A few days ago, I was tagged by Jade at Jade M. Wong with a Free style writing challenge. Continue reading “Flash Fiction: Mama’s Green Eggs and Ham”
Tag: Fiction
Flash Fiction – Mother-Daughter Confrontation
I watched as she walked up those steps. She was clutching the straps of her rucksack so tight her nails looked like they were digging into the fabric. Continue reading “Flash Fiction – Mother-Daughter Confrontation”
All About Conflicts
No Foreshadower today. I know some of you are really looking forward to another episode but I just didn’t get to it even with my week-long break. So instead, I’ll post the comics I did this week for my Behavioral Management class’s group project. It is all about the chapter we are set to present on Thursday, Conflicts. Hope you enjoy.
The links for each comic is below the image, that is if you’re having trouble reading the texts.
Flash Fiction: Freezing
“We’re going to freeze to death!” I squeal as I pile two more blankets over me, constructing a sort of tent. I have never been so cold in my life. It is the end of January, my teeth clatter as I bring myself dangerously close to the space heater. Continue reading “Flash Fiction: Freezing”
The Spirit Rocks [Full Story]
There are two rocks in the field not far behind the cemetery. Everyone calls them the “Spirit Rocks” because they believe on every Summer Solstice, when the barrier between our and the spirit world is at its weakest, spirits would cross into our world to complete their businesses. Continue reading “The Spirit Rocks [Full Story]”
One Liner Challenge
I have been nominated by Charles French – Words Reading and Writing for this interesting challenge. Continue reading “One Liner Challenge”
The Painting
“Smile at the camera, guys!” Julio stared into the camera with a wide smile while Aisha and Clarity were curiously looking down at something else. I could say that after a round of face-painting and painting, the children had fun. “What are you girls looking at?” I asked. Aisha held up her work proudly.
“Wow!” I complimented. It was a picture made entirely of glitter, from the sparkly silver moon to the dark blue water, beautifully depicted. “Hold it up, Aisha.” She did and I snapped a picture. “It is wonderful, Aisha.” I took the picture and pinned it on the classroom wall, “and I think it belongs here where everyone can see.”
Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers: Annabelle
She stood at the edge of the pond. Continue reading “Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers: Annabelle”
It Must Be Summer
The room was utterly quiet as I opened my eyes and registered to the fact that it was morning, Saturday morning to be precise.
Continue reading “It Must Be Summer”
Great News: Done and Finished
Today’s prompt asks: Explain why you chose your blog’s title and what it means to you. Continue reading “Great News: Done and Finished”
The Singer
She glanced out into the crowd Continue reading “The Singer”
Dream Tale
I have written a similar prompt when I did Writing 101, to read it, click here. As for a song for the future, it’s too soon to decide.
My brain woke up quite early this morning, way before my eyes wanted to open anyway, and spent a good hour or so lying in bed listening to my mom’s loud phone call while thinking about the incredible dream I had. It was so incredible that I now have this story implanted in my head but I can’t write it because for one, it was way too spotty, like, why did these events happen and for another, it’s rather silly to talk about.
Should I at least say something about it? Then be on my merry way to finish my novella. I was so incredibly close last night and I thought I would go to sleep to have a dream that will tell me what to write next but instead, this strange dream is now keeping me from writing anything. Oh yes, it is a definite yes. I have to talk about the dream.
The dream started with the song “Bye Bye Bye,” you know the song by the popular 90’s boy band, Nsync? I have no idea how that song got in my head. The last time I heard that song was almost a month ago when I was driving home from something. It was a weird rendition, live, by a church choir.
Next, the dream became me sitting in front of my computer, in the dead of night searching editing jobs on the freelancing job-site and strangely, I won a bid. I was to proofread this document and send it back. The document was quite badly written. The most distinct error I remember from the dream was Howre’re you. I have a feeling someone is terrible in spelling.
Then I can feel time sped forward a few weeks because I found myself pacing in my room. Apparently, I haven’t received the payment for my job. My tablet suddenly let out a loud buzz. It was a phone call in Google Hangout. I answered. This is where the dream turned into an action movie.
I was dressed in black and I was moving stealthily along the side of a building. I had a feeling I was rescuing something. Who, I don’t know. I entered a room that resembled an underground parking lot. The light was so dim that it made everything look green. It’s almost like the kind of place you expect surprises to fly at you at any second. I somehow knew where to go though as my feet voluntarily guided me to the spot where a large man appeared before me and behind him was a woman tied and gagged. I didn’t recognize her but obviously it wasn’t her choice to be in this position.
