Ana M

“White Roses” by Ana M

Submitted to Contest #265

If someone had looked out the window early this morning, they would have seen Mr. Williams, as usual, neatly dressed with a hat on his head and a bouquet of flowers picked from his garden, heading to the cemetery. Dressed in his wool suit, he sat on his bicycle and rode to Mrs. Williams' grave, who passed away six months ago. They had spent their entire lives in this small town where they were born. She worked as a teacher, and he taught math. They had no children of their own, so they considered all the children as theirs. The kids felt the...

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“The Story of My Life” by Ana M

The day started off normally. I got up and quickly drank my coffee. I texted Dave to check with the caterer if everything was set for Saturday. He replied that I should relax. I laughed and put on my blazer. I had so much waiting for me at work today. I had to represent a client in a civil case in court and prepare all the paperwork for Mitch, my partner, for the three weeks I'd be away. In the afternoon, I had my final fitting for the wedding dress, makeup, and hairstyle. Saturday was a big day for Dave and me. We had organized a wedding fo...

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“Paradise Lost” by Ana M

Submitted to Contest #248

Once I was happy. Not just once, as a moment, but once as a period of time, long ago. I just didn't know it. So, I went searching for happiness. I close my eyes. The plane has already left the runway and soared into the heights. I used to be afraid of flying. Not anymore, after spending so many hours on planes. I got used to it. Habit numbs you. The first time you experience something new, it tickles your stomach and brings satisfaction. But once you get used to it... that's another story. You become like stone. Cold and insensitive. Sometim...

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“The Anomaly” by Ana M

Dr. Dag Johnson stood in the living room of what was once his home. Everything looked the same, yet nothing was. He felt the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. Wiping them away with his hand, he sat down on a chair.Just this morning, his world seemed so ordinary. He headed to work at the Center for Physical Examinations, kissed Mary goodbye, and dropped off Jack at school. Their black cat, Merlin, with one eye blind, sat on the windowsill, keeping an eye on him with the one eye he had left. Merlin was thirteen years old, and Dag hop...

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“Moon's Son” by Ana M

On a full moon night, Moon's Son descended among humans. It had always been his desire to experience human life. That's why he was locked in a tower of moonstone, carefully guarded until he gained understanding. However, tonight the guards were careless. He slipped away, landing on Earth with the moon's dust.The albino guy walked, avoiding the moonlight so that the moon guards couldn't find him. The strong city smell stung at him. He stumbled upon a crowd and practically got shoved into a bar where, under bright spotlights, a band played lou...

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“The Serial Cheater” by Ana M

Jenna stood at the door of her grandmother's house in the village, which had become hers after her grandmother's passing. She took a deep breath. She had gone far away from everyone. Back to the past. Starting over. All she needed was to recall old dreams and figure out when everything went downhill. Jenna settled into the worn-out armchair and closed her eyes. "This house will need a major cleanup in the coming days," she thought. She saw herself as a five-year-old girl in the same room. She wore a white, frilly skirt with pink polka ...

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“Polar Night Dance” by Ana M

It's been my second year on Svalbard, and this marks my second polar night. I love the darkness enveloping me; it makes me feel closer to my essence. When the sun shines, I'm exposed to the gaze of others, and it's not pleasant. But now, here, far from everyone, I feel like I can finally breathe. Especially when the enduring night falls, every vein in my body seems to relax. I step out onto the cabin terrace where I live, not far from the town. I'm greeted by the cutting-cold air. Despite the chill, it feels good. I inhale the scent of sno...

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“Mastering the New Year's Resolutions” by Ana M

Submitted to Contest #231

Today is the last day of the old year. I got up early and made a larger cup of coffee. I opened my journal and took out a pink pen. My intention is to write the New Year's resolutions. If for nothing else, so that at the end of next year, I can see all the things I haven't managed to accomplish. And all that, if I endure yet another year, which, by the way, has an additional day than the one passing. 1.Survive Another Year of Awkward Family Gatherings: Smile through the cringe-worthy moments, nod, and pretend you've got it all together.&nb...

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“The Name” by Ana M

Submitted to Contest #230

In the air, the scent of September hung over a small European village at the beginning of the fourth decade of the twentieth century. Ray was in the church, holding his tiny niece, barely a month old, in his arms. It was her christening, and he had the honor of being her godfather and choosing her name. Although he had been confident in his choice just moments ago, now, looking into the baby's blue eyes, he was questioning his decision.The priest was busy with the final preparations for the baptism ceremony. Ray glanced at his brother and si...

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