Latest Stories
Most recently published stories on Vocal.
Traditions (Chapter 9). Content Warning.
Chapter Nine I have heard it said that you never forget your first, and after making love to Charlie that first time I knew that it was most definitely true. That look on his face as I unloaded in him for the very first time will be something that I know will live with me forever.
By Mark 'Ponyboy' Peters20 days ago in Fiction
It’s 2026
Making resolutions Often, the kinds of things people put on their New Year’s resolution list are directed toward their image of themselves: work out more, eat better, lose weight, and make more money. All of these are admirable goals; however, so often the list is created out of a perception of ourselves that has been affected by our internalizing the messages we receive through media and marketing.
By Suzy Jacobson Cherry20 days ago in Lifehack
25 Years as a Texas Rangers Fan
Happy New Year, Vocal readers and subscribers! 2026 has finally arrived. 2026 is also me celebrating a quarter century of me being a Texas Rangers fan. I need to correct everyone on a few details when it came to me attending my very first Rangers game in person at 13 years old. I've stated in my numerous stories on Vocal that I attended the aforementioned game soon after the tragic events of September 11. Recently, I was looking at the 2001 Texas Rangers schedule, via the Baseball Almanac's website. I was surprised that they kept records of old MLB regular season schedules and rosters going back that far. Speaking of that roster, players such as Michael Young, Kenny Rogers (not to be confused with the late, great country singer), Pudge Rodríguez, and Gabe Kapler stood out for the team. Also, Alex Rodríguez was on this team before he ended up finishing his career with the New York Yankees. As far as the exact date of when I attended my first Rangers game, it was August 22, 2001, and on a warm Wednesday evening. Yes, it was on a school night, but it would be a memory that I would cherish forever. The Rangers played the Yankees at home as part of a four-game series. When I arrived at The Ballpark in Arlington, which was their old ballpark and the name of it at the time, I was so amazed of the exterior of it. I attended the game with my now estranged father, younger brother, and one of my friends from school at the time. It was a guy's night out, but I had a great time. By the way, the Rangers won that game 8-1. The four-game series ended in a split decision between both teams. After arriving home from the game, that was the night I became a Texas Rangers fan.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 20 days ago in Unbalanced
All Your Morals
Crumbs descended from the bread like little thoughts gone by. Every bit of the loaf had to be carved into tiny pieces. A fresh loaf, the flakiness seemed like forever. There existed a sense of the bread being something more than just wheat flour and water, unleavened. The brownness and the tanned nature enlivened the baker. The dark spots of where fire licked like little children tongue ice cubes seemed black and plain as skin.
By Skyler Saunders20 days ago in Fiction
Battlestar Galactica/Bonanza
Nevada Territory 1856 It was one of those rare lazy days on the Ponderosa, at least as far as Ben Cartwright and his three sons were concerned. Ben was at his desk going through some paperwork concerning an upcoming cattle drive, Adam sat on the porch with his feet up, mindlessly strumming on his guitar playing no one tune in particular and Hoss & Little Joe were doing their usual horsing around. Fortunately, this time it was outside near the barn, as Hoss picked Little Joe up and threw him several feet, sending him flying into a pile of hay.
By Timothy E Jones20 days ago in Fiction
The Weight of Stillness: When Doing Nothing Is Your Greatest Move. AI-Generated.
For a long time, you probably knew yourself a little too well. You knew exactly what would knock you off balance. If a certain name lit up your phone, your chest tightened before you even checked the message. If plans fell apart, irritation arrived on schedule. If someone questioned you, criticized you, or disappeared without explanation, your emotional response wasn’t a mystery—it was a routine. Automatic. Predictable. Almost rehearsed.
By The Still Milestone20 days ago in Humans
