Fiery Red

“The curse of silence” by Fiery Red

That night neither the rain pattered against the roof nor the wind lashed and made the windows clatter against its frame. An eerily silent night it was. The palm trees stood still and the leaves moved not an inch. Only the silver moonlight danced along the landscape like an original piece drawn by some unnamed artist. The clock struck twelve but she was still alone in the maternity ward. The shift’s doctor had not come as promised and a lone nurse dozed off in her chair. The lady was covered in her own fluid. But whether the fluid was water ...

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“Weeds” by Fiery Red

I am dreaming of my family encased in my cage. The walls are hard and inconvenient and so is my bed. In the past, I have tossed and turned ofttimes to find a comfortable spot in this cage, but it’s been always the same. So, I try and dream to numb my pain and lull myself to sleep again. I close my eyes and see my jade son and olive daughter, their faces screwed up and their lips upturned as their sweet shrill cries reach my ears. They blink under the sun, dazed by light and air. Their mother is cooing and singing in her melodious voice and s...

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“For the greater good” by Fiery Red

Mondays are a little plaintive and a little dull. In my opinion Mondays are as bland and plain as good old vanilla. No surprise of chocolate chips or refreshingly cool minty treats. You can’t expect Mondays to have a bit of sweetness, a bit of tanginess on a single plate like lemon custard creams. Every Monday morning, your alarm goes off and you press the snooze button. Maybe because you were out with your friends having the time of your life, maybe because you strained your eyes till 3:00 in the morning to watch your favorite series; ...

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“The dilemma” by Fiery Red

‘Matteo Greco vanished into thin air in the international tournament’. Shelly reads this written in large bold letters flashing on the top of the e-paper. In an instant the sleep from her eyes vanishes, the strong tea she had made still untouched.Renowned magician Matteo Greco known for his famous ‘Give me thorns, I will give you roses’ tricks, vanishes into thin air from his seat from the competitors dais. Incidentally, Leo Favre also known as the Mr. Poof was then performing onstage. Mr. Favre had brought a baby elephant to the show and ha...

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“Beautiful beings” by Fiery Red

They say your dwelling’s mighty and high, splendid enough to turn the heads of folks who go on rides. I grin from ear to ear, looking at their wonder-filled gazes. My penciled eyebrows rise in praise, complimenting their accolades. I think that I am showered with luck, wearing the best silk clothes, gold and jewelry. The Almighty has indeed blessed me.People submerged under poverty in a lane, not far away from my reign.I look at them from my sky high nest, their faces caked with mud and dirt; they have made a bat out of a sturdy chunk of a t...

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“The ancient house” by Fiery Red

Submitted to Contest #105

The sweeping edifice stood there, proud and erect and undaunted by time. Though covered in mosses and hanging loops, the ceiling-height doors adorned in intricate floral patterns and bay windows guarded by curved window grills epitomized aristocracy. Maybe years ago, the elites had dined there in merry times. Mr. Gupta had always loved this long forgotten relic and basked in pleasure whenever he beheld it, sipping his morning teas. At dawn, when the rays of the sun kisses the beautifully lined and dotted surface; it glows red with love. The ...

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“Why do we need neighbors” by Fiery Red

Submitted to Contest #104

Firdose waited for the footsteps to die away. Once she was sure her aunt was out of earshot and too far to return back lest she forgot an armlet, she dashed down the stairs and opened the box with a flourish, breathing in its satisfying aroma. The light from the fridge illuminated the counter as she chose her favorites. The eggs were chosen and placed on the counter without any second thoughts, and then she stepped back for a bit debating between the memen and çılbır. The killer mix of soft mushy eggs, tangy tomatoes and bitter green pepper ...

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“The proxies” by Fiery Red

Submitted to Contest #103

‘Whatever happens, I will always love you😊’ I discover this written in your sloppy scrawl on the back of our treasured photograph that adorns the wall, a feather duster on my right hand. I was doing the day’s dusting chore. As I re-read your message, the wooden hanger slips through my fingers and hits the mosaic tile. I grab hold of the mahogany table by the wall, my hands trembling as a tear escapes from the corner of my eye. I slouch down on the camp chair by the window.Tick-tock tick-tock the clock ticks away. How far are you?I try and re...

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“Worlds apart” by Fiery Red

Submitted to Contest #102

I dash across the street, half panting and hand raised — a gesture for the bus-man to stop. The bus makes a great screech and comes to a halt a little beyond the depot, the passengers lurching forward muttering under their breath. I push through the door and sandwich myself between the angry horde. The bus is packed till the hilt; the passengers stand like figurines none changing their posture. The only disturbance comes when the bus stops for the passengers to get down. My stop comes after about an hour and a half’s ride. I jump down the bu...

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“A Tribute” by Fiery Red

Submitted to Contest #101

The lady at number 213 woke to the first ray of light at dawn. Today the day was gloomier than usual. The grey clouds hid the sun and the trees danced back and forth in the wind. She was not compelled to start her day at six, but alas old habits die hard. She wrapped the shawl that sat on a rickety chair beside her bed. The chair too was old like her and a little blemished with age. It was made for her brother when he had started to go to school. Nevertheless, she used the chair like a pillar and slowly stood on her feet. Her legs were stiff...

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