Ian James

“Diamond Despair, Dusty Delight” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #203

PROLOGUEIn the midst of a not-so-ordinary day, under a sky as moody as a stubborn mule, uniformed superheroes - including firefighters and police officers - converged around a boy who looked like he just emerged from an unexpected plunge in a pool. They saw a peculiar object on the pavement nearby; it looked more like a dummy than a legitimate corpse. Almost instantly, a vehicle came zipping down the road. From it popped a couple who seemed to have just stepped off a movie set, looking all dramatic and dishevelled. Likely the boy's parents, ...

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“Fluke Ally” by Ian James

MONDAY06:00 am Donovan hustles to the train depot, a sizzle of excitement lighting his guts. He's wired for orders, has been always. Even post-retirement, the drill of his government days is tattooed into his psyche. He's a man of military wake-up calls, precision routines, and everything just so, like a clockwork disciple. As the dawn slowly stretches its arms, casting the sky in dark shades, Donovan arrives at the KGB station. He sucks in the cool morning air, buying his ticket at the kiosk.With growing anticipation, he stands re...

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“Silent Applause” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #201

PROLOGUEInspector Nurzalina locks gazes with the silver-haired man. His weather-beaten features can't hide his wealth, an aura backed by the bling on his wrist. "Pleasure, Inspector," he greets, flashing a faux salute.Nurzalina nods silently, struggling to maintain her politeness. It's remarkable how this old man exudes such confidence, showing no remorse for encountering her in such a public setting."I just read the newspaper," he persists. Nurzalina nods again, growing impatient. "Mr. Ho, I've got family shopping to do. Excuse me.""Just Ji...

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“Kpop Fantasy, Mpop Reality” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #201

"Koyuki, nice voice but no soul. An idol? I've seen amateurs do better at karaoke nights," the stern lady in the plaid and cap spat out. This scene, ripped from a documentary I saw four years back, has seared its way into my memory. It showcased a young Japanese hopeful trying to crack into Kpop, forever reshaping my understanding of the business. In my younger years, Kpop was my religion. I worshipped at the altar of GOT7 in secondary school and pledged my loyalty to Blackpink upon their arrival. I drowned in K-dramas, bled money on mercha...

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“Tales Told in Vain” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #200

NOWThe elevator doors part, propelling Benjamin and Alice into the hallway, both loaded down with grocery bags. They each lean to one side under the weight."You didn't forget the rice, did you?" Alice asks.Ben just grunts and points with his chin at one bag in particular. The one holding the rice. Alice beams, her grin a spontaneous burst of sunshine, and they exchange a glance of understanding, acknowledging neighbours with casual head bobs as they pass.Living in these flats, running into people is as common as daylight. The homes are neatl...

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“Spiced Words and Sizzling Karma” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #200

𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁 Staying afloat? I'm barely managing a doggy paddle. The cost of living climbs the clouds while my income lays low. Take chicken - now a luxury at RM10 per kilogram. Makes a dent in my wallet since my Ayam Golek's a sensation at the Ramadan Bazaar. Around 30 chickens a day, all over 2 kilograms - RM750 out of my pocket. Charcoal, herbs, spices, sugar, salt - extra dents in the bank account. It's less a business, more a charity. But, when my customers' eyes light up after the first bite? Priceless. Aisyah, my shadow, my girl, breaks ...

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“Healing Through the Grapevine” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #200

"Look, I'm not crazy," Adrian kept saying. He'd lost count how many times he'd echoed those words, and they hung in the air, heavy with his plea for understanding. His gaze landed on the man across from him - an emissary of worry and empathy. Adrian had figured out, right off the bat, that this guy wasn't here to buy an electric guitar. There was something about the weariness in his eyes, the lines of concern etched on his forehead, the sparse hair clinging to his scalp."Who put you up to this?" Adrian asked him. The man responded with ...

