Latest Stories

Most recently published stories on Vocal.

Vampires
My skull, a volcano My hair, lava because it flowed down my back ACDC logo humped my black t shirt
By DJ Robbins17 days ago in Poets
The Memory of Ice
Ice was born without noise, without applause, without the drama of flame. It arrived as a pause in motion, a held breath of water
By Farhad17 days ago in Poets
The Listening Room
I made a room inside my day where nobody gets to interrupt me. No phone buzzing like a bee, no “be positive,” No rushing to fix the feeling
By Milan Milic17 days ago in Poets
The Star That Remembers Us
Before the night learned how to speak in darkness, before silence discovered the courage to glow, there was a star— not loud, not commanding,
By Farhad17 days ago in Humor
NOTICE OF CONTINUED OPERATION: SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL. AI-Generated.
Issued without fanfare. Effective upon receipt. All persons are advised that endurance is still required. Faith has not been discontinued, though it may feel
By Jessica Higginbotham17 days ago in Fiction
Drawing Back the Lines of Life
The first time Elias heard the phrase drawing back, it was not spoken aloud. It appeared instead in the slow movement of his own hands, hovering above a blank sheet of paper, uncertain whether to move forward or retreat. He was a draftsman by trade, a quiet observer by nature, and for most of his life he believed that progress meant only one thing: pushing ahead, adding lines, filling spaces, refusing to erase. Drawing back felt like failure. Like fear.
By Farhad17 days ago in Fiction
Instructions for Letting Mercy Happen. AI-Generated.
1. Begin by clearing a small space. Not a room a pause. Turn down the noise where promises rehearse their excuses. Sit where the light doesn’t ask anything of you.
By Jessica Higginbotham17 days ago in Fiction
A Rooftop Encounter. Content Warning.
"The view is beautiful, isn't it?" "It is. I've never seen the city glowing so brightly. Do I know you?" "No. We haven't met. I like your hair. Pink suits you."
By Paul Fingl17 days ago in Fiction
Handbags in Modern Fashion: Design, Function, and Consumer Perspectives
Handbags have long been more than simple accessories. Historically rooted in utility, they have evolved into cultural symbols reflecting personal style, social identity, and changing fashion trends. Today, handbags occupy a unique space where craftsmanship, branding, and consumer behavior intersect. From everyday carryalls to luxury-inspired designs, the handbag market continues to grow and diversify, especially among women seeking both practicality and visual appeal.
By charliesamuel17 days ago in 01
Be Prepared, Always Take a Taxi
Be Prepared, Always Take a Taxi The night stretches wide, the streets gleam with caution. Feet weary, laughter fading into the distant hum.
By Marie381Uk 17 days ago in Poets
Kissing Cindy. Content Warning.
TAUGHT YOUNG Happily ever after was never what she was chasing. Cindy’s stepmother made certain of that. Jealous of a child who still believed in rescue, she taught Cinderella early that princes were not saviors; they were opportunities. That love, once offered, became leverage, and in a kingdom built on power, leverage was everything. She was taught to break hearts the way others broke bread: deliberately, without apology, and always to survive. The woman who taught her to wield love as a weapon would later frame her as a sunset of darkness for using it too well. Beautiful, blamed, and accused of causing darkness.
By Jessica Higginbotham17 days ago in Chapters
If You Work In Retail, Don't Waste Your Paycheck On Your Employer
Working in retail was one of the best experiences of my working history. I gained about two years of retail experience and was also introduced to the concept of minimum wage.
By Destiny S. Harris17 days ago in Trader