Latest Stories
Most recently published stories on Vocal.
The Last Vacation at the Beach
I didn’t know it was going to be my last vacation at the beach. That’s the strange thing about endings—they rarely announce themselves. They arrive disguised as ordinary days, warm and harmless, like sunlight on your face when you step out of the car and breathe in salt without thinking twice.
By Imran Ali Shah13 days ago in Writers
A Heart Worth Saving
Dawn had always suspected her heart was dangerous. Not metaphorically, though she’d had her share of heartbreak, but literally. Every man she had ever loved had died. Not dramatically, not heroically, not even interestingly. They died like losers, which, if she was honest, they had been.
By Sara Wilson13 days ago in Fiction
The Quiet Ritual of Winter
Winter did not arrive with noise. It never did. It came softly, like a breath held too long, settling into corners people forgot to look at—window sills, empty bus stops, the space between thoughts. The city slowed without asking permission. Mornings felt heavier, evenings longer, and silence became a companion rather than an absence. Every winter, Amir followed the same ritual. He woke before dawn, when the sky was still undecided. The kettle went on first—always first. Not because he was thirsty, but because the sound reminded him that something was beginning. Steam curled upward, fogging the small kitchen window, blurring the world outside until it felt manageable. He stood there, hands wrapped around a chipped mug, watching frost creep along the glass like careful handwriting. This was the season of restraint. In summer, life demanded movement. Noise. Proof of existence. Winter asked for the opposite. It invited stillness and rewarded those who listened. Amir layered his coat slowly, the same way his father once did—methodical, deliberate, as if each button fastened something inside as well. Outside, the streets were quiet. Snow hadn’t fallen yet, but the promise of it hung in the air, sharp and clean. He walked. Not to escape, not to arrive—just to move through the cold. His boots pressed soft patterns into the pavement, temporary marks that would disappear by noon. That was part of the ritual too: doing something knowing it would not last. The park sat empty except for a lone bench beneath a leafless tree. Amir brushed the frost away before sitting. He always sat there. Always waited. Winter taught patience without explanation. Memories came easier in the cold. They slipped in gently, uninvited but not unwelcome. His mother’s hands warming over a stove. The smell of bread. Laughter that once filled rooms now reduced to echoes stored in the body. Loss felt sharper in winter, but somehow more honest. He had learned not to rush the ache. The sky lightened slowly, revealing pale blues and silver clouds. A bird landed nearby, puffed up against the cold, sharing the silence without comment. Amir smiled. Survival did not always require answers—sometimes it only required presence. As the city stirred awake, Amir returned home. Gloves off. Coat hung carefully. Shoes lined where they belonged. Small acts of order against a season that thrived on stripping things bare. Afternoons were for writing, though he never called it that. He opened a notebook and let words arrive when they wished. No deadlines. No audience. Winter words were not meant to perform. They existed simply to be true. Outside, the first snow finally fell. It was light at first—almost shy. Flakes drifted downward, uncertain, testing the ground. Amir watched from the window, his breath slowing to match the quiet descent. Snow transformed the familiar into something sacred. Streets became softer. Edges disappeared. That night, he cooked a simple meal. Soup, always soup. The ritual was not about variety but consistency. Each spoonful tasted of warmth earned, not rushed. The radio hummed low in the background, voices distant enough to feel optional. Later, he lit a single candle. The flame flickered, small but stubborn. Winter was not about brightness; it was about endurance. About light that refused to disappear even when surrounded by darkness. He thought of all the people enduring their own winters—visible or hidden. Some wrapped in snow, others in grief, waiting for something unnamed to change. He hoped they, too, had rituals. Small anchors to hold them steady. Before sleep, Amir stood by the window one last time. The city was quiet again, wrapped in white. Tomorrow would demand movement. Responsibilities. Noise. But tonight belonged to winter. And winter, in its quiet wisdom, asked for nothing more than acceptance. Amir blew out the candle and let the darkness settle. Outside, snow continued its patient work—reshaping the world without ever raising its voice.
By Inayat khan13 days ago in Fiction
Stop Being a “Zombie” to Your To-Do List. AI-Generated.
Honestly, let's just admit it: Most of us are waking up in a state of total panic without even realizing it. You’re barely conscious, your eyes are still half-glued shut, and yet your hand is already scouting the nightstand for that glowing rectangle. It’s like a physical addiction. Before you’ve even had a chance to yawn or realize what day of the week it is, you’re already sucking in a digital toxic cloud of emails, "breaking news," and people’s highlight reels. We’re so terrified of five minutes of silence that we drown our brains in noise before we even take our first breath of morning air.
