Bill W

People stay in abusive relationships for different reasons, but for the abuser the reason is generally the same -- control. They beat the abused individual and claim it's merely discipline and tough love. This story was powerfully written and caused me to relate to the abused person, and even though I would have fought back or put an end to the relationship, I understand while Cyril didn't do that. This is an eye-opener, but you should have a strong stomach if you choose to read it

Although I've seen relationships like this from a distance, I've never understood them. I know that controlling people try to make sure you don't have any other relationships that could interfere or expose what is going on, but why people stay in those relationship have me baffled. I half expected Cyril to kill Fred this time and claim self-defense, but I'm glad that didn't happen. I just hope the app that Fred had put on both of their phones doesn't bring Fred to Stuart's home. This was a very powerful and disturbing story.

A sad state of affairs that ends tragically, which is all too common in the gay community. It's a dark short story, but well worth a read.

An interesting take on a sad story. It was handled well, although the outcome was tragic in more ways than one.

A person's family can disappoint them in so many ways. It's just that some of those ways are worse than others. That is especially true if they don't approve of the person you love. This is a dark and unsettling tale.

This family has been dysfunctional since day one and the reason for it has remained obtuse to most people until recently. That's because Sam, a doctor at the local hospital, had a patient to treat that evening and the man's condition seemed to cause more questions than answers. This is a dark short story, but it will make you think about what you might have done if you'd been in the same circumstances.

You can only take off so much in public when it gets really hot, but you have more leeway in private situations. 😆

It was PT Barnum's way of getting the people to leave, since they didn't understand that egress was another word for exit, not some unusual creature.

How would you react if you began to wonder if you were the last person on earth. Would you stay where you were, or would you go out looking for others? Perhaps you'd be worried about what other animals might be hunting for food and wouldn't care if it was a human, as long as it was edible. Myles parents had taken him to their country cabin when this apocalyptic scenario had begun, but they had since died and food was starting to run out. Myles also began to feel that he couldn't stand to be alone any longer, so he starts out heading back to his old home, which is northeast of his current location. He hopes the situation might be better there, but whether it is or isn't, he starts out anyway. Reading this short story will probably have you looking over your shoulder and experiencing every feeling that Myles is going through -- I just wish that Cia had taken this intriguing tale a bit further.

Flourishing in storytelling refers to narrative structures and character arcs that go beyond mere survival to achieve vibrant growth, resilience, and thriving. It is essential for shifting the focus of art and communication from just enduring trauma to creating meaning, inspiring empathy, and fostering genuine human connection. The importance of flourishing in storytelling is rooted in psychology, human connection, and narrative depth: Empathy and Connection: The stories we consume allow the brain to physically simulate the experiences of others, which builds compassion. Stories that highlight characters moving toward fulfillment help bridge deep societal divides. Meaning and Transcendence: Great stories, whether fictional or autobiographical, answer not just "what happened," but "what does it mean". Flourishing narratives give audiences a sense of wonder and help them conceptualize their own potential for success and thriving. Psychological Healing: Processing events through a narrative arc is a proven method for moving past trauma. It allows both the teller and the listener to make sense of their emotions, reclaim a sense of agency, and step from survival into personal growth. Ecosystem of Narrative Power: Exploring themes of human flourishing can change dominant cultural or societal narratives. It shifts the focus toward building just, sustainable, and story-rich communities where everyone feels heard and valued. Understanding how narratives shape our lives and well-being is heavily documented across fields of study from psychology to the humanities.

Flourish derives from the Lain flōrēre (to bloom or blossom), which comes from flōs (flower). Over centuries of linguistic evolution, it entered Middle French and adapted into the Middle English florishen. At its core, the word means to literally or figuratively "flower". The term has grown to encompass several dynamic meanings: To Thrive (Growth): Evolving from "blossoming," it signifies growing vigorously or prospering. | To Brandish (Movement): Metaphorically linked to the waving or displaying of a flower, it means to swing a weapon or object in a dramatic, attention-grabbing way. A Decorative Touch: Derived from the obsolete definition "to adorn with flowers," it refers to embellishments, such as ornamental handwriting or a musical fanfare. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb flourish first appeared in written English during the early 14-th century, with the earliest documented use tracing back to 1303 in the writings of the poet and historian Robert Mannyng. It was borrowed from Anglo-French roots meaning to bloom or grow abundantly. The noun form was recorded slightly later, with OED's earliest evidence appearing in literature before 1500 (specifically in the Middle English poem Cokelbie Sow).

This is a delightful mix between a fairy tale and a romance that will captivate your attention until you finish reading it. Marcus loves the ocean and being around the water, but he does something extremely foolish after an upcoming storm is announced and nearly dies. He is saved by a total stranger, whom he runs into again later. Give this remarkable short story a read and I'm convinced you'll enjoy it.

It's easy to see why this story is titled "Morton's Fork". It's like they have come to a fork in the road and have a choice, although there is no "good" or "perfect" choice. Let's start with Clay. He's a teenage boy who has had a rough and complicated life thusfar. A former older boyfriend had abused him and turned him into a prostitute, and then there are Clays parents, who both seem to be over their heads when dealing with Clay's situation. He has the choice of living with his mother and step-father, or possibly moving in with his father, who'd deserted the family when Clay was younger. Then there's the boyfriends, Rush and Ben. Rush recently lost his long-time job and has been offered two different jobs. Neither job is exactly what he wants. He's also become involved with Clay and Clay's parents and wants what is best for Clay, but it's putting a strain on his relationship with Ben. Everyone wants to choose what is best, but there are no ideal solutions. You might say that each of them is caught between a rock and a hard place. To learn what happens, read this moving and powerful short story.

