Romance
Knotted Roots - Part 17
Sunday rolled around in due time, and for the past few days, the grief began to subside, peace rose, and routine never felt so blissful. While I got ready for church, I slipped into Pa’s room, glancing around the naturally lit room. It smelled of fresh linen, and the citrus scent wafting from a plug in Jane put in. Although Pa was gone, it didn’t feel as empty as it did recently, it was as if it breathed new life. “Well Pa, I think I’m going to have a lot of planning to do after today. Guide me to a legacy you’ll be proud of. I think there’s going to be some change coming.” With a distant gaze and a small smirk, I spun on my heels and left my father’s room, ready to pick up Jane. The entire ride over to her home, I was consumed by thoughts of what I wanted, what I believed in, and why. The ride over was my weekly reminder of keeping my priorities in line. Jane was already on her porch swing, a sweet tea in her hand. I swiftly lifted her into my arms and spun her as we shared in the laughter of childlike love. “Okay cowboy, I see you still have some swing to you!” “You’re the fire to my forge, love. You only make me stronger!” I carried Jane as she giggled and clutched my neck to my truck, planting a gentle kiss as I opened her passenger door. “Strong in arms, but soft in heart.” Jane’s words are like a tease. I adored her, and I wanted to be better for her. She was a woman I was proud to have on my arm, and proud to call mine. We made for the church in swift time, Jane and I walked hand in hand, and sat in the sanctuary as we always do. Pastor Dave’s sermon spoke of love through adversity and it was an overwhelming truth in Jane’s and I’s relationship.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 16
I couldn’t believe that Greg had twisted into such a repulsive, abusive, demon of a man! And I, caught up in his charm, and the materialistic gifts! I was devastated, how did I go from a fearless rodeo queen to a shameful, undeserving pile of slop! I was better than this, I was stronger than this, yet still, I was alone. I was broken, abused. I never stopped loving Jasper, but he was gone. At least for now. I only have myself to blame for the situation I am in. I dressed into my oversized pajamas and slept in a puddle of my tears, clutching the quilt that hugged me back. I wanted to tell Jasper, he’d surely protect me from Greg, but after everything he’s been through, would he even care about me still? Did I care about me? I didn’t know the best thing was staring me right in my face, after all this time, I still loved Jasper hopelessly and recklessly. My heart ached, and at some point through my sobbing I had drifted to sleep, emotionally and physically exhausted. I awoke in a panic, hyperventilating as I dreamt of the trauma by Greg’s violent behavior, the all too real memory of his assault. I gasped for air, brushing my hair back as my chest heaved violently. I needed to get outside! I quickly changed into some jeans and a loose shirt, grabbing my gambler hat, and I made my way to the barn. The morning light pierced through the foggy breath of a new day. I didn’t bother to grab my phone, I just needed to ride! I jumped on Spot’s back and with a stiff kick, we hurried off towards the mountain range. The wind brought the oxygen I was deprived of. My battered and abused heart felt heavy, sinking to the depths of my chest. I was drowning in a spiraling depression, and my soul was bruised, burning with conviction.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
The Sparta Chronicles. AI-Generated.
The air itself crackled, not with the bite of wind, but with the raw, untamed essence of the divine. Perseus, a tempest in his own right, dragged Pandora upward, his grip a fierce promise against the treacherous, obsidian shards of the path. Each labored breath clawed at their lungs, yet the very thinness of the atmosphere vibrated with an intoxicating, alien power. Then, it loomed – Olympus. Not merely a mountain, but a celestial forge, where gold dripped like molten sun and clouds, woven from pure, luminous ivory, swirled in an eternal, blinding ballet.
By Carolyn Patton5 months ago in Chapters
The Sparta Chronicles. AI-Generated.
The sun, a malevolent eye in a bleached sky, scorched the jagged maw of the cliffs that clawed at Mount Olympus. The air, heavy and suffocating, pulsed with the sharp tang of wild thyme, a deceptive sweetness masking a primal stench of pure danger. Sparta, a colossus of scarred muscle and unwavering resolve, Jackson, a whirlwind of coiled power and restless anticipation, and Pandora, her very essence a beacon of fierce, unyielding loyalty, stood at the mountain’s unforgiving base. Their gaze, a desperate plea, was locked on its impossibly vast, shadow-draped heights. Beside them, Perseus, their beloved comrade, lay a broken thing, his skin stretched taut over bone, a pallor of death clinging to him. Each breath, a ragged, agonizing gasp, threatened to be his last.
By Carolyn Patton5 months ago in Chapters
Ditched - All Chapters
I finished and published this long story or short novella of 6,000 words recently. I tried to link all previous parts of the story in the next one, so if you went along you shouldn't have been lost. This index is just to put everything in one place.
By Lana V Lynx5 months ago in Chapters
The Man, The Mountain, and The Climb
". . .He keeps climbing because stopping would mean surrendering everything he has built, every promise he swore to keep. The air thins as he ascends, and though he’s given everything—strength, time, conviction—the mountain gives little back. Once, it felt sacred to climb.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast5 months ago in Chapters