As I approached, I realized I was only about a third of the man’s size. I ran toward him, apparently that was what dream me did. I fought him, incorporating fighting skills I have only seen in movies and won. Then it all just ended. My sweet dream. I opened my eyes a bit, it was day, and all I could hear was the sound of my mom talking to my aunt on her computer.
I would have posted this sooner to get it off my chest but the moment I began to sit down and write, she’s got something else for me to do. Some other problem. Some other chaos that needed attention. *sigh*
There went my whole morning.
My Collection
I recently began to compile all the short stories I have written into a mini-collection. There’s almost enough there for me to turn it into a book. So who knows, it might be my first published work. I even already have a title for it, “A Light in the Dark: A Collection of Short Stories”.
So is a blurb really necessary? Because I know that most people nowadays read ebooks. At least I can’t remember when was the last time I picked an actual book. Also there’s no book jacket in ebooks. So what’s the point?
But since that’s what today’s prompt asks, I might as well write something. Enjoy. 🙂
So here’s the gist…
I believe at some point, everyone experience sadness, darkness, misery, you name it. It all just depends on when. This collection of short stories is about my fantasy and life. A few years ago, I went through a period of misery, sadness, and anger. I lost my interest in school and life. I watched the days just slide on by.
One day, I decided to get over it, to shine a light in all of this darkness. What did I do? I closed my eyes and whisked myself to another world. Then all of a sudden, a part of my fantasy came to life.
It was hard to believe that a few months ago when I peeked into my files that I discover I have written so many short stories. I am so excited to be able to share such collection with you and I hope you enjoy my short stories as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Temporary Home
No one was fated to spend a life in such a small space, especially not these brothers, just barely getting by, dependent on its caretakers to feed and bathe them. The book, Temporary Home, chronicles the brothers’ daily life and reading their story will bring you to tears.
Temporary Home begins in the brothers’ early days when they had spent in an aquarium. They had many great friends but somehow their friends would disappear now and then. Their then-caretaker told them he had found a great home for their friends. On that fated day, their future caretaker, a girl with long silky black hair and glasses approached the tank. “Which do you like?” Their caretaker had asked the girl.
The girl pointed at the brothers and at that moment, they knew the girl would be their new home. The moment they arrived at their new home, the girl fed them pellets she had bought at the store, just three. The brothers ate hungrily and after that eyed the container of pallet, wanting more but their owner had stopped caring for them.
A few months later, the brothers were passed onto their owner’s friends while their owner went on vacation. The brothers’ life at the friends were even worse. They spent day after day, almost drowning in their urine and feces.
A few months later, the brothers were once again passed onto another. This time, a lady and a girl. At first glance, the brothers knew they would be the same as the friends but at the same time, they knew this would be different. They were right.
Their new caretakers made sure they were well-fed, clean, and warm. This was the best home they ever had but they knew this is not forever. Eventually, they would have to return to their lives of starvation and misery.
My review: five out five stars, definitely.
I love the personification of this book. The author portrait the turtle brothers like real people. Reading it the first time, you can never tell whether it was talking about the life of a person or animals. The brothers seemed so real.
It definitely made me cry, alright especially the part of the brothers not getting enough to eat. I felt so bad for them. No one should be starved. So yes, I will definitely recommend this book even if it’s not written.
Writing 101: Be Brief
The prompt for Day 5 of Writing 101 have us write about an encounter when we stumble upon a letter. Please note that this is completely fiction. Continue reading “Writing 101: Be Brief”
Banquets and Roast Pig
Today’s prompt asks, Tell us about your favorite meal, either to eat or to prepare. Does it just taste great, or does it have other associations?
I don’t think I have a favorite meal. Oh, wait, nah, my favorite meal involves a banquet and a roast pig. Oh man, you have no idea how gruesome it was to find a suitable picture. All the roast pig pictures are so graphic. I almost feel bad for looking at it.
Anyway, I’ve been to a few of these banquets, always either someone’s just had a baby or they are getting married or it’s just one of those family reunion things. In a word, celebration. It was one of those occasions where we just eat and talk insanely loud. The noise bothers me but the food is insanely good.
