Latest Stories
Most recently published stories on Vocal.
The Saloon Murders
It’s late in the evening. The cowboys and cowgirls are all in bed. A woman is sitting in the dark again. She is at her desk typing details in a letter. She doesn’t need the light to see what is being typed. She’s got it down to a science. She types it urgently as if it’s a matter between life and death. The typewriter dings with each return. She is frantic and determined to fix what this woman has done to the man she loves. In mid-sentence, the phone rings causing her to jump. She answers it.
By Meredith McLarty18 days ago in Fiction
Relocated
There was nothing but this brown dust as far as the eye could see. Its dry, clay-like texture choked my senses. I would have sighed, but that would have meant sucking in a mouthful of whatever this crud was. And the air—don’t get me started on the air… all I could smell was excrement… everywhere.
By Alicia Anspaugh18 days ago in Fiction
The Open Road Russia’s Car Rental Transformation in 2026
The vast expanse of Russia has always demanded mobility, but in 2026, the way Russians and visitors traverse this massive landscape has undergone a radical shift. The traditional car rental model, once dominated by global Western brands and paper-heavy contracts, has been replaced by a high-tech, digital-first ecosystem. Driven by a historic surge in domestic tourism, a total realignment of the automotive supply chain toward Eastern manufacturers, and the rise of "Super-Apps" that blend short-term car-sharing with long-term rentals, Russia car rental market is currently valued at over $2.52 billion. This "Rental Revolution" is not just about getting from point A to point B; it is about the democratization of the road in a post-sanctions economy where owning a car is becoming secondary to the convenience of renting one.
By Neeraj kumar18 days ago in Education
MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max: Release Date Rumors, Expected Specs, Etc. . AI-Generated.
Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup has been on a steady, highly calculated upgrade cycle since the company introduced Apple Silicon. With the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips already setting a new baseline for performance and efficiency, attention is now shifting toward what comes next. The MacBook Pro powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max is already the subject of growing speculation, even though Apple has not officially confirmed its existence.
By Md. Nurul Afsar18 days ago in 01
The Role of AI in Modern Business Operations Explained (2026). AI-Generated.
Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword reserved for tech companies—it’s quietly transforming how businesses operate every day. From handling routine tasks to providing deep insights for decision-making, AI is becoming an essential part of modern business operations. Understanding how AI impacts daily workflows can help companies stay efficient, adapt to change, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
By Nimra kanwal18 days ago in Journal
A Quandary in Quarantine
Chapter Four The rest of that day floated by us all in a blur of news site-checking, trying to reconcile conflicting information, and outright denial (or, worse than that - silence) from much of the leadership both on a local level as well as the country as a whole.
By Erin Lorandos18 days ago in Fiction
The Chill Factor Russia Frozen Food Transformation in 2026
The global frozen food market has long been a barometer for urban lifestyle changes, but in 2026, Russia frozen food sector tells a unique story of resilience and self-sufficiency. Once a market heavily dependent on Western imports and global logistics, the Russian "Cold Chain" has undergone a radical domestic pivot. Driven by a surge in "Import Substitution," rising demand for convenience among the urban working class, and a renewed pride in local delicacies, the Russian frozen food market has reached a historic valuation of nearly $5.1 billion this year. This "Frozen Revolution" is defined by a shift from being a backup option for the freezer to becoming a gourmet, tech-driven solution for the modern Russian household.
By Neeraj kumar18 days ago in Education
A Sister of 7 brothers
I am the only sister among seven brothers. Six of my brothers reached high positions in life, but the seventh—perhaps struck by an evil eye—remained behind. He was the most loving, compassionate, and supportive brother to me. His name was Zaman. He was the second child after me; the rest were younger. Through my mother’s prayers, all my brothers achieved respectable statuses. Zaman also received those prayers, and my mother loved him the most.
By Sudais Zakwan18 days ago in Families
