Stream of Consciousness

Sumimasen, Silent Rules
In Japan, unspoken rules guide every action. No one explains them, but everyone instinctively follows. "Sumimasen" is a Japanese word often used to say “excuse me,” “sorry,” or to politely get someone’s attention. It hints at the Japanese cultural focus on politeness and consideration for others.
By Lori A. A.19 days ago in Fiction
When Hurt Changes Hands
The first time she said it, he believed her. They were at the kitchen table. Late. The overhead light was too bright, the kind that exposes flaws. She had just finished telling him that he was exhausting to be around, that his sensitivity made everything heavier than it needed to be.
By Jesse Lee19 days ago in Fiction
"Denial Is Not A River In Egypt"
Stanley and Robin were on the verge of divorce, so Stanley suggested they see a marriage counselor. Robin made the arrangement. She called the office, and there was an opening for the next day. It was meant to be.
By Denise E Lindquist20 days ago in Fiction
The Steep
"Is the water boiling?" "Not yet. You always ask too early." I prefer the sound of it beginning. The low hum before the rattle. It is as though the house were waking up.
By Edward Smith20 days ago in Fiction
Terms and Conditions Apply
The first time it happened, Mara was cutting limes. She was in the kitchen at work, the small one behind the café where the air always smelled faintly of citrus cleaner and burnt milk. Her phone lay face-down on the counter beside her apron, silent. She hadn’t touched it in ten minutes, which already felt rebellious.
By Jesse Lee21 days ago in Fiction
Harbingers of the Apocalypse
"For the love of Go....! What is this madness. What is happening. Am I dreaming". I am trapped in a nightmare. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are riding towards me. I try to run...but I am paralysed with fear, rooted numb with horror - for terrifying are they to behold. My mind is fast forwarding backwards, like a movie reel spinning in reverse. I stare stupidly at the symbolic figures from the Book of Revelation, representing significant events that will occur at the end of days.
By Novel Allen21 days ago in Fiction
The night everything changed. Content Warning.
As soon as I saw it, I knew what needed to be done. I left without a second thought. I ran straight into the pouring rain and was soaked within seconds. I shivered and pulled my cloak tighter, but the buttons were broken and I couldn’t close it properly. One was missing, and the rest hung from loose threads. A cold draft slipped through, the wind flowing freely.
By Minou J. Linde22 days ago in Fiction
Performative Ritual. Runner-Up in Rituals of Affection Challenge.
He has certain expectations for the women in his life. Her closet represents many of them; only whores show their shoulders or their knees. Skirts must be long. Tank tops are simply for other people. People who aren’t them. People who aren’t decent like they are.
By Leigh Victoria Phan, MS, MFA22 days ago in Fiction
Filial Laws
“What your father needs is patience and a consistent routine,” the doctor says. What he needs is something he never gave me. Our relationship was never built on gentleness. The relationship only depended on rigid, unforgiving authority. When that failed, nothing remained. It runs like a lack of feedback in a open-loop.
By Sama Habib23 days ago in Fiction
The church of the blueberry
The Blueberry Doctrine A Community Charter of the Boobers & the Blueberry Cult 1. Core Beliefs (Doctrine) 1.1 The Berry Principle
By Kaloriinn Mason23 days ago in Fiction
Off Into The Fog
A small pile of discarded soil shifted beneath his feet, one of the many that lay scattered like anthills around the mound of red soil upon which nothing would ever grow.
By Matthew J. Fromm26 days ago in Fiction
Dark Chocolate Benefits
All right, Ms. Anderson, I want to be clear about chocolate. Not milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is healthy. It seems you are not a fan of dark chocolate. That is okay, I will give you the information, and you may change your mind. Of course, everything in moderation, correct?
By Andrea Corwin 26 days ago in Fiction