Flame Stories

His hands were soft and pale. Light from the streetlamp painted over his face. And between his lips, I saw a moment paused in time. There was no blood, and no bruises. Everything about him was nearly the same. Except for him laying in the street without a breath in his body. Derek’s eyes were pointed up. Their petrified state tried to tell me what he last saw, but it was of no use. The stillness of his resting fate urged a deepening curiosity. Then, a rush of hyper awareness came

I don't disagree with any of the opinions against the film. But, I enjoyed it for a specific reason. It suspended my disbelief. Sure, compared to real life and the likelihoods of political reality in the UK or the USA, it is a bit far-fetched. But, it's exactly what I figured it would be. I enjoyed the casting, cinematography and understood the director's intent behind several different choices; despite the fact I had directed it differently inside of my mind. It was also the director's first feature-film debut, so there's that. I also blame Amazon for, likely, under-budgeting the film. I'm curious how it might have been different if another studio out-bid Amazon for the film rights. A studio with more of a history standing behind itself. Also, Greg Berlanti produced — and he was behind Love, Simon and Love, Victor — so I think that contributed partially to some of the tropes people grow tired of. But alas, rom-coms will always rom-com.

It's about time Matthew had some of his questions answered!

Let's hope for Matt's sake it doesn't....

Thanks for reading!

I'd hate to be in any of their shoes, that's for sure! Thanks so much for reading. Hope you have a great night.

Some astute observations... what will be made of them in the next chapter? And who exactly did he stumble onto? I fear his troubles are hardly beginning. Thanks for reading and for your comment.

Only the pounding of my heart interrupted the silence between Adam and me. Immediately, I felt the rush to run back to safety. To be normal. But, I also sensed what was to come. From the look on Adam’s face, I knew this wasn’t some elaborate ruse or hazing ritual. He looked genuinely concerned, and not surprised. Several more moments passed, and none of us said anything. Adam looked like he was biting down hard on his lip. Whatever outer layer of macho energy he dressed himself w

The answer is both yes and no. The author, Casey McQuiston, has mentioned previously that obviously the book draws direct parallels to real political figures. But, they maintain that it's not an exact reflection or twist of any one person's life in particular.

This looks like a friendly forum to drop in and say hello. I'm not exactly new, but not old either. I created an account about a month ago to start publishing stories. My hope is to write a bonafide novel to pitch to a literary agent, but that could be decades down the road. In the meantime, what better way than to wet my feet with an inclusive community? Anyhow, thanks to everyone who makes this site possible. I'm already a fan of the atmosphere everyone has created! Looking forward to becoming more a part of the community.

Thanks for reading!

Thank you!

My pleasure! Thanks for the feedback.

👀 Thanks for reading!

Tiredness stirs in your system like a drug. It makes you doubt your perception of reality. But suddenly, my eyes opened wide. Moonlight glared on the twisting brass doorknob. A small rush of adrenaline flooded my body. Not sure what to do, I backed away like a timid prey. My eyes stayed on the mystery in front of me as I fixed myself with no escape up against the other side of the room. The latch finally clicked as it cleared from the doorframe. My anxiety shot up through my nose as I

Inside a special academy for scientific minds, a first-year techno-geek and senior science jock uncover a conspiracy targeting people like them.

My thumbs pressed hard against the creases of my navy blue uniform pants. I drew small circles into the fabric as I waited for my application to be finalized. I glared past the admissions officer and up toward the top end of the walls. Framed pictures and awards lined the upper end of the walls. It read like a painted history of the academy. Championship games, visits to the capitol and Nobel Laureates. The men in the photos all had stoic looks. Each wore a blazer embedded with the cre