Short Stories

At the back of my mind, I was aware that I sounded borderline hypocritical. Divided hearts, tug of wars between the past and future… I wasn’t even sure which one of us I was talking about anymore. Gods, it was all so messy. The quiet stretched again. The faint sounds of the exhibition-distant footsteps, muted…

His voice was steady, and there was a touch of reverence in it that made my chest tighten. “Sorry I haven’t come often,” he continued. “I spent some time on Dad’s private island.” He plopped down on the slightly damp earth and crossed his legs. “You’ll never believe what’s been happening,” he said, excitement creeping…

A humorless laugh escaped me. “I was…overconfident.” Sera’s lips curved slightly. “Let me guess. It didn’t go according to plan.” “Not remotely.” I smiled despite myself. “I barely got two steps past the border before she pounced on me.” Her eyebrows lifted. “Pounced?” “Quite literally.” I could still feel the shock of that moment-her weight,…

Sera wrapped her arms around herself, though it was a warm night. I hesitated, my eyes skimming over her outline, like I was memorizing her. “You’ve been…distant. More than usual. I can’t tell if it’s because of the Trials or something I’ve done.” She sighed softly. “It’s not about what you’ve done, Lucian. It’s about…

I turned my attention to Daniel, who was bouncing on his toes as the coaster came to a stop. “Mom, we’re going twice! You should come too!” I smiled, waving the ice cream cone he’d abandoned after one lick. “I think I’ll sit this one out, sweetheart. Someone has to make sure your ice cream…

And then Daniel tugged his father’s hand excitedly. “Dad! There’s the bumper cars! Can we go?” The tension broke like glass. Kieran cleared his throat. Withdrew his hand. “Sure, bud. Go ahead. We’ll catch up.” Daniel darted ahead, blissfully unaware. But I could feel Kieran’s gaze still on me, concentrated and burning as sunlight through…

“Yes?” “You’re thinking really loud,” he said seriously, and I almost laughed despite myself. “Am I?” He nodded gravely. “Mom does that too sometimes.” He shook his head. “Adults think a lot. “Right.” I cleared my throat. “So…how was your day today? What was the amusement park like?” Daniel snorted. “So that’s it.” My brows…

“Yeah,” he mumbled. “He helped me beat Dad and Uncle Ethan. “Well,” I whispered, “that practically makes him a superstar.” He laughed weakly, a small sound that soon faded into the rhythm of his slow, even breaths. He’d finally drifted off. I lay there for a long while, just holding him, tracing tiny circles over…

Her brows lifted slightly, but she smiled. “Did you now?” “He’s really good. He taught me how to dodge.” She brushed her thumb over my cheek. “Sounds like you two made a good team.” “Does that make you happy?” “Everything you do makes me happy, baby,” she answered immediately. She always said cheesy things like…

I’d just met Aunt Maya when I first landed a few hours ago. She and Uncle Ethan came to pick me up, and she seemed like a lot of fun. Anyone who was good to my mom was a hero in my eyes. Uncle Ethan clapped his hands suddenly. “Come on. This party’s boring. Let’s…