So I have to go change the turtles’ water. It’s been three days (I’ve been busy) and the house really smells of turtle waste now. Boy, turtles poop a lot, don’t they?
I’m going to leave you with another flash fiction piece I’ve written about the curious boy name Michael. I think it fits the prompt since it’s food-related. See ya!
Curious Michael – Did you lay those eggs?
Michael sat at the table in the breakfast nook as he waited for his mother to bring him his favorite weekend favorite breakfast, Scrambled Eggs and French Toast.
A moment later, his mom slid a plastic plate onto the table. “Here you go, sweetie.” His mom smiled and sat across from him.
Michael stared at the eggs and asked, “Mommy, did you lay those eggs?”
His mom’s fork was half way between her mouth and the plate, she paused and dropped her fork, “What? Of course not, why would you say that?”
Michael pinched a piece of his toast and shoved it into his mouth, “Because some boys at school called me a chicken. Since I’m a chicken, you are a chicken too. Chickens lay eggs, don’t they?” His brows knitted together.
“Honey, those kids don’t know what they are talking about. You’re not a chicken and I didn’t lay these eggs. Now eat your breakfast.”
Is this a joke?
Seriously???
Telling jokes have been one of my biggest weakness ever since like the dawn of time. I am simply incapable of telling a good joke. Even when I was in Toastmasters and I had to stand before everybody to tell a joke because I was chosen to be the Jokemeister of the meeting. I’d recite my joke and silence would ensue. I could hear cricket chirping in the background.
I don’t even get the joke, why should they? After all, I had forgotten my task and left it to the last minute to scour the web for a good joke.
Anyway, I am not even going to try to tell a joke today. Instead, I’m going to resurrect one of my old humorous tales from way back in my archives.
By the way, I didn’t know this until last week but I have published over 500 posts! Of course, those include the ones I imported from the other blog as well but still, I wrote each and every one. Over 500! Wow, I’ve certainly never expect to get this far. Anyway, enough chitchat, here it is…
Curious Michael
Have you ever seen that car commercial where the little boy sits in the backseat asking all kinds of questions? Like, why can I see the sky or why is my butt hot?
Well, Michael is one and the same. He is 10 and one curious boy. When he began elementary school at the age of 7, out of nowhere, questions would start popping from nowhere. After that, everyday, right after he got into his mom’s car after school, questions would start flying. At first, his mom was just ecstatic about her son’s curiosity. “That the way kids learn these days.” She told herself but after three years of enduring Michael’s ridiculous questions, she had just about enough.
One night, right after his mom tucked him to bed. She leaned in and said, “Now, give mama a kiss goodnight.”
Michael frowned and shook his head, “I can’t, kissing you means I kissed a girl.” His mom looked at him, confused. “Mrs. Rachel says we are not allowed to kiss any girl until we are 16.”
“Now, kissing mommy does not mean kissing a girl. Now give me a peck on the cheek.” Michael obeyed. He lifted his head and kissed his mom’s cheek. “Now, go to bed.”
She walked to the door and was about to switch off the lights when Michael asked, “Why, mommy?”
“Why do you have to go to bed? Because you have school tomorrow.” His mom automatically answered, tired.
“No, why we are not allow to kiss any girl until we are 16?”
“Uh, uh,” His mom stammered before she thought of a great answer, “uh, why don’t you ask Mrs. Rachel tomorrow? Now, you need to go to sleep.” She switched off the lights and shut the door and took a giant breath of relief.
What is Love?
Today, daily prompt has asked an intriguing question. What is Love? What is Love, by the way?
Here’s the ending to my fiction/non-fiction retell of my first crush. I think it’ll answer the question by itself. Happy Saturday.
We grew closer and closer to each other, in a playful kind of way, of course. In P.E., we jogged together and sometimes, when I was tired, we’d walk. Although neither of us would admit it, I can tell he likes me. If he didn’t, then he’d ditched me long ago, in eighth grade, perhaps.
It was very sweet and I’ve never felt sweet before. I knew it wouldn’t last. Nothing ever lasts with me. I was dead on. Everything came crashing down in a landslide that afternoon when I arrived home to find suitcases lying all over the living room floor.
“What’s going on?” I’d asked.
“We’re going to China!” My step-dad had announced excitedly. He had never been out of the country before.
“What?” I’d shrieked and Cindy had stood beside me, frozen. “When?”
“Next week.” My step-dad’d answered.