Powerful story, Cole, and one in which no one really wins. They may benefit to some extent, or they may create more problems for themselves, but no one truly wins.

In storytelling, a "promise" is the unspoken contract between the author and the audience. Established in the opening pages, it sets expectations for the genre, tone, and stakes. Fulfilling this promise rewards the audience with a satisfying payoff, while breaking it risks confusion and disappointment. The narrative promise generally operates using the three-part framework of Promise, Progress, and Payoff. The Promise (Setting Expectations: At the very beginning of a story, the author makes a pact with the reader. This promise tells the audience what kind of experience to anticipate. Tone: Tells the reader if the story will be dark and gritty, humorous, whimsical, or romantic. Plot & Stakes: Establishes the main conflict, what the protagonist wants, and what is standing in their way. The Progress (Building Suspense): Once the promise is established, the story must progress toward its fulfillment. This is the engine of the narrative, where the characters undergo trials, develop their skills, and face mounting tension. Here, writers utilize escalations, red herrings, and obstacles to make the audience wonder if the promised outcome will actually happen. The Payoff (Delivering Resolution): The payoff is the ultimate reward for the audience's investment. It is the moment where the story pays off the setup from the beginning, such as a final confrontation or a character learning a vital lesson. Effective payoffs are typically described as being both "surprising and inevitable". Why Promise Matters: Builds Trust: Consistently meeting reader expectations creates trust and turns casual consumers into loyal fans. Hooks the Audience: A strong promise is the ultimate "hook" that gives the reader a compelling reason to turn the page. Maintains Focus: Having a clear promise keeps the writing tight, preventing authors from meandering or including extraneous details. Writers frequently utilize different types of promise moments to hook audiences, ranging from specific dialogue teasers to overarching plot promises. Exploring these narrative beats in depth can help you structure your own writing more effectively.

The word promise comes from the Latin promissum. It is the past participle of the verb promittere, which translates to "send forth," "let go," or "assure beforehand". The concept originally described putting or sending something forth for the future, eventually evolving to mean "declaring or stating beforehand". It transitioned into the Old French promesse (assurance, guarantee). Borrowed into the English language in the early 15th century (around the 1400s) as promisse or promis. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun "promise" in English is from circa 1422, during the Middle English period. The OED cites its earliest evidence for the noun in the writings of the poet and Privy Seal clerk Thomas Hoccleve. The verb form ("to promise") followed shortly after, with the OED recording its earliest evidence from 1430.

Julian and Romeo are obviously a couple, but Julian is nervous as he plans a surprise for Romeo on their anniversary. Julian might be great when it comes to his career, but sometimes his interpersonal skills are lacking when it comes to romantic endeavors. No matter how awkward this might appear, it comes off perfectly and I'm sure it will melt your heart. Take a quick read of this wonderful short story.

Adi, simple, somewhat awkward, geekily romantic, and adorable. Well done!

This is an intriguing short story with an unusual premise. If you don't already know this, a Nephilim is the child of an angel and a mortal. Being part angel, it has aspects of good in their character, but they can also be tempted by fallen angels to become part of the darker side. Being part human, or mortal, they also have a mix of good and bad qualities. How would a Nephilim act and go about with the daily ritual of life? As the title asks, would it be more angel or human? Read this interesting tale to see what you think the outcome will be.

Our lives often change when we graduate from high school and go away to college. Some of that is due to choices that we've made, and other times it's due to choices others have made. That's why high school reunions are so unpredictable and often tense. Great job in dealing with difficult subject matter and circumstances. I just wish things could've worked out a little better for all involved.

I'm sorry that the breakup didn't work out better and that Nick lost all of his friends, but I suppose that was because of his promises to Josie when he promised something like that would never happen.

I know I've sat with aging grandparents, in-laws, and even my mother through those final years. Some have been easier than others, but that wasn't always the case. When I was younger, I reacted much the same as Chad did when he knew he might lose his great-grandfather. This is a very touching and skillfully crafted story that will make you shed a few tears and bring a few smiles to your face along the way. It's well worth the read.

Reading this story a second time, over twenty years later, it gives me a different perspective. I've already made peace for when my time comes. My son and doctors all know that I've requested a DNR status (Do Not Recesitate) when the end comes. In fact, with the various medical conditions I've endured in recent years, I've even begged to die rather than have to suffer more indescribable pain, but yet I linger. The medication has been adjusted again and makes the pain bearable for now, but I've been here before and it doesn't always last, so I've made my wishes known. There's also a chance that if it becomes severe again, I might be able to have a brain operation that could reduce the pain on a more permanent basis, but nothing is guaranteed. I just hope that when my time comes that I might run across some old flames that I should have taken a chance with.

Many children have invisible friends at some point in their life, and their invisible friend is usually filling a need that the child may not even realize he has. But who decides when we give up our invisible friends, or if we even need to. Maybe our invisible friends can grow with us and be reliably there whenever we need them. This is a haunting short story and it may cause you to think twice before you attempt to talk a child into giving up his invisible friend.

An intriguing story with a haunting, yet calming effect. Maybe Nathan will give Noel a real person to spend time with and Chris will only be there for reassurance and advice.