Mark Gagnon
Bio
My life has been spent traveling here and abroad. Now it's time to write.
I have three published books: Mitigating Circumstances, Short Stories for Open Minds, and Short Stories from an Untethered Mind. Unmitigated Greed is do out soon.
Achievements (1)
Stories (457)
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An Open Book. Top Story - October 2024.
I meandered along the twisting paths that weaved between trees and shrubs, flower gardens and Koi ponds all of which comprise our splendid city park. Every ray of sunshine burst into a rainbow of color as it struck the grass coated in morning dew. All my senses sparked to life as I drank in the beauty of this perfect day. Days such as these are what make life worth living, or so I thought at the time.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Mr. Wannabe
One bright summer morning four-year-old Dennis bounded into the kitchen and announced to his parents that he wanted to be a cowboy when he grew up. His father rose from the breakfast table, shook his head, and replied, “Good luck with that son,” then grabbed his lunch box and headed off to work at the factory. Understanding that every young child needs support and encouragement, his mother told him that he could be whatever he set his mind to.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Criminal
Stranger. Top Story - September 2024.
The word hospital comes from the Latin word hospes meaning guest or stranger. Patient comes from pator, another Latin word meaning suffer. It makes sense that by placing the two words together the result describes a place where strangers that are suffering go for care. Logically, it was precisely where Remi belonged. He had been in town for less than an hour, so he qualified as a stranger, and he was suffering. It was a pain that started in the depths of his soul and radiated through every cell of his body. Maybe, possibly, hopefully, he could find relief in this place of healing.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
You Believe Me Don’t You
“You believe me don’t you, Mitch? Sure, I may have left out a few small details about things that have happened in the past, but I would never intentionally skip anything pertaining to something this important. The police have shown you the video, and you’ve talked to some witnesses, so you must know I’m telling you the truth. I mean, what good is having a lawyer if he doesn’t believe you, right?”
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Criminal
100
It’s been five days since I’ve heard a live human voice. I don’t count the voices on the TV or radio. I can’t have a conversation with them. My AI companion doesn’t count either because it lacks the spontaneity true person to person interaction generates. No, this isn’t what I had imagined in my youth.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Longevity
The Return . Top Story - September 2024.
Walter swore once he left his hometown he would never return. Just thinking about the place ignited a flicker of rage that was difficult to control. There were no special memories that made him long for the good old days because there were no good old days. All his recollections about life where he was born involved growing up poor, other kids always picking on him in school, and never having a single person he could call friend.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
13 O’clock
It was a bright, cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Yes, you heard right. I said the clocks were striking thirteen. In case you somehow missed the announcement, the government, in an effort to increase productivity among the labor class, has restructured the way it measures time. No, this is not an April Fool's joke. From now on, there will be twenty-six hours in a day. Lunch will begin precisely at thirteen o’clock and end exactly at thirteen-twenty. Anyone caught malingering past the appointed time must work an extra two hours without pay. This change will benefit the entire population. “So, say the one! So, say we all!”
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Revival 6
Aaron remained in the shadows until the last of the congregation had left for home. This was his chance to get a closer look at the sacrificial altar and discover exactly what was butchered on it. He could hear voices coming from behind the red curtain shielding the rear of the sanctuary from view. He was certain the booming baritone voice belonged to the bishop. Aaron carefully peeked around the curtain to see what was going on. The four disciples sat around a table sipping a clear liquid that looked like moonshine.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Chapters
The Blocker
Today, people around the world seek me out, hoping I can help them find peace, but it wasn’t always like that. My childhood was filled with ridicule and pain from both classmates and relatives. They couldn’t understand why I had no desire to remember the bad things that happened in my life. How can you not remember? coming down with chickenpox, or falling off your bike and breaking an arm? For them, these were all memorable events, but for me, they were negative parts of my life that needed to be forgotten.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Unlimited Returns
“Hey Pete, here she comes again. I wonder what she’s bringing back this time?” “Who knows? Since management came up with this, “unlimited returns” policy, she is in here almost every day. I’ll tell you, Dom, if it weren’t for her returning stuff so often, we’d be out of a job. Quick, look busy. She’s coming this way.”
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
My Choice
In my job, I’m faced with making more choices in a day than most people make in a year. Sure, they don’t all involve life or death, but some might. Making a choice isn’t really the problem, knowing if it’s the right choice is. I might diagnose a situation, examine all the variables, and make a logical decision based on the facts. Unfortunately, logic isn’t always the right answer.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Fiction
Revival 5
Aaron took his time examining the cathedral exterior, its grounds, and the men standing guard at the entrance. He recognized several of them from their encounter earlier in the day. They were members of the Deacons, enforcers for this strange religion. He was unimpressed with the lack of training they exhibited during their first encounter. These clowns were just a group of neighborhood bullies, acting as though they controlled the world. If they didn’t have guns, Aaron was confident he could easily take them out.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Chapters
