Short Story
Barstow: The Art of Looking Away
Barstow, California was the kind of place where even the breeze felt like giving up. The air smelled like nothing. Barstow was dry air, hot wind, and dust that stuck to your skin. People said you got used to it. They said everything here was something you got used to.
By Sara Wilson12 days ago in Fiction
Saad Punjwani has officially become the first Pakistani to be featured in the global magazine The Orbit Times.
Every journey has a chapter that quietly shapes everything that follows. For Saad Punjwani, that chapter was 2019. It was a year defined not by noise, but by momentum — a period when effort, visibility, and purpose aligned naturally. While time has moved forward, that year continues to stand out as a personal benchmark, one that now feels increasingly relevant again. In recent months, conversations around Saad Punjwani have begun to resurface. Not because of controversy or sudden virality, but because of a steady and deliberate return to public focus. The difference this time is subtle but important: the approach is calmer, more measured, and grounded in experience. Rather than attempting to recreate the past, Saad Punjwani appears to be revisiting it with clarity. The Value of Stepping Back After periods of growth, stepping away can often be misunderstood. Silence is frequently mistaken for stagnation. In reality, it can be a phase of recalibration. For Saad Punjwani, the time away from the spotlight offered space to reflect on direction, priorities, and long-term purpose. This pause allowed lessons to settle. It replaced urgency with patience and ambition with structure. Many people peak once and spend years chasing that moment again. Others learn from it, adapt, and return stronger. The recent developments suggest that Saad Punjwani belongs to the latter group. A Moment of International Recognition One of the most significant milestones in this renewed phase came with international acknowledgment. Saad Punjwani has become the first Pakistani to be featured in the global magazine The Orbit Times. This feature is set to appear in The Orbit Times – 26th Edition, scheduled for release on 14 February 2026. The inclusion marks a notable moment, not only on a personal level, but also in the context of global representation. The Orbit Times is known for highlighting emerging voices and individuals whose stories reflect broader cultural or professional shifts. Being featured in such a publication places Saad Punjwani within an international narrative — one that extends beyond borders and local recognition. Why This Feature Matters Global platforms often determine whose stories are heard and remembered. Representation in international media is not merely symbolic; it shapes perception and opens conversations. For Pakistani individuals striving to be recognized beyond regional boundaries, moments like these carry significance. Saad Punjwani’s feature does not position him as an overnight success, but rather as someone whose journey reflects consistency, evolution, and readiness for broader dialogue. It signals that stories rooted in local experience can resonate globally when presented with authenticity. Revisiting 2019 with Perspective Rewinding to 2019 does not mean repeating the same steps. Time has added perspective. What once required instinct is now guided by understanding. What was once driven by momentum is now supported by intention. The confidence that defined Saad Punjwani’s earlier phase appears intact, but it is now paired with restraint. This balance often marks the difference between temporary success and sustainable growth. In many ways, revisiting a prime year is not about reliving achievements, but about reclaiming the mindset that made them possible — curiosity, discipline, and belief in long-term effort. A Broader Reflection Stories like this resonate because they are familiar. Many individuals experience a high point early on, followed by a period of uncertainty or distance. The challenge is not losing momentum, but knowing how to return without repeating mistakes. Saad Punjwani’s journey reflects this universal pattern. It speaks to creators, professionals, and entrepreneurs who understand that progress is rarely linear. Growth often includes pauses, reassessments, and quiet rebuilding. Looking Ahead As the release date of The Orbit Times – 26th Edition approaches, attention around Saad Punjwani is likely to increase. However, the focus remains grounded. There are no grand declarations, only steady movement forward. This phase feels less about proving something and more about alignment — between past experience and present direction. Closing Thoughts Rewinding a defining year is not about nostalgia. It is about understanding what worked, what changed, and what still matters. For Saad Punjwani, 2019 remains a reference point, not as a destination, but as a foundation. The upcoming international feature serves as recognition of that journey — one shaped by patience, reflection, and readiness. Sometimes, progress is not about moving faster, but about moving with intention. And in that sense, Saad Punjwani’s story is not about returning to the past, but about moving forward with clarity.
By Vocal Team12 days ago in Fiction
Persephone's Pomegranate
The pomegranate was already on her plate when Persephone sat down. The table was carved from a single slab of black stone, polished smooth by centuries of use. It reflected everything dimly, like water at night. Her plate held the usual offerings: grey bread dusted with ash, a glass of clear wine that smelled faintly metallic, and slices of fruit so pale they looked bleached by grief.