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“The Stranger Within” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #199

Neil's still a no-show. Five days, I've kept a vigil at the canteen, but it's all been for nothing. It's like he vanished, no trace, no word. Why did I ever pen that desperate letter? What was I thinking?***It all began with the new canteen owner and his crew. They seamlessly fit in with us students, making it easy to embrace them. But among this friendly group, Neil stood out to me. I couldn't help but notice him; his laughter, oh so charming, danced with the gentle sway of his Adam's apple. And his hair, perfectly dishevelled, held an irre...

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“Haven't You Heard?” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #198

2007"Takumi Hikohito and Chip Martin!" Brad's voice echoed through the classroom, capturing the attention of the entire class. Mr Jackson, their teacher, beamed with satisfaction, relishing in the fact that none of the students seemed familiar with those names. He shared a knowing glance with Brad and their fellow group members, Delilah and Jason, as they revelled in their triumph."Thank you, Mr Johnson, Miss Smith, and Mr Davis," Mr Jackson acknowledged, granting them permission to return to their seats. He strolled across the classroom, hi...

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“The Unfading Wit of Mrs Ling” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #198

“Okay, class! Pop quiz!" bellowed Mrs Ling, sending Form 4H into a fit of pure joy. What followed was a solid hour of science-related questions that made everyone’s head spin. The students, in a stroke of autonomy, split themselves into four groups, each vying to answer the most questions correctly and earn the coveted title of victor.Now, the curious thing wasn't that the pop quiz itself was a barrel of laughs. No, it was Mrs Ling herself who had everyone in stitches. She was a woman in her mid-40s, sporting spectacles as thick as a brick w...

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“Constraints and Clarity” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #197

“...Winning this award is monumental not just for me, but for all rural people in Sabah. It reminds us that we're not invisible, that we matter, and that we deserve recognition for our abilities…”For two straight weeks, Principal Chong Shoi Ming of Hock Academy had been queuing up the same inspirational speech on repeat. The video starred none other than Jeffery Gompung, a former student who had delivered a rousing address that had stirred the hearts of all who heard it. What made Jeffery's story all the more remarkable was that he hailed fr...

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“Chains of Destiny” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #197

2022Beneath the searing sun, Bhavaroopa pounded the pavement, her heart racing in her chest as she desperately scoured the area for her missing son. She darted from one humble abode to another, from one humble storefront to another, her eyes scanning every face that she encountered, begging for any scrap of information. But each time, her pleas were met with a swift shake of the head or a curt "no." It wasn't that these folks hadn't seen her boy, but rather that they were too preoccupied with their own daily grind to spare a moment for her p...

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“The Untold Story of Caledon Hockley” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #197

From the opulent confines of a grand estate in Pennsylvania, a thirty-year-old Caledon Hockley lamented his lack of a wife. Though he was blessed with wealth and good looks, his haughty demeanour had turned away many a potential suitor, leaving him alone and longing for companionship.Desperate for a solution, he turned to me in prayer, entreating me with all the sincerity of his heart. "Oh, divine Lord," he beseeched me, "guide me to the woman who will be my perfect match. I will cherish her always and provide for our children with all the r...

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“I14:7 & 1TS5:18” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #196

Sunday afternoon had arrived, providing a moment of respite for the four best friends - Kenneth, Samsul, David, and Leong - who congregated at Upperstars Restaurant. Despite the chaos of the past week and their varied careers, they always found time to reunite and catch up. "Setting up the PA System for Datuk Gerald's son's wedding was quite a hoot," Leong remarked, referring to his thriving business. David acknowledged, "Seems like your PA System business is booming.""Indeed, but there's so much to be done. May is going to be a wi...

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“Salad and Karma” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #196

===𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗺===Oh my gosh, you guys, I'm practically bursting with excitement today! I'm warning you now, this is gonna be a loooong post. And I'm going to keep updating you throughout the day, which is totally not like me, right? But tonight is super special, and I just have to share it with all of you.So, the big event? Our graduation party at SMK Siring Jalan! But that's not all. Us girls are going all out, and I'm so grateful to our teachers for understanding and letting us wear makeup and dress to the nines. I mean, we're grown-ups now, ...

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