By Demiana Louis Boshra13 days ago in Humans
December 8, 1980
When I was six or seven, my stepdad came into my life, and I remember thinking he knew everything. He could befriend anybody, anywhere. In grocery stores, he chatted with strangers over cuts of meat; at gas stations, he bonded with people pumping fuel over how the smell of gasoline was disgusting and yet enjoyable. In restaurants, he took an interest in waiters’ lives—like Steve, whose father was dying of cancer. When Steve’s dad died, my new dad attended the funeral.
By Tina D. LopezExclusive • 13 days ago
Halligan Leaves as U.S. Attorney After Mounting Pressure From Judges. AI-Generated.
The recent resignation of U.S. Attorney Halligan marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of politics and law enforcement. After facing mounting pressure from federal judges, Halligan has stepped down from his role, leaving many in the legal and political spheres questioning what this means for the Department of Justice and the ongoing administration of federal law. Halligan, who had served as the U.S. Attorney for several years, became a central figure in high-profile cases that drew national attention. His tenure was characterized by ambitious prosecutions, aggressive oversight of federal investigations, and a willingness to challenge entrenched legal norms. However, it was precisely these assertive actions that reportedly led to tensions with judges in the district, who expressed concerns over his conduct and management of cases. Sources indicate that the pressure on Halligan had been mounting over several months, particularly as complaints from judges highlighted procedural disagreements and questions regarding his approach to high-stakes prosecutions. While U.S. Attorneys are expected to pursue justice vigorously, they are also required to maintain a collaborative and respectful relationship with the judiciary, which ensures the balance and fairness of legal proceedings. The decision to step down reflects the complexities inherent in such roles. U.S. Attorneys operate at the crossroads of law, politics, and public accountability. Halligan’s departure underscores the delicate balance required to navigate these spheres, particularly when high-profile cases place an individual under intense scrutiny from multiple directions, including the judiciary, the media, and political actors. Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of this departure. Professor Linda Abrams, a legal scholar specializing in federal prosecutions, noted, “The resignation of a U.S. Attorney under pressure from judges is unusual but not unprecedented. It signals the judiciary’s growing intolerance for perceived overreach or mismanagement, especially in districts where public trust in legal institutions is paramount.” The departure also raises questions about continuity and stability within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Halligan had overseen several long-term investigations, many of which involved sensitive political, financial, and criminal matters. His exit may result in temporary delays or shifts in priorities, as acting leadership assumes responsibility for ongoing cases. Observers suggest that this could influence the pace and outcome of certain high-profile prosecutions, as new leadership adjusts to the role and establishes its own approach. Political analysts have noted that Halligan’s resignation could reverberate beyond the courtroom. In recent years, the role of U.S. Attorneys has become increasingly politicized, with appointments often reflecting broader administration priorities. Halligan’s aggressive prosecution style and independent decision-making may have clashed with evolving expectations from political leadership or congressional oversight bodies. The media has closely followed this story, emphasizing both the legal and political dimensions of Halligan’s resignation. Headlines have framed the event as a clash between institutional authority and individual ambition, highlighting the ongoing tensions that can arise when legal and political spheres intersect. Social media reactions have varied, with some praising Halligan for his dedication to justice and others criticizing him for overstepping judicial expectations. As the Department of Justice begins the process of identifying a successor or appointing an acting U.S. Attorney, attention will focus on how this change will affect ongoing investigations and the broader legal landscape. Stakeholders, including federal prosecutors, defense attorneys, and advocacy groups, will closely monitor the transition, seeking reassurance that justice remains impartial and procedural integrity is maintained. Ultimately, Halligan’s resignation serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics inherent in high-level legal positions. U.S. Attorneys must navigate not only the demands of their cases but also the expectations of judges, political leaders, and the public. Maintaining this balance requires a careful approach to leadership, discretion, and collaboration, particularly in times of heightened scrutiny. Whether Halligan will continue to influence federal law through other legal or political avenues remains to be seen. However, his departure highlights the pressures that accompany high-profile roles in the justice system and underscores the importance of procedural adherence, judicial cooperation, and ethical leadership. For the public and legal community alike, Halligan’s exit represents a moment to reflect on the challenges faced by U.S. Attorneys and the critical importance of maintaining the delicate equilibrium between independence and accountability in federal prosecutions.
By Fiaz Ahmed 13 days ago in The Swamp