By Emilie Turner12 days ago in Fiction
Yellow Lights, Lucky Breaks & Borders
Crossing the Alameda border, I reached up and knocked twice on the car ceiling with my curled index and middle fingers. “Why do you do that?” Cynthia twirled a section of her long, coppery tresses; it was a fidget that I had long grown to love. She was perfect—literally everything that I had asked for. A redhead who looked like she had it all together and was a little crazy in the best way: great with fixing cars, loved dogs, and had a huge heart. She was amazing, and once again I looked at her and felt like the luckiest man alive.
By Alicia Anspaugh12 days ago in Fiction
Oh My Gaaawd!!
💫🙏🤍 I don’t think of myself as a very religious person. I like to think of myself as a spiritual earthing, who can find something good and useful in every religion I’ve learned about. I believe there’s some truth to every story on the planet .. even if it’s just the source or idea that it evolved from. I’m going to share a true story of mine that I think most people will find something relatable in. It’s not well written, but it’s true and real and if it makes you smile or laugh, it makes me smile. 😃😂💫🙏🤍🕊️
By Dana Mary Colleen Campbell12 days ago in Fiction
MARVEL/DC COMICS PRESENTS #10
Spider-Man/The Legion of Superheroes 31st Century New York City “Welcome to Parker Interstellar Spaceport,” a voice announced over the intercom system. “The state of the art spaceport servicing the United Planets and other neighboring systems.”
By Derrick Billups 12 days ago in Fiction
The Leaders Meeting
“What about Duska?, she appears to be a great fit for this and she really does love it here. She definitely has a good understanding of how it all correlates. Have we invited her to apply?” He proposed as an option to fill the position.
By Dana Mary Colleen Campbell12 days ago in Fiction
Emergency Services
Emergency Services They made six calls that night. Six false emergencies, spaced just far enough apart to feel clever. Laughter pressed into sleeves, invented panic, then the click of disconnection. The operator stayed calm every time. Calm made it feel harmless. He went home believing the night had been wasted on nothing.
By Marie381Uk 12 days ago in Fiction
The Day Nothing Happened
The Day Nothing Happened On the day nothing happened, I woke up before the alarm and watched the light crawl across the ceiling. It moved slowly, like it had nowhere else to be. I lay there longer than necessary, listening to the house breathe. Pipes clicked. A car passed. Somewhere, someone laughed, then stopped.
By Marie381Uk 12 days ago in Fiction
from death into life
In the cycles of life, we often encounter moments that feel like the end—times when personal tragedies, loss, or deep despair seem to signal an irreversible conclusion. However, it is in these very moments that some of the most powerful stories of transformation and rebirth unfold. The theme of "from death into life" resonates deeply across cultures, religions, and personal experiences, symbolizing the journey of emerging from suffering and hardship into a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and understanding. The idea of resurrection, not just in a literal sense but as a metaphor for personal growth, has inspired countless stories, poems, and philosophies. This journey of death and rebirth is not just about overcoming external obstacles, but also about internal transformation—the death of old beliefs, identities, and behaviors, and the rebirth of new wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Let’s explore how this theme plays out in different aspects of life, from personal reinvention to spiritual renewal. The Concept of 'Death' in the Journey of Transformation Before we discuss the potential for life after death, it’s essential to first understand what "death" symbolizes in the context of transformation. It doesn’t necessarily refer to the end of life, but rather to the endings and transitions we face at various stages—whether they are personal losses, the death of relationships, the dissolution of dreams, or moments when we feel utterly defeated. In personal growth, death can take the form of: The End of Old Patterns: Habits, thoughts, and behaviors that no longer serve us may need to die for personal transformation to occur. The Collapse of Identity: Sometimes, our sense of self based on external validation or societal expectations needs to fall apart so that we can reconnect with our authentic selves. Loss and Grief: Whether it's the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, these painful experiences can often force us to reevaluate what really matters, leading to profound internal shifts. At these points, life may seem hopeless, and the darkness of loss can overshadow everything. But it is precisely in these moments that the potential for rebirth begins to take root. From Personal Struggles to Empowerment Many individuals who have faced major challenges in their lives often speak of experiencing a deep personal transformation—"from death into life." These individuals transform hardship into strength, loss into wisdom, and pain into purpose. Stories of recovery from illness, addiction, or deep emotional scars demonstrate the incredible resilience of the human spirit. For example, consider the story of Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted at the age of 14 and held captive for nine months. The trauma she endured was unspeakable, yet after her rescue, she turned her pain into a powerful message of hope, advocating for missing children and those who have experienced trauma. Elizabeth's story illustrates how personal tragedy, though harrowing, can lead to a profound new mission in life—a form of rebirth, where the 'death' of her old life gave way to the 'life' of a fearless advocate and survivor. Similarly, Nelson Mandela's life embodies the idea of moving from death into life. