I take a deep breath and lift the orb into my hands. At first there is nothing. Only a pitch-black emptiness and, from somewhere far off, muffled sounds. It is a woman's voice, half moan, half sob. Then my eyelids, eyelids that are not mine, slowly part. I am beneath a low roof. Above me I see oak beams blackened by soot, and bundles of thatch bound to them. The room is small, hardly larger than the corner of a storehouse. The walls are built of thick logs, the gaps between…
Dear C, I steadied my breath and began to write again, but my hand has not stopped trembling. For the hand that writes these lines still carries that child's fear. For many years I have entered the orb. I have known the fury of warriors, the arrogance of kings, the last breaths of the dying. But I have never known anything like this. This pain has no clamor. It does not flash like a sword, nor bleed like a wound. It is silent. Inside a child it echoes ceaselessly, like water…
Short story: The priorities When Clara met Andrés, he seemed to have everything clear. In a notebook, he had written down his priorities: his wife, his children, his parents, his friends and each other. —I don't want to forget what really matters," she told him, showing it to him. Work and money come and go. The people we love deserve our time. Over the years, Andrés tried to fulfill it. If her children needed help, she would put the phone aside. He visited his parents on…
My story is very special and really Nietzschean.!! Two friends go to the city of Santiago, Chile, and search for treasure in the caves in the outskirts and around Santiago. In the caves, they get separated from each other. One of them finds a treasure, but he doesn't tell his friend and hides it inside one of the holes in the cave. His other friend calls out to him: Come! I found a treasure! When his friend comes, they open the treasure together and see it is full of silver.…
Short story: The best company Clara arrived at the cafe with her sister Julia, her lifelong friend Marta, and Bruno, her restless dog. "They say that having a sister makes you a better person," Julia said, stealing a fried potato from Clara's plate. "Then you must be making a huge effort to improve me," Clara joked. Marta let out a laugh. - We do know how to insult each other with affection. You're a mess, Clara! "And you are the most loyal person I know," Clara replied.…
Short story: The choice Don Ernesto had turned one hundred years old. His hair was completely white, but his eyes retained the brightness of one who has learned to look at life with patience. One afternoon, his grandson Mateo came to visit him. He had been dating Valeria for several months and was convinced that she wanted to propose to him. "Grandpa—" Mateo said, sitting down next to her, "I think Valeria is the woman I want to share my life with." Don Ernesto smiled and…
Thrilling story THE GIRL IN ROOM 17 EPISODE 2: THE SECRET "Welcome to Room 17." The voice whispered directly into my ear. I screamed and turned around. Nobody was there. "Teni!" I grabbed her hand. She was crying so hard she could barely speak. "Please, Amara" "What is happening?" "I didn't know it would happen like this." "What did you know?" She looked at the girl standing in front of us. The girl smiled. "Tell her." Teni shook her head. "I can't." The girl took one step…
Short story: Sorry Clara arrived at the office five minutes late, carrying a huge bag, a coffee and the expression of someone who had just survived a chase. "Sorry to bother you," he said to Luis, who was standing in front of the printer. Could you help me? Luis looked at her surprised. - Clara, you've been saying “sorry” to the printer for twenty minutes. - Sorry, I just didn't mean to interrupt you. - The printer has no feelings. At that moment, the machine beeped and spat…
Thrilling stories THE GIRL IN ROOM 17 Chapter One: The Knock The first time I heard the knocking, I thought I imagined it. It was almost midnight. I had been scrolling through my phone instead of studying for my exam the next morning. My roommate, Teni, was already asleep. Or at least I thought she was. I put my phone down and closed my eyes. Knock. My eyes opened, I waited. Then it came again. Knock. Knock. Three slow knocks I sat up. Teni? She didn't answer. I looked at…
The Mysterious Fig Tree (Fiction Story) She was coming down the staircase of the tiny spacecraft when a soft whisper caught her attention. “You are not welcome here.” She turned her head toward the nearby trees, looking for the messenger, when the spaceship door suddenly closed and the staircase lifted to the edge of the ship, forcing her to jump to the ground. Connecting with the vessel’s mainframe was futile. The autopilot had taken over as Wanda realized she had lost…
