literature
Whether written centuries ago or just last year, literary couples show that love is timeless.
Calvin Spears by M. Handy
Calvin (Prologue cont.) People pressing to break past my boundaries aggravate me; make me feel trapped between their expectations and the force of my raw response. This, in turn, arouses the man beneath the shell that brutality built... You do not want to wake him. If I could genuinely warn others, I'd tell them that there is only a thin membrane that separates their world from my true identity and there is no room for excess… Excess guilt, greed, doubt, or fear, and worst of all, the excess temperament of a woman! All of the above cloud sound reasoning, and I am a man who "must" exercise sound reason.
By Monica Handy6 years ago in Humans
How to Use Chopsticks. Top Story - September 2019.
Peter and Fred boarded a plane six days after I arrived in Beijing. I was busying myself snapping photos at every turn, recording expenses and conversations, for the Travel feature. The sunlight slanted across my frequent haunt, the Palace Museum, in the early mornings of a beautiful spring. I satisfied my homesickness for Washington, D.C. by wandering through this temple to the arts. For the sake of the article, I’d also visited the typical tourist destinations of China, and was now preparing to tour various Buddhist temples in and around the city. I set out for Biyun Si, the Temple of the Azure Clouds. I never got to any temple beyond it.
By Sarjé Haynes6 years ago in Humans
Period Blues: Short Story
Disaster; this is how 23 year old NYU art student Clara Reynolds feels tonight and her wryly long brown hair that is thrown in a messy bun is the first clue. Drowned in oversized clothing with period cramps stabbing her stomach, she could only manage to sprawl out on her couch in front of the TV. Her studio apartment smells of pure muliebrity instead of the ink smell that Clara’s art career usually generates, making her freckled covered nose flinch. No bra, no appetite, no self confidence, and no desire to join the happy people on the streets of New York living their best lives, Clara’s eyes are glued to the TV. Well not entirely glued, because even though it is only approaching 5 pm her eyelids slowly closed and for 3 minutes she peacefully dozed off. That of course ends when New York needs to remind the poor girl that the city doesn’t sleep, and she bounces at the sounds of the cabs or homeless people.
By Dakota Thomas6 years ago in Humans
The Choice
Gemma found herself staring out the window at work, a little diner in Whitefish Montana, as she often did when she got distracted by the noise from the nearby Amtrak station. Listening closely, the hustle and bustle was just starting, which meant that the once daily passenger train to Seattle would be arriving soon, probably in about 90 minutes. A swift glance at the clock assured her that her guess was pretty accurate, meaning that a few soon-to-be-passengers would drop by for a quick bite to eat before boarding, something she’d often thought about doing herself, just jumping on the train, and seeing where it took her, but never having had the courage to actually do. Just as she had this thought, the bell above the door tinkled, and she found herself staring open-mouthed at the man who’d just walked in.
By Nathan Kennedy6 years ago in Humans
I Do
It was late in the evening, and we were on a date. Nothing fancy, just a movie followed by dinner. We were talking about how uncomfortable Midsommar made us feel, but at the same time, I found it kind of enlightening. Cris didn't like that. Cris was my middle school crush, cliche huh? Finally, after all these years and rejections here and there throughout high school, he decided to ask me out. Said he had been "meaning to ask me for a while" apparently, I guess people really do change after college, but I digress. He was the one driving. We were on the freeway when someone crashed in front of us. He pressed hard on the brakes, causing him to stop just in time, but the car behind rammed into us along with the car in the next lane, causing our car to flip multiple times. Next thing I know, Cris and I were on the floor. I kept hearing him say to me that everything was gonna be okay, but I knew it was bad. My body was in such excruciating pain that I knew I was dying. It was getting harder to breathe and I was also starting to lose feeling in my legs and arms. He told me to count the birds that were in the sky so I wouldn’t leave him alone. I started counting them, but after five I started closing my eyes little by little. “No! You can’t leave me, please!” I could hear his voice fading away and was replaced by an intense high pitched sound instead. I could see the lights of the ambulance reflecting on his face.
By Nancy Garcia6 years ago in Humans
Short Story: Best Feeling at First Sight
It’s lunch time at Harftford high school and the cafeteria is crowded with loud hungry students. In the center of the circle tables, peppy junior Maya Lathel sits in her cheerleading uniform amongst the cheerleaders and football players. Classic American high school dynamic that never really changes.
By Dakota Thomas6 years ago in Humans
The Scandal
Jessica (Me): “OH MY GOSH!” I could not believe it. I waited for this moment for so long. I looked at Lucas in disbelief. We had been dating for about a year now, and finally he was asking the question. Everyone told me that he was no good, but I didn’t care because I knew who he was deep down. My eyes teared up as he was about to ask the question.
By Young Poetic Queen6 years ago in Humans
Short Stories - The Treasure of Pike's Peak
Treasure, there’s a word that could get your attention. It’s not just the wealth that entices people. It’s the adventure, the quest for glory. As wonderful as it sounds, it sometimes comes with a heavy price. That price is often destroyed friendships, heartbreak, and sometimes death.
By Andrew Hoover6 years ago in Humans
Short Stories - Introduction
It was a hot summer day that Monday afternoon. So hot, in fact, that car engines were not starting, cows were not giving milk, and all the birds were hiding in the trees. But that didn’t bother Billie Joe. She was determined to enjoy her summer day. Billie Joe, a young, red-headed girl, skipped aimlessly across a deserted field covered in wildflowers, dandelions, and tall green grass. Her complexion was white. She had spent the entire winter indoors recovering from pneumonia. At last, she could go outside and soak up some sunshine.
By Andrew Hoover6 years ago in Humans
