Tag: Fear
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The Mystery of Cash Castle: Part 9
Nia’s cab stops at a dead end, where a sidewalk to the left leads to the castle. After getting her bags from the trunk and seat, Nia thanks the driver, who tips his hat and drives off. Nia starts walking towards the castle underneath a canopy of palm trees and twittering birds. Nia takes no ... -
Picking Up Her Broken Pieces
In a faraway land called Afghanistan, I hear her break his wine goblet, shattering the bowl to tiny bits. Bouncing, ricocheting off surfaces, broken pieces scatter to places unseen. He bellows, blames, name calls her. She screams back. Her voice, strong and bold echoes through the walls. Every crawling ant stops. He uses his hands ... -
A Productive Day at Work
My brother swings open his office door, and a gecko scurries along. They trade looks. Briefcase slides off his sweaty palms, and he sits at the edge of the chair. What if she jumps on to me? What if she hangs from the ceiling to fall into my lap? I still remember that lizard. I ... -
What Happened to Motherland?
In the town’s village squareUnder the shady chestnut treeI silently rested thereAnd thoughtfully asked the old tree“Can you keep me safe here?Protect me from what I cannot see” Away from loaded guns Pointed at daughters and sons Away from bullets and bombs Meant for dads and ... -
The Looking Glass
I’m always stopping short, butting against the glass. I know if I made a fist, a proper fist, and swing, I could shatter it. But every time, I only end up with my fingers leaving prints and streaks as I watch, afraid to be seen. It’s only my careful reflection that needs to be known. ... -
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Help Wanted
I’ve always loved Halloween! So when I saw the black and red advertisement on social media asking for haunted house people, I applied without a second thought. “Sign-ups for haunters—50 bucks a night, free pizza, and scare the shit out of people.” I left a note on the chalkboard: Mom, gone out. Might not be ... -
It’s Happening Tonight
Sammie stared out the window—he sat as still as a statue. Thoughts of the dark wall creatures oozing out of the cracks were unbearable. The rocking horse glared at him, and the teddy bear waited to crawl toward him. Toys that once gave him joy and happiness threatened to destroy him if he didn’t allow ... -
Composed Rumbles
There is a storm brewingthe air is thick with tensionas silence muffles thedisquiet of a taxed nation a communityin waitinglike a storm brewingon the horizon waiting to showerthe nation witha tempered wrathcontained for too long the heavy rumbleof their voicesan occasional pocketof peaceful protest pushes against thebarriers that canno longer holdtheir pain and distress and ... -
I Waited To Be Worthier
I convinced myself that my writing journey couldn’t start until I had taken all the classes, read all the books, and attended all the seminars. I couldn’t start writing until I had learned all there was to learn and had all the tools needed at my disposal.