Short story: Any other day Clara never celebrated her birthday. I didn't organize parties, I didn't post photos or expect gifts. For her, that day was just like any other. - Do you really not want to do anything this year? Mateo, his best friend, asked. We could organize a surprise party for you. Clara smiled and shook her head. - Thanks, but I prefer something quiet. I don't like being the center of attention. "But having a birthday is important—" Mateo insisted. It should…
Ojos Grises. El lento andar en la corta fila para llegar a la caja del supermercado lo invitó a distraerse un rato. Aceptó sin mucha resistencia, un fugaz viaje a su infancia y sus juegos de tablero de la época, pero rápidamente saltó a la realidad, una cuenta por pagar, una avería en su carro y un problema técnico que resolver en su trabajo se llevaron la atención o dirección de sus pensamientos. La joven cajera se quejaba del calor, al parecer el aire acondicionado tenía…
Short story: The Generation That Came Home When It Got Dark At six in the evening, Marta closed the office door and put her phone away in her purse. She wasn’t in a hurry to check messages, answer emails, or post that she had finished another workday. Many years earlier, she had learned that a job well done didn’t need applause. Her brother Luis was waiting for her on the sidewalk, wearing a crooked smile and a pair of sunglasses that, according to him, made him look ten…
The Man Who Never Gave Up Every morning, before the sun came up, Daniel would leave their small house with an old backpack on his shoulder. His family was poor. There was barely enough food on the table, and sometimes they had to choose between buying rice and paying the electricity bill. Daniel had dreams of finishing school, but life gave him a difficult choice. One day, his mother became sick, and his younger siblings needed food. Daniel looked at his school uniform…
The Swirling Feather (Fiction Story) Big, healthy trees stretched majestically through the void, their highest branches tingling the clouds and guarding the park's entrance. The green on the leaves slowly faded, letting the autumn color palette rejoice and overtake the decoration of a cozy, warm, familiar place. Kendall had half an hour to take a walk and enjoy time for herself before the church bells would ring and signal her return to the car. “Half an hour ‘me time’.…
Storytelling, in Paragraph Proportions - Fragment 129 A dark, fantastical tale that is intended to unfold a paragraph, or thereabouts, at a time. #writing #horror #fantasy #poetry #publish0x #storytelling #writingcommunity #indieauthors #wattpad #minkly #gothic On Minkly: https://www.minkly.io/series/chapters/6315/fragment-129 On Publish0x: https://www.publish0x.com/storytelling-in-paragraph-proportions/fragment-129-xywdyxq On Wattpad:…
Short story: Looks Clara entered the small village cafe with a book under her arm. At a nearby table, her friends Laura and Sofia were chatting while watching people passing by on the street. "Look at Elena—" Laura said with a smile. He is always too kind to everyone. I'm sure she's a hypocrite. Sofia lowered her gaze. - We shouldn't judge her without knowing her. At that moment, Elena approached an elderly woman who was trying to carry several bags. Without saying a word,…
The Dream He Put on Hold When Carlo was 17, he had one dream—to finish school, graduate, and build a better life for himself. He loved studying, and every day he imagined the moment he would finally receive his diploma. But Carlo came from a very poor family. His father could no longer work regularly, and his mother struggled to put food on the table. His younger brothers and sisters sometimes went to bed hungry. One morning, Carlo looked at his school uniform hanging beside…
Short story: The Second Beginning At the age of forty-two, Andrés stared at the stacked boxes in the garage. For years I had worked to pay for a house that was too big, maintain an expensive car and sustain a lifestyle that I no longer enjoyed. Her friend Clara arrived with two coffees and observed the mess. - What happened? - he asked. - I think I got tired of working just to pay for things that I hardly use. Clara handed him a coffee. - Then maybe it's time to start over.…
Rocío del naranjal —¡Mamá, mamá, me ha nacido un naranjo en el ombligo! —gritaba la niña, mientras orgullosa mostraba el pequeño brote que asomaba por la hendidura de su barriga. A Rocío le encantaba recibir al sol de la mañana en el naranjal de los Martínez. Se le antojaba repetido en cada fruta amarilla que colgaba de las ramas: miles de solecillos rebosantes del más dulce jugo, preñados con el frescor del alba. Para los del pueblo, la niña recordaba a un colibrí…
