Magical Realism

The Spotlight’s Glow. Content Warning. AI-Generated.
In a cosy but cramped apartment in the heart of New York City, Sarah Mitchell, a 34-year-old widowed mother of two, stared at her reflection in the small bathroom mirror. The deep lines etched into her face told stories of sleepless nights, endless juggling of bills, and the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Tom. Yet, behind her tired eyes sparkled a relentless hope—a hope to make it as an actress.
By Jessica2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Finale
When I groggily awakened the next morning in the hotel bed, I opened the business directory to look for somewhere to eat, but instead found an advertisement for Madam Marguerite’s Palm and Tarot Card readings. My skin flushed with surprise, surely the business was Rita’s, a sudden desire to see her again reawakening the feelings revived the night before. When I arrived at her place of business, a teenage girl had me sign the guest register and took the $30 payment in cash. Something in the sparkle of her eyes when she smiled reminded me of someone, but I could not bring her to mind before the girl led me to a darkened room for the reading.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Part 5
We drank one more pitcher of beer, the two of them getting a little soppy before the night finally came to its awkward end. Ed gave me a bear hug and asked for my forgiveness with tears running from his eyes. I forgave them both.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Part 4
I awoke three days later in the hospital. On the floor above my own Joey was fighting for his life. It was Little Ed who told me about it, taking an opportunity to give me a few minutes of unfriendly attention.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Part 3
Driving across the bridge into Glenville revived long forgotten emotions. The old general store, Madison Avenue Grill, the Royal Theater, and so many other memorable landmarks had disappeared. In their places I saw knick-knack shops and second-hand clothing stores sitting side by side with shuttered businesses that I remembered from childhood, their dingy facades marred by graffiti and time. I had not expected to feel the loss of the home from which I once left without expectation of return but driving slowly through downtown I began to grieve what I had never grieved before.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Part 2
When I eventually regained consciousness, the air reeked of death and decay, the terrible stench so close at hand that it seemed to emanate from my own flesh, my limbs as stiff as if my muscles and skin had calcified to bone. With tremendous effort I finally managed to open my eyes to the faint light of individual flames moving slowly through the night, a blood moon weakly illuminating the surrounding stones.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
The Fair Exchange - Part 1. Top Story - August 2024.
Her memory pounded in my head like a feeling trying to drag me backward in time, the remembered closeness of her embrace and the wet press of her lips on mine surprising me with its intensity.
By John Cox2 years ago in Chapters
Reaching For Tomorrow. AI-Generated.
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Encounter Sophia Archer had always found solace in the rhythmic clatter of weights and the steady thrum of her treadmill at the gym. Widowed for three years, she had immersed herself in fitness as a way to cope with the grief that had settled over her life like a heavy fog. The gym was her sanctuary, a place where she could channel her emotions into physical exertion.
By Jessica2 years ago in Chapters
The true art of seduction
The true art of seduction: how to conquer the love of your life Seduction is an art that many people want to master. However, the true art of seduction is not about games or manipulation techniques. It’s about being authentic, confident and captivating. In this article, we’ll explore the keys to mastering the true art of seduction and winning the love of your life
By Jaime come2 years ago in Chapters
Searching for Purpose
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, amidst the cacophony of expectations and responsibilities, there lies a quieter, deeper question: What is the aim of my life? This question, often whispered in moments of solitude, echoes through the corridors of our minds, urging us to introspect and seek clarity amidst confusion.
By Lil'Rosie2 years ago in Chapters
To all my fellow creators
Why do you share your work and journey with your social network? Nobody cares about what you do in your life. ⏩This! How often do we come across this statement? The argument for instant gratification that we gain while sharing glimpses or content about our journeys being detrimental for us, in the long run, is completely valid. The validation that we crave from external realms often stems from a lower sense of self-esteem.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Chapters
When Love Starts Hurting
Scene: A cozy café, where two friends, Sam and Alex, are meeting for their regular coffee catch-up. Sam: (sipping coffee) So, Alex, how's the love life?
By Lil'Rosie2 years ago in Chapters