Andrew Hixson

“FROZEN MONOTONY” by Andrew Hixson

The days in this snow-laden town are just as frozen as the icicles that hang precariously from the eaves of every house. Each day is a monotonous repetition of the last, a non-ending cycle from one drafty dawn to the next, everything here is stubbornly fixed in position. Each morning, I pull on my worn-out boots, threads fraying at the seams, and make my way down the frost-kissed path that leads to the post office. The same faces greet me - old Mrs. Peterson, always wrapped up in her woolen shawl, her ever so slight nod acknowledging my pres...

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“HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL” by Andrew Hixson

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL “I can’t sleep,” I muttered in frustration. My restlessness grew as the night grew darker, and my mind raced with thoughts and worries. Tossing and turning in bed, I longed for the sweet escape of slumber. But as the minutes turned into hours, sleep remained elusive, taunting me with its absence. I tried everything from counting sheep to deep breathing exercises, but nothing lulled me into the peaceful realm of dreams. My mind felt like a battlefield, a constant war between exhaustion and restlessness. Fatigue weight s...

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“THE SYMBOLS OF ENDLESS POSSIBILTIES” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #223

The Symbol Of Endless Possibilities. Emily roamed through the seemingly endless aisles of the university library, her mind swirled with endless possibilities. The old books that lined the dusty shelves, the hushed whispers of fellow students, and the intriguing atmosphere of the library fascinated her. During one of her late-night study sessions, she stumbled upon a hidden room behind a bookshelf. Emily's curiosity piqued, and she couldn't resist exploring the secret room. She cautiously pushed the bookshelf aside, revealing a narrow passage...

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“IF ONLY THEY KNEW” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #222

IF ONLY THEY KNEW The sun beat down on my body as I lay on the ground at the five-hundred-metre firing point of the classified range. Only a select few knew the secret location, interrupted by distant gunfire. Aiming down the scope, I took a deep breath and concentrated on my target, aware of the rifle’s weight in my hands. My heart pounded in my chest as I readied myself to aim, acutely aware that the outcome of this moment could determine whether I lived or died. The air was thick with anticipation, every sound magnified in the silence. I ...

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“THE PROMISE” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #220

THE PROMISE I kept my promise but couldn’t help but feel uncertain about it. The train I was on had a peculiar schedule. It would stop twice daily, waiting for the tide to go out. The overall journey accounted for each delay, which lasted 90 minutes. It was frustrating to have these delays, but I remained steadfast in keeping my promise. “Have you ever been to Seamer Island?” Tom had croaked, his weakened voice barely audible. The cancer had ravaged his body, causing him to lose weight rapidly. Yet, despite his frailty, the glint in his blu...

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“NIGHT SHIFT” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #219

NIGHT SHIFT The bank of screens on the wall flickered in unison, emitting a low buzzing sound reverberating throughout the room. As the flickering caught my peripheral vision, I lifted my gaze from the novel that engrossed me. A central system seemed to connect the updating data, charts, and graphs displayed on the screens. The flickering had disrupted their synchronised rhythm, leaving me curious about what could have caused it.            The container yard screens paused and resumed ...

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“SMOKING THE BACON” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #218

SMOKING THE BACON The tantalising aroma of bacon sizzling in the frying pan fills the air, beckoning me to indulge in its irresistible savouriness. It’s like a time machine for my senses, transporting me back to a simpler era, free from the hustle and bustle of modern technology and distractions. I nostalgically reminisce about my school summer holidays when I worked at my father’s bacon warehouse and the bustling Smithfield Meat Market, where I spent hours learning everything about the bacon industry. At the tender age of fifteen, I woke ...

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“MISDIRECTION IN A HAUNTED HOTEL” by Andrew Hixson

Submitted to Contest #215

I don’t know why I stayed at this hotel. On the first night, I was the only guest. But when I retired to my room, I felt a presence. Despite the humid temperature, I felt cold and snuggled under the duvet to keep myself warm. I heard creaking sounds and footsteps outside my door. I tried to ignore it, thinking it was just the old building settling. But the feeling of being watched never left me. Unable to sleep, I explored the hotel. I walked down the corridor and came across a slightly ajar door. Curiosity got the better of me, and I push...

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