Short story: Small details Sofia arrived at school with a lowered gaze. Since she had argued with her best friend, she felt that nothing was the same anymore. - Are you okay? - Mateo asked seeing her so quiet. "Not much—" replied Sofia. When I lose trust in someone, it's hard for me to treat them the same way again. Mateo understood that words could hurt more than it seemed. That's why he decided to listen to her without interrupting her. During recess, Sofia looked at…
Short story: The smart money Mateo was sixteen years old and dreamed of buying a new bicycle. Every day she helped out at her uncle's store after school, but, although she received some money, she always ended up spending it on sweets, video games and things she didn't need. One afternoon, while counting the coins he had left, he sighed. "I work a lot, but I never have money," Mateo said. His friend Clara, who was standing next to him, smiled. - Maybe the problem is not how…
Short story: The good manners Every afternoon, after leaving school, Mateo visited his grandmother Clara. She lived in an old house, full of photographs, books and souvenirs from another time. - Grandma, why do you always get up when someone arrives? Mateo asked one day. Clara smiled and pointed to a chair. - Because it's a way to show respect. When I was a child, we were taught that good manners started by thinking about others. At that moment, someone knocked on the door.…
Short story: The tantrum Clara came home after a difficult day. He had been having problems at work and, when he entered, he found his brother Mateo sitting in the living room, using his computer without permission. - Taking my things again? Clara shouted. You are irresponsible! Mateo looked up and smiled wryly. - Calm down, exaggerated. I only used it for a moment. - You always do the same thing! she replied, banging the table. You never respect anyone! His mother, Elena,…
Short story: The calm Clara had always been an impulsive woman. When someone criticized her, she responded immediately; if a conversation became tense, she raised her voice, and when someone tried to manipulate her, she felt the need to justify each of her decisions. One afternoon, her co-worker, Sergio, unjustly accused her of having made a mistake. "If you had checked the report properly, this wouldn't have happened," he said, with a wry smile. Clara felt the anger rising…
Short story: Limits Tomas was always available for everyone. If someone needed money, he would lend it. If a friend wanted to talk for hours, Tomás listened. If he was assigned other people's tasks at work, he would smile and respond: - Don't worry, I'll take care of it. He also told too much about his life. In each conversation he related his problems, his plans and even the discussions he had with his family. He believed that showing himself completely open would make…
Short story: The value of listening In the village of Valle Claro, six friends got together to prepare a presentation on how to improve coexistence: Ana, Bruno, Carla, Diego, Elena and Tomás. "I think we should talk about our ideas first," Bruno said, interrupting the others. Ana raised her hand and smiled. - Before we speak, we must learn to listen. Maybe everyone has something important to contribute. Bruno was silent and listened to his companions. Then he understood that…
Short story: What really matters Mateo was walking through the park with a lost look. He had argued with his parents, neglected his health and lied at work to hide a mistake. He felt that everything was slipping out of his hands. On a bench he found Don Julian, an old man who used to read in silence. - What's the matter with you, boy? - he asked. — I don't know. I want to be successful, but every day I feel more empty. Don Julian closed his book. - Sometimes we look for what…
Short story: The other look Clara felt that the days were repeating themselves without changing. Every morning I woke up with the same sadness, walked through the same corridors and ended the day thinking that nothing I did was enough. One afternoon, after receiving a lower grade than she expected, she sat alone on a park bench. He looked at the crumpled exam in his hands and let out a sigh. —I'm a failure—" he muttered. - Does your test say that or are you saying that? -…
Short story: An ordinary day Clara woke up to the insistent sound of her cell phone. Before getting up, he checked social networks. Her friend Laura was having breakfast in front of the sea. Andrés, a former schoolmate, was showing off his new car. An influencer was showing off her perfect body after working out and a couple were celebrating their anniversary at a fancy restaurant. Clara put the cell phone down on the bed and sighed. - What's the matter? - his brother Mateo…
