Victor Ateka

“Veil: Chapter One” by Victor Ateka

Mwanga deftly maneuvers through the coarse underbrush; cuts and bruises mar his exposed skin. Adrenaline surges through him, dulling the aches. He hurdles a fallen tree trunk. Despite his desperate efforts the manic laughter of his pursuers echoes not-so-far behind him. They are relentless. He lost his bearing a while ago; his only guide is a faint trail of wisps glowing ahead of him. Their eerie glow casting long shadows into the shrouded night. He feels watched as he vaults across another fallen tree. His assailants steadily gain ground....

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“Zone” by Victor Ateka

‘You’ll never know unless you try.’ Vusi thought. He strode down the corridor. brimming with anticipation. Accompanied by a group of hopeful prospects. Their eagerness equally palpable. The candidates crossed the threshold of the gym’s double doors. The enclosed corridor expanding into a cavernous arena. A state of the art, Euro-league standard basketball court. ‘5000 plus, seater.’ Vusi stifled a grin. Vusi swivelled. Taking in a panoramic view of the arena. Well-polished timber floor. Crisp white court markings. Accented by black d...

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“Sho't Left” by Victor Ateka

“…so at this point I’m stressed.” Mandla declared as he gesticulated dramatically. Khethiwe was in a fit of laughter. Mandla light-heartedly countered, “You’re laughing at my pain?” “No, no, my lovey.” she responded in between catching her breath, “What happened next?” she implored him to continue. Mandla shook his head with a smile, “See wickedness” and proceeded, “You see, I was running late. I had been so focused on meeting the crit deadline, that I had forgotten it was the weekend of black Friday.” “Oh no!” she gave a knowing ...

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“Roses” by Victor Ateka

Julius extended an arm from under his beddings to retrieve his phone. The faint glow of the screen read: 04:18 More often than not, he managed to rise before his 04:30 alarm. He sat upright and began dialling a familiar string of numbers. His dialling was abruptly interrupted by an incoming call. The caller ID read: “Maggie Dearest” Julius promptly picked up the call. He let out a warm laugh, “It looks like you beat me to it today.” “You’re getting old”, she retorted in jest. The two had been married for 23 years; known each o...

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“Solace” by Victor Ateka

The ding of the airplane’s intercom cut through the ambient hum of the flight. The pilot’s measured voice filled the cabin. He addressed the passengers in a calm tone. Thanking them for their patronage and informing them that decent was to commence shortly. A second ding punctuated the end of his address. Simon shifted in his seat and peered out the window. Home. It had been 6 long years. Joy and anticipation welled up inside him. Sweet memories flooded his mind. The people, the places… A tender squeeze from a loving hand brought him back ...

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“Disconnect ” by Victor Ateka

…I give props to the legends/ Praise God but I give not to the reverend/ Joshua nodded along approvingly. He unlocked his phone to check the time. Visiting hours were almost up. He bundled his earphones and shoved them in his jacket pocket. Then fished out a worn crucifix from the other. It had been a gift from his mother. Seemingly a life time ago. He cut an isolated figure. Slouched over in the oncology wing lobby. Glaring florescent lights. Unnaturally sterile air. Cold steel benches. He was vaguely aware of his surrounding...

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“Bloom” by Victor Ateka

Submitted to Contest #101

Michael stifled a yawn as hey lay in bed. The sun’s faint glow through the curtains was his alarm. He rolled over and got out of his side; careful not to wake Joy up. “You wake up too early.” a groggy voice murmured Mike chuckled, “Early bird tendencies.” “Yeah, yeah.” came the playful response “I’m off to whip up breakfast, love. Any requests?” “Hmmm” Joy momentarily sat up and weighed her options, “Let’s have some pancakes.” He smiled, “Sure thing.” After a quick shower and change of clothes, Michael gave Joy a peck and head...

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