ChromedOutCortex - Stories

In The Dreamer, Mason and Robert navigate life’s trials, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a society not always ready to accept them. Starting in college, their connection deepens as they face family rejections, identity struggles, and career pressures. Together, they build a life marked by resilience and unwavering love. Over time, they marry, have children, and create a lasting family legacy. As they grow old, the enduring symbol of their bond—a ring forged from a meteorite—becomes a reminder to their children and grandchildren of a love that reached beyond time, built on courage, devotion, and unity.

Esperanza, a descendant of curanderas, grapples with her identity and unspoken love for Lucía. As the Day of the Dead approaches, mysterious disappearances unsettle their town and deepen Esperanza’s inner conflict. During the parade, a lost soul seeks her help, uncovering hidden truths of love and loss long forgotten. Torn between family traditions and her true self, Esperanza must choose whether to embrace her ancestral powers and feelings for Lucía, helping lost souls while finding her own voice.

This is a short story, part of a flash fiction collection inspired by images or prompts.

The Beach House brings together a group of lifelong friends for one final summer before life takes them in different directions. They've shared love, loss, and self-discovery, but now their bonds are tested as they prepare to move on—some to new cities, others to new careers. As the weekend unfolds, laughter and nostalgia give way to unresolved feelings, especially for Michael, who secretly loves Jason. Meanwhile, Jeremy faces uncertainty about his future with his boyfriend, Eric. In this last summer together, they must confront what’s next for their friendships and lives.

Andrew and Eric, wrapped in the warmth of a sunset, share a quiet moment together. As their easy conversation shifts, Eric asks about Andrew's past, hoping to learn more. Reluctant at first, Andrew finally opens up, recounting a vulnerable and intimate story about his first love—an encounter with a closeted athlete that shaped his view on relationships and self-worth. As Andrew reveals the bittersweet lessons of his past, the bond between him and Eric deepens. Together, they reaffirm their commitment to building an honest and loving future, unburdened by the ghosts of yesterday.

When Robert returns to Vancouver for a business trip, he unexpectedly reconnects with Zach, an old high school friend now working as a barista at a popular coffee shop. What starts as casual catching up leads to deeper conversations, forcing both men to confront the missed opportunities, regrets, and unresolved emotions of their past. As Robert begins to explore his long-hidden feelings, and Zach tries to heal from personal loss, the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur. Can they seize this second chance, or will the past prove too difficult to overcome?

Filtered Lives is a deeply personal exploration of love, trust, and the destructive force of social media obsession. Dan and Ry’s relationship was already facing the challenges of the pandemic, with Ry’s career as a dental assistant upended by the lockdown. But when Ry stumbles into the world of social media fame , what begins as a creative outlet quickly spirals into something far more consuming.