Short story: Beyond appearances Clara arrived at the cafe early and sat by the window. While waiting for her friend Elena, she noticed a man who had just entered. He was wearing simple clothes, his shoes were worn out and his nails were stained with paint. "He looks careless," Clara murmured. Surely he is an irresponsible person. Elena, who had just sat down in front of her, looked at her curiously. - Do you know him already? - No, but you just have to see it. At that…
Short story: The Silence of Clara Clara always carried a book under her arm. In the breaks from college, while her classmates gathered in the cafeteria, she preferred to sit under a tree and read. - Alone again? - asked Marcos one day, approaching with a smile-. You should come with us. You're always thinking too much. Clara closed the book and looked at it. - I like to be alone from time to time. This way I can concentrate and organize my ideas. "That sounds a little sad—"…
Short story: The Cleaning When Clara arrived at her grandmother's house, she felt something strange floating in the atmosphere. She had been feeling tired for months, even if she slept well and didn't have too many obligations. —You look exhausted—" her friend Julia told her when she saw her enter. Are you sure you're okay? Clara sighed. — I don't know. Every time I'm with my family, I end up feeling worse. At that moment her cousin Valentina appeared, with a cold smile.…
The Golden Healing Temple (Fiction Story) She could barely breathe as droplets of crystal water flooded her tiny eyes. Her beautiful gray fur had lost the shiny sparkle everyone was accustomed to as she coughed up another series of watery bubbles into the room. “My soul family better figure out their next move, cause things aren’t rosy over here,” gasped Surky as she crawled back into her fetal position. Her tummy increased to the size of a handball as gas filled her inner…
Short story: What Remains Clara was thirty years old and had a habit she couldn’t seem to break: apologizing even when she had done nothing wrong. “Sorry I’m late,” she said as she entered the café. Mateo looked up and smiled. “You’re five minutes early. I haven’t even finished my coffee.” Clara glanced at the clock, confused. “Yes, but… I thought you’d be annoyed about having to wait.” “Clara, not everyone is going to get angry with you.” She lowered her gaze and began…
Short story: Learn to Fly Since Matthew was a little boy, his parents did everything for him. "Don't worry, son, I'll get you dressed," his mother said every morning. "Leave me the homework, I'll help you—" her father added. I don't want you to get stressed. If Mateo forgot a notebook, his mother would run to school. If he made a mistake, his father looked for a way to fix it. When it was time to learn to cook, her mother smiled and said: - You're still very young. I'll make…
Short story: The march of the robots The morning dawned gray in Warsaw. In front of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, a crowd was beginning to gather. However, it was not workers, students or activists who were holding the posters, but about thirty humanoid and quadrupedal robots. Among them was N-7, a human-looking robot, with blue eyes and a small screen on his chest. Next to him walked Rex, a black quadruped robot, equipped with cameras and sensors. - Are you sure this…
Short story: The last tape Every Friday, Clara would sit in front of the TV with the remote in her hand and open the streaming platform. - Let's see... today I'm going to find a movie fast - he promised himself. Forty-five minutes later, he was still scrolling through the catalog. - This one looks interesting... although it lasts two and a half hours. "You've already started that one three times," Marcos reminded her from the couch. - Then maybe this one. - You saw her…
Short story: The inner storm Lucia felt that her life was falling apart. Her best friend, Daniela, had stopped talking to her without explanation; at work, her boss had rejected her project; and, to top it off, her boyfriend, Andrés, had broken up with her after months of arguments. One afternoon, Lucia met her grandmother Elena in the park. —I don't understand why everyone abandons me," Lucia said, her eyes filled with tears. I just want others to appreciate me. Grandma…
Short story: The Balance Clara and Mateo met one rainy afternoon in a small cafe. She arrived late, with soggy hair and a nervous smile. "Sorry for the delay—" Clara said. The bus stopped. "It doesn't matter," Mateo replied. I would expect anything for you. At first, Clara felt moved. Mateo called her every night, wrote to her when he woke up and organized every detail of their meetings. If she was tired, he would cancel her plans. If they argued, he was always the first to…