“What about school?” He stared at me, surprised. Since when are you so concerned with school? His look had told me. I tried hard not to show that I want to go to school just to see Jaime, it would tell them I have a boyfriend and they’d made it crystal clear I’m not to have a boyfriend. I changed the subject. “Why all of the sudden?”
“Your mom got a great deal a few months ago.”
“And you didn’t bother to tell me this until now?”
He’d shrugged. “We forgot.”
“But if we go, then I’d be way behind in school when we get back.”
“Oh, you won’t be go to school. We’re also moving to Texas.” My jaw had literally dropped. They’ve been talking about moving to Texas all through my middle school years and now when I’ve found my happiness, they decided to do it?
The following week would be brutal and sad. I told Jaime I was moving to Texas, he had replied, “That’s okay, we have plenty of tools we can use to stay in touch.” Who was he kidding? My parents monitored everything, who I call, who I talk to at school. We could never stay in touch.
Then we just drifted apart. He no longer wanted to be near me now that he knew I was moving and I was left to walk the lap alone in P.E., running my fingers along the chain-link fence that separated the school from the outside. At lunch, he’s nowhere to be seen and I was left to eat with Cindy and Anna. I felt alone and betrayed. If he’d liked me, he’d stick by me no matter what. If he’d liked me, he wouldn’t leave me just sitting here or walking laps alone.
That Thursday, the day we’re supposed to go to China, I spent my morning checking out of my classes and the school, returned everything that belonged to the school, and retrieved my belongings from my gym locker. Through that morning, somehow, I felt like a part of me was holding out for Jaime, hoping we’d get a few more minutes together before I leave for good but no, I never saw him again.
Five Photos – Five Stories Day 1
I’d like to thank Priceless Joy for nominating me for the Five Photos-Five stories challenge, where I post five photos, five stories, each day for five days. Continue reading “Five Photos – Five Stories Day 1”
The Wedding Bells Part 15 (Flash Fiction Chain #6)
Jithin, PhoTrablogger, the host of Flash Fiction Chain, had decided to continue the previous flash fiction chain due to an inconclusive ending. The following parts are inspired by the above image. Due to her busy schedule, Priceless Joy has asked me to write Part 15 of the chain and since she had asked so kindly, I couldn’t refuse.
Character List :
- Anna Brighton- 32 year old CEO who owns and runs a publishing company
- Alex Burns – well established author, Anna’s ex, Toby Blackwell’s cousin
- Toby Blackwell – co-owns the Blackwell estate, Alex’s cousin
Other characters:
- Jenny- Anna’s secretary
- Melissa Doyle –the bride, Anna’s dear friend
- Harrison – Melissa’s fiance.
Recommendation:
If you’re not caught up, may I recommend you to read the previous part before venturing this part.
- Sona
- Click here
- Priceless Joy
- Frenesthetist
- Dr. KO
- Sweety
- Itchy Quill
- I-Read
- First Draft
- Soul n Spirit
- Phaena Says
- The Stardust Elephant
- Sona
- Click Here
Now onto #15
“H-hi,” Anna stammered at the sight of the man on the other side of the door. It took a second for her to notice his bruised lip and cheek and all of a sudden, she was speechless. She cleared her throat. “Alex, wh-what are you doing here?”
Alex shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and shrugged and then followed by a light chuckle. “I just want to check to see if you’re okay and I’m sorry for what happened yesterday what with…”
“Oh, no yesterday wasn’t your fault.”
“But how are you? I’ve been worrying about you all night.”
Really, Anna wanted to ask but instead, she replied. “Oh, I’m fine, just fine.” His eyes wandered while she stared awkwardly at the wooden floor and wondered. Can Alex be it? Is he the person I’d been wanting to fall for all along?
“So, you want some breakfast?” He nodded in the direction of the kitchen and smiled. “The caterers’ gone which means I can finally show you what I can do.”
Anna laughed. “I’ll be the judge of that.” She shut the bedroom door behind her and followed Alex down the hallway to the kitchen.
The caterers had managed to pack up and leave within minutes after the wedding. Upon her arrival in the kitchen, Anna was amazed at the transformation. She remembered when she arrived three days ago, the kitchen was a complete mess, flour and egg shell were all over the beautiful granite counter-tops and even the beautiful porcelain tile floor was dusted with flour and powder sugar. Alex pulled a skillet from the rack above the range. “So what would you like?”
