The phone vibrated in my hand, his name flashing across the screen. It was as if the universe had finally decided to throw down the gauntlet, daring me to make the choice I’d been avoiding. I took a shaky breath and answered, pressing the phone to my ear. “Hey,” I said, my voice quieter than intended. “Claire.” His voice was warm and familiar, tugging at memories I’d tried to lock…
Flash Fiction
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The Key to Tomorrow
The envelope felt heavier than it should have, sitting there on the table, mocking me. My hands trembled as I tore it open, the words “Admission Offer” jumping off the page. An acceptance letter to the London School of Art, a dream I’d carried quietly for years. I read it again, each line feeling surreal, the culmination of countless nights sketching alone, working odd jobs, saving every spare dollar. But…
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The Waiting Room
We sat across from each other in the cramped waiting room, plastic chairs squeaking beneath us. I could feel the weight of her gaze on me, but I kept my eyes on the crumpled magazine in my lap, pretending to read. It was easier this way. “So, how’ve you been?” she asked, her voice light, casual, as if we were old friends who’d drifted apart, not the tangled mess we…
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The Midnight Café
The clock had just struck midnight when I stumbled upon it—a small café tucked away in an alley I’d never noticed before, glowing softly under a dim yellow light. I’d been out for a late-night walk, hoping it would clear my mind. It was one of those nights when my thoughts were louder than the silence around me, and sleep felt like an impossible goal. The sign above the door…
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The Wrong Number
It was nearly midnight when my phone buzzed. I squinted at the screen, confused. An unknown number had sent me a text: “I miss you. Can we talk?” I blinked at the message, surprised. Part of me wanted to ignore it. I had no idea who it was, and it was probably just a wrong number. But something about those words caught me—so raw, so honest. Against my better judgment,…
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The Last Coin
I stood outside the vending machine, my stomach growling, as I stared at the last coin in my hand. I hadn’t eaten since the morning, and this one coin was all I had left. It could buy me a small snack to hold me over until tomorrow. But tomorrow didn’t have any promises, either. I glanced down the street toward the shelter, wondering if they’d have space tonight. It wasn’t…
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The Missed Train
I ran down the station steps, my bag bouncing against my hip as I heard the distant rumble of the train arriving. My heart raced, and I cursed myself for not leaving five minutes earlier. If I missed this train, I’d miss the interview. And I needed this job. Just as I reached the platform, the train doors began to close. With one last burst of energy, I lunged forward—only…
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The Red Umbrella
Rain was pouring down in sheets, and of course, I’d forgotten my umbrella. I stood under the awning of a small shop, hoping it would lighten up enough for me to dash to my car without getting completely soaked. Then, I saw it. Across the street, a bright red umbrella stood out against the grey world, bobbing through the downpour. It was held by a man who looked vaguely familiar.…
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The Unsent Message
I stared at my phone, thumb hovering over the “send” button. It was a simple message: “I miss you.” Three little words that could mean everything—or nothing at all. It had been six months since Ben and I broke up. Six months of wondering if he ever thought about me, if he missed our late-night talks, our shared jokes, the comfortable silence that only two people in sync could share.…