Short story: The change Lucia woke up one morning feeling tired and out of spirits. She stared at the ceiling for a few minutes, until her friend Mateo called her on the phone. - How are you? Mateo asked. - A little sad and without energy. I feel like all my days are the same. "Then today we will start with small changes—" he replied. You don't have to do it all at once. Lucia accepted the proposal. First, he tidied his room and cleaned his desk. - Look! - he exclaimed—. It…
Short story: The Robot The tech store was full of curious people. In the center of the room, a humanoid robot stood motionless, its arms relaxed and its eyes illuminated by a faint blue light. - Can he really walk and talk? - asked Sofia, a young woman who was watching the demonstration with her brother. "He can do a lot more than that," Ivan, the store manager, replied. It recognizes voices, identifies objects and responds to certain physical stimuli. At that moment, a man…
Storytelling, in Paragraph Proportions - Fragment 128 A dark, fantastical tale that is intended to unfold a paragraph, or thereabouts, at a time. #writing #horror #fantasy #poetry #publish0x #storytelling #writingcommunity #indieauthors #wattpad #minkly #gothic On Publish0x: https://www.publish0x.com/storytelling-in-paragraph-proportions/fragment-128-xdqlzrq On Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1653889154-storytelling-in-paragraph-proportions-fragment-128 On Minkly:…
Short story: Beyond the Noise Clara never particularly enjoyed parties. She preferred sitting in a quiet café, reading a book, or taking an unhurried walk through the park. Her friends often teased her. “You probably don’t come because you think you’re smarter than us,” Mateo said one afternoon while they were organizing a birthday party. Clara smiled, although the comment bothered her. “It’s not that. I simply feel better in quiet places.” “So people who enjoy parties are…
Short story: The final boss - Mom, I'm going to play video games today to increase my gray matter! - announced Nico, putting on his headphones. "Very well—" replied his mother, "but only for an hour. - An hour? My brain needs intensive training! Nico turned on the console. A huge dragon appeared on the screen. -To beat me you will have to use your memory, plan a strategy and work as a team! - the dragon roared. - Easy! — said Nico-. I have all those skills. His friend Mateo…
The biggest trouble I ever got into at school started when my BFF pushed me, the shy girl, to join a talent contest against Angel, the campus queen. Everyone expected her to win, but I surprised the whole school with my performance. The drama began when the campus heartthrob noticed me, making Angel jealous. I ended up in the principal's office because our rivalry got too intense, but that day I went from being invisible to becoming the girl everyone remebered. #mycrush…
Short story: Signals At San Gabriel High School, everyone knew Valeria: she got good grades, wore her uniform perfectly ironed, and could detect a lie from ten meters away. She was also Camila’s best friend, a girl who remembered absolutely everything. “Do you remember what you told me on Tuesday at 3:17 in the afternoon?” Camila asked during recess. “No.” “You told me my hairstyle looked like a sad broom.” “It was a broom with personality!” Valeria defended herself. Camila…
Short story: The Silence of Clara Clara had always been the most cheerful of the group. She immediately responded to messages, accepted all invitations and published every detail of her life. Her friends thought that nothing could affect her. Until one day he stopped showing up. - What happened to Clara? Mateo asked, looking at the group chat. I used to answer in seconds. "Maybe she's busy—" Julia replied. - No. Something's wrong with him. I'm going to look for her. Mateo…
I will soon be launching a book, the cover is here, self explanatory, the theme in the book is wild life, safari, game guides and safari, working in a Lodge in S.A. I have injected highly amusing moments and imagery of the animals seen, there are also some romance, goings on all, very much combined in a wild scenery, the book surrounds a female game guide starting her new job as a game guide. Would YOU buy such a book, there are 4 in all sequels. The humorous moments should…
Short story: The Asphalt At six in the morning, the city was already roaring. Buses moved between buildings covered in glowing advertisements, while thousands of people hurried along with their eyes fixed on their phones. Daniel was among them, a backpack slung over one shoulder and a wrinkled shirt after barely four hours of sleep. He worked for a delivery company. Twelve hours a day, six days a week. Even so, every month he had to choose between paying the rent, buying…
@ureta
Stories I wrote