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela could have emerged bitter and broken. Instead, he used his time in confinement to reflect, learn, and refine his vision of a unified South Africa. His release from prison was not the end of his journey, but the beginning of a new chapter, one in which he would lead a nation toward peace and reconciliation. The Role of Spiritual Rebirth Across spiritual traditions, the concept of death and rebirth is central to the human experience. In Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the ultimate transformation from death to life, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. Similarly, in Hinduism, the cycle of samsara—the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—represents the soul's journey toward ultimate liberation and enlightenment. Spiritual rebirth is not always about a dramatic moment like resurrection but can happen gradually. Many people experience what could be termed a spiritual "death"—a crisis of faith, a period of deep questioning, or a loss of connection to their higher self. Yet, these moments often lead to profound spiritual growth. For example, someone who has gone through a dark night of the soul, marked by disillusionment and despair, may emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and peace, having rediscovered their connection to their spirituality. The teachings of Buddhism also emphasize personal transformation through suffering. The Buddha’s life illustrates that through the acceptance of suffering, one can transcend it, leading to enlightenment—a life free from attachments and inner turmoil. It is a form of spiritual death and rebirth, where old views of self and life give way to profound liberation. The Metaphor of Nature: From Winter to Spring Nature offers a powerful metaphor for the concept of death and rebirth. Every year, the world goes through cycles of death and renewal: trees shed their leaves in autumn, seemingly dying as winter approaches, only to bloom again in the spring. In many ways, our own personal journeys mirror this cycle. We experience seasons of hardship and struggle, much like the cold and barren winter, only to emerge stronger and more vibrant when the “spring” of personal growth and new opportunities arrives. This metaphor can be applied to nearly every area of life. Relationships can go through cycles of growth, stagnation, and renewal. Careers can experience moments of decline, only to rise again with a new direction and purpose. Even on a societal level, periods of upheaval and destruction are often followed by periods of reinvention and progress. How Can We Move from Death Into Life? The process of transformation, or moving from death into life, is not easy—it requires intentional action, self-reflection, and courage. Here are a few ways to facilitate this process: Embrace Vulnerability: Transformation often begins with being vulnerable enough to face our own fears, insecurities, and limitations. This is a painful but essential part of personal growth. Let Go of the Past: To move forward, sometimes we need to let go of old beliefs, relationships, or identities that are no longer serving us. This "death" can feel devastating, but it creates space for new life to emerge. Seek Support: Whether through therapy, mentorship, or community, seeking support from others can provide the guidance and encouragement needed to transform. No one should have to go through the journey of rebirth alone. Practice Patience and Resilience: Transformation takes time. It’s a gradual process of rebuilding and reclaiming oneself after loss. Patience and resilience are key to navigating this journey. Find Purpose in Pain: Reframing our struggles as opportunities for growth and learning can turn pain into power. By finding meaning in our suffering, we can transform it into the fuel for our rebirth. Conclusion: The Endless Cycle of Rebirth From death into life is not a one-time event but a recurring theme throughout our lives. It is the story of every moment when we emerge from the darkness of loss, fear, or confusion, only to find the light of new opportunities, strength, and clarity. Whether in the personal experiences of survivors, the spiritual journeys of individuals, or the endless cycles of nature, this theme resonates deeply within the human experience. Just as the earth experiences renewal after each winter, so too can we all experience rebirth after every loss, failure, or crisis.
By Ayesha Lashari13 days ago in Fiction
from death into life. Top Story - February 2026.
Young Aldin of Wiloh had never contemplated death. It was almost strange — so many around him had the tendency to obsess over it, to clamor and claw almost desperately at their own perceptions of the end to know death as much as they could: when it would come, why it would come, where it would take them when it did.
By angela hepworth13 days ago in Fiction
