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A Destination Needs A Dreamer
Gatlin heard the violin every evening on the commute back from work. Wending between warm rushing bodies on the subway, eyes forward, bag clasped protectively at her side, she drank it in at the same time as she didn't slow. It was probably the best part of her day. The shivering strains crescendoed and collapsed, tugging at something in her core. She'd never seen the violinist, but whoever he was, he was clearly a master, clearly professionally trained. The music always seemed to be coming from somewhere further down the track, around a bend, just out of eyeshot. She'd come to think fancifully that it was something only she could hear. She’d come to think of it as her future, calling.
By Raistlin Allen9 days ago in Fiction
Lap Cat
My nose is dripping, and Delia is tracing her fingers through my hair. Her husband is shirtless by the microwave, heating up leftovers from New Year's Eve. In 60 seconds, I'll be shoving mouthfuls of risotto between my quivering lips like a child and picking at semi-stale dinner rolls. Then, I'll pass my plate to one of their three Tabby cats (whom I can never tell apart) and let him/her/them (?) lick it clean.
By Erin Latham Shea9 days ago in Fiction
Regarding the Image of God
This post will be a bit of a strange one. I wrote most of the following piece about six months ago, as certain governmental policies and actions were starting to roll out - and while reflecting upon certain ongoing atrocities. While these reflections revolve mostly around those claiming and practicing the Christian faith (and our failures to do so rightly) I do believe that they might be provide valuable insight - or at least something to think about - for folks of all perspectives who are willing to read them. So without further ado, here are a few of my recent reflections regarding the biblical concept of the 'image of God.'
By Gabriel Huizenga12 days ago in The Swamp
Wisteria Woo RIP. Content Warning.
Wisteria Woo Silver~Rhodesian Ridgeback Cane Corso mix~ 7.19.15-3.2.26 My service dog, Wisteria, had been slowing down, having mysterious health symptoms like severe hives and unexplained injury. She went to the vet last month, but unfortunately, not all tests detect all problems. When we returned to the vet yesterday, upon much more concerning symptoms suddenly appearing, we learned she had a very large mass (10inx10in) likely the very aggressive hemangiosarcoma, and that we would only be buying a few months if we went through with treatment.
By K.B. Silver 25 days ago in Petlife
How machines can learn from human behaviour
In order to understand where we are and where we are going, we need to understand where we were first. - Susan Fourtane Could a human behaviour simulator be embedded into a robot or online avatar to the point that it’s hard to distinguish between a real person or artificial intelligence? Scientists have been upping the stakes in this “Turing test” for years, to the point that human-mimicking programmes are ready to answer tricky questions, assist people with online shopping or be companions.
By Susan Fourtané 10 days ago in Futurism
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 03/19/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal10 days ago in Resources
Turquoise Clouds in a Green Sky
“I always remember the first time I saw the green sky and the turquoise clouds skating across it.” These words had stayed with Alice Barrett for two years. She’d been six- years-old and snuggled next to her great-grandmother, known to nearly all the family as Granny Rose, on a large, rather uncomfortable armchair. Granny Rose had been telling her a story, at least that’s what Alice believed, but it was a strange memory, blurry apart from those few words.
By Matthew Batham11 days ago in Fiction
Life will find a way
One cocoon twitches; my screaming must have disturbed it. It’s followed by a sound like the shaking of a cobra’s tail. A dry rattle sends a shiver down my spine. The rest of the cocoons respond the same way, as if communicating with one another; the cave fills with rattling. The glow becomes stronger as they vibrate and bathes the cave floor in an eerie blue light.
By N J Delmas11 days ago in Chapters