Anna sat down on the other side of the counter and rested her hands under her chin. “Hmm, what can you cook?” Alex went to the fridge and grabbed the carton of eggs. He transferred it to the counter when they heard a blood-curdling scream. Alex froze and Anna jumped off the stool. “What’s that?”
Alex swallowed. “I think it’s coming from upstairs.”
At the landing, a maid rushed to them. “What’s wrong?” Anna asked.
The maid shrieked frightfully, “He’s dead!” She cried.
Chills crawled up Anna’s spine as her heart hammered. “Who’s dead?”
The maid led them down the corridor and pointed at the library. The door stood ajar. Anna slowly pushed the door open and gasped. Lying face-down in the middle of the room was Toby. She covered her mouth, shocked. Was this after the fight? She pondered as she entered the room.
Moving closer like she wasn’t afraid, she clenched her fists and bent over his bodies. Who would do this to him? She skimmed over his ruffled blond hair and slightly ripped jacket. Something caught her sight. In the middle of his back was a small hole. This wasn’t not a bullet hole, she was sure for she’d seen an actual bullet hole before. It was from something thinner but thicker than a needle. She scanned the room, hoping for a clue and there it was, lying on the other side of Toby’s lifeless body was a thin arrow. Its feather tip red and the pointy end was in the shape of a heart.
Uh oh, who could be Toby’s killer? Stay tune for the next part written by whoever it is.
16. Itchy Quill
17. Dr. KO
The Wedding Bells Part 14 (Flash Fiction Chain #6)
Jithin, PhoTrablogger, the host of Flash Fiction Chain, had decided to continue the previous flash fiction chain due to an inconclusive ending. The following parts are inspired by the above image. Continue reading “The Wedding Bells Part 14 (Flash Fiction Chain #6)”
The Wedding Bells Part 2 (Flash Fiction Chain #6)
I am once again super excited to participate in this Flash Fiction Chain hosted by Jithin of PhoTrablogger. The following parts are inspired by the above image. Continue reading “The Wedding Bells Part 2 (Flash Fiction Chain #6)”
A Scene in my head
Brooke! Claire’s voice rang through Brooke’s head like the echo of a gong. She jumped and frantically looked around, searching the place the voice was coming from. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain. It was like someone had pierced a thousand needle through her skull. She blinked, stumbling to the nearest object and held on.
“Brooke? What’s the matter?” James had raced to Brooke’s side followed by Rose and Sofia.
She shook her head. “Claire” was the only word she could manage.
James grabbed her arm and led her out into the dimly lit hallway. The girls followed behind. She leaned against a column. “What is it? What’s wrong with Claire?” James asked anxiously.
“Where is she?” Rose followed.
Brooke’s head felt heavy like a ton of bricks. She stumbled forward feeling unbalanced. Was whatever was happening to Claire affecting her too?
Brooke! Claire’s piercing scream sounded again.
“Find her.” James demanded in the same tone he had used when they were trying to find Claire in Zander’s maze of hallways.
“I know, I’m trying.” She replied, frustrated.
“Well, try harder.” His grip tightened and Brooke let out a whimper.
“Don’t push her. Can you see? She’s enough pain.” Rose pulled James’s arm away.
Blinded by the pain, Brooke fell forward. She felt her head hit the ground but her eyes remained open, frozen. She was blinded by the light before her. It was too much.
She used to be able to withstand pain, she remembered, no matter how tremendous and torturous. She remembered the pain she went through during those weeks when she was strapped down on Zander’s lab table, she survived that, didn’t she? That kind of pain was the kind that make people wish they could just die at that very moment.
But this? She realized. This was a pain far greater than anything she had ever endured and it’s too much. Whatever this is, please stop, she willed but it seemed only to intensify. No more no more, she begged.
Then another thought dawned on her. Is this what happens before death? The Great Slumber? The Sleep we shall never wake from?
This was written as part of the challenge “Write now…Yes Right Now” hosted by Photrablogger. The handwritten part, not the story obviously. Actually, the story was handwritten too but it’s been edited so many times that I don’t think anyone can read it.
Therefore I decided to write the title of this post in both English and Chinese (my native language) instead. I haven’t practiced my characters for a long long time, can’t remember the last time I’ve done it at least. Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed this short excerpt from something I’ve been working on.
This is Another Story 