Alyssa Krestal

“Quilting Ambivalence ” by Alyssa Krestal

Her heart swells with unconditional love while the images of her best friend, who’s running around outside and barking at passerbyers, is lying on the ground with crimson running over the freshly mowed grass. Everyday she wakes up thinking about the black labrador dog. Every minute she thinks about the dog taking a nap and never waking up. One day her furry companion may bark at the wrong person and, with a gun or a knife or a car, be killed just for being protective. Maybe her father will get too frustrated one night and hit the dog too har...

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“Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Reanimate. ” by Alyssa Krestal

Submitted to Contest #272

“Did you hear that?” I peaked my head up, looking around the empty cemetery illuminated from the full moon above. Stars speckled the air like a thousand eyes watching my every move. They were jarringly beautiful. I turned my attention back to the ground, observing the beautiful man lying beneath me. Moonlight reflected off his pale skin, his glassy emerald eyes staring up at me with an expression I couldn’t figure out. His lips were straightened in a tight line. I leaned down, brushing the tip of my nose to his. “Of course you didn’t.” I whi...

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“A Lionheart's Feast” by Alyssa Krestal

Submitted to Contest #263

She was magical. Powerful. Mystifying.  My grandmother was the brightest light in our home. More welcoming than the sun after a thunderstorm. Warmer than a mug of hot cocoa and a freshly lit fire. The reason I wanted to learn witchcraft myself. Her vigor inspired me regardless of the dangers ahead.  I remember the way I felt when her exuberant spirit shriveled into something lesser. A normality of sorts. I felt the shift for only a moment before the strength transferred to me. It was the same feeling as a moth begging for warmth th...

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“Parchment Embers” by Alyssa Krestal

Submitted to Contest #255

I stare at Victor. My breath hitches, my body tingles, I feel my head getting heavy. An invisible force is pushing on me; down into my seat, back against the chair. For a moment I want to run, another moment I want to cry, but I will not back down. I will not let him win. I cannot let him win. I breathe deeply through my nose, sit straight and place my hands on the desk. My eyes do not waver from his. I keep my voice calm, polite, and docile. I need him to trust me. “I do not know what you are accusing me of.”  Victor stands in front of...

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“Always A Cheater” by Alyssa Krestal

Submitted to Contest #250

I rolled over in my bed, sheets tangling around me and tugging off of my partner: Tristen.  Tristen and I have been together for two years now. We moved in together last month because we both wanted to go to the same college. We wanted to work together. Partners in both senses: romantic and business. People have told me not to cross business with work but, I trust my gut often, and right now it is saying this is the right path for me.  I admired how peaceful he looks while he sleeps. His light brown hair flowed over the pillow abov...

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“Finding a Loss” by Alyssa Krestal

My thoughts are quieted by the loud rain smacking off my car as I drive down the highway. The road is long with only two lanes. The forest on either side distorts the road, making it look very narrow. I don’t know how long I’ve been driving. I left at dawn in hopes of finding the cabin before it got dark. The sun looms just above the trees and I have a feeling I’m only halfway to my destination.  The ache in my head thrums louder with worry. I have to- No. I need to find the cabin I visited last week. I can see the cabin in my head. A l...

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