and prepare for immediate departure. They both turned and raced down the long winding stairs to the beach as quickly as they were able. They faced no resistance and quickly reached the bottom, where sat the waiting RIB along with the four other SEALs that made up the extraction team. Dom had never even seen them until they were almost on top of them. Their camo was expertly crafted to the environment and their movements so precise and practiced they appeared as if ghosts out of the sands of the beach. They had all embarked onto the small boat when the first gunshots rang out. The sands of the beach exploded all about and rained down on them as the boat raced away at full speed. They heard shouts and a few bullets that whipped by their heads much too close for comfort though fortunately none found their mark and they were out of range within moments. Dom worried about any Mexican patrol boats that might be launched to intercept them from the Coronados. He did not know that the SEALs had already closely reviewed intelligence data on the islands from US spy satellites and concluded their was no real threat. The few small boats the Mexicans kept there were not fast enough or well armed enough to threaten the SEALs especially with US close air support launched from San Diego or the many US Navy aircraft carriers in the region only minutes away if needed.
By Everyday Junglist2 years ago in Fiction
The Female Serpent
From birth Viper had been quite beautiful. She screamed mightily from her tiny lungs, announcing loudly her advent into an unknown and cold world. Who had dared to drag her from the warmth and comfort of her warm womb, she challenged anyone to slap her innocent behind as a welcome into a stark and sterile room.
By Novel Allen2 years ago in Fiction
Grey Matters
Note: here is a link to the challenge provided by Belle this month. Under her rule, the story itself should hover around 350 words, allowing exceptions for stories that are a little bit longer. My tale did not quite follow that restriction because I wanted to make sure that it reached the required length necessary for acceptance into Vocal (is 600 really the perfect cutoff point? I have to wonder). So here is my attempt to write a story about a setting that eats. Perhaps I am being a little too metaphorical with this one, and even clichéed when it comes to corporate life, but I needed this to make the word count. ;)
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Fiction
Unrequited Love's Bittersweet End
At some point in time, there was love, with an indication that it would stand the test of time. This person loved deeply and poured all they had into their relationship, yet they were left alone, unappreciated. Years went by, yet the feelings still remain, but what has happened during the time has altered the other individual. Finally, the love they once shared is not rekindled from this moment.
By Emily Chan - Life and love sharing2 years ago in Fiction
The Hypocrisy Chronicles
Synopsys: The Virtue of Hypocrisy Once upon a time, in a quaint English village, there lived a man named Harold, renowned for his eloquent speeches on morality and integrity. Every Sunday, he would stand at the village square, delivering sermons that inspired awe and admiration. His words were like honey, dripping with wisdom and virtue, capturing the hearts and minds of the townsfolk. Yet, behind closed doors, Harold's actions painted a starkly different picture. This is the tale of Harold, a man who preached perfection but practiced anything but, embodying the essence of hypocrisy.
By Rafael Fiuza2 years ago in Fiction
Chaos-Opportunity or Both
The world Lucca had grown up in was no more. The change was as gradual as his transformation from a young boy to a man. There was limited chaos during his formative years, at least none that his parents couldn’t protect him from. Lucca remained shielded from the daily struggles of keeping a job, paying monthly rent, and buying groceries. Occasionally, he would overhear his parents discussing situations that bothered them, but as long as he got to play with his friends and eat when he was hungry, none of it mattered. War and politics were things adults dealt with, not five-year-olds.
By Mark Gagnon2 years ago in Fiction
The Enchanted Forest
Once upon a time, in a village nestled between the mountains and an enchanted forest, there lived a teenage girl named Elara. Born with a disability that left her unable to walk, she was considered a burden by her parents, who were poor and struggling to survive. One cold, gloomy night, they made a heart-wrenching decision to abandon her in the forest, hoping that fate would be kinder to her than they ever could.
By layali mumtaz2 years ago in Fiction
Reverence. Top Story - July 2024.
June 3rd, 1980 After a hundred lifetimes it never gets old. The waves, tired and peaceful, break along this stretch of shore, resonating in the distance. The soothing melody is harmonic, synching with the calm rhythms of solitude. I've grown to rely on their sanctity to pacify this busy soul, deserving more credit than I remember to give. It balances in the end—they understand my detachment from self, my detachment from this everchanging world...
By Lamar Wiggins2 years ago in Fiction
