Dr. Emily Saunders stepped into the containment chamber, the heavy door hissing shut behind her. Through the reinforced glass, the pulsating cocoon glistened under the sterile white lights. About six feet long, suspended by glistening silk threads, it twitched and undulated as if breathing. Emily shuddered. Three days ago, the mission had been proceeding as … Continue reading The Chrysalis
Fiction
The Tangled Web
Meet Jake, a 32-year-old marketing executive who's been running on fumes for the past few years. His once-promising career has become a never-ending cycle of deadlines, presentations, and soul-crushing meetings. The only thing keeping him going is the promise of a well-deserved vacation, but even that seems to be slipping through his fingers. One particularly … Continue reading The Tangled Web
The Soloist
Aria's bow danced across the violin strings, her slender fingers flying, auburn hair cascading over the polished wood instrument cradled against her shoulder. Each note rang out pure and crystalline, filling the vaulted concert hall. Row upon row of transfixed faces gazed up at the stage, held spellbound by the haunting melody the young soloist … Continue reading The Soloist
The Carpenter’s Heart
The hammer struck true, driving the nail deep into the oak plank with a satisfying thunk. Sawdust swirled in the morning light that streamed through the workshop windows as Jed Wilson reached for another nail from his worn leather belt. At 44, his hands were strong and callused from decades spent crafting furniture that was … Continue reading The Carpenter’s Heart
Labyrinth
Mia's heart pounded as she sprinted down the dim corridor, the pungent smell of decay filling her nostrils. The damp walls seemed to close in on her, the shadows shifting and contorting into nightmarish shapes. She clutched the small flashlight tightly, its feeble beam her only guidance through this forsaken labyrinth. Just a few hours … Continue reading Labyrinth
Vigil
The incessant ticking of the clock seemed to mock Ryan with each passing second. He sat hunched over in the dimly lit hospital room, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared fixatedly at his younger brother's frail form lying motionless in the bed. Tubes and wires snaked out from under the thin hospital … Continue reading Vigil
Euphoria
It was a crisp autumn morning when Alex stepped off the shuttle bus into the heart of Yosemite National Park. At 25 years old, he had finally made it on his dream trip to hike and explore the majestic natural wonderland. As he took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, Alex felt a … Continue reading Euphoria
Tranquil
It was a tranquil Saturday morning in New York City in the roaring 1920s. The sun was just beginning to peek over the towering skyscrapers, casting rays of light that bounced off the windows of the bustling metropolis. Millie awoke in her cozy studio apartment in Greenwich Village, excited for the day ahead. At 23 … Continue reading Tranquil
Legacy
The house stood atop a hill overlooking the town, an imposing three-story Victorian mansion that had clearly seen better days. Its paint was faded and peeling, its windows were cracked and foggy, and a musty smell emanated from within. The locals whispered that it was haunted, though few dared set foot on the overgrown grounds. … Continue reading Legacy
Phoenix
Gorun trudged through the thick underbrush, sword in hand. The forest was eerily quiet, with no birdsong or rustling of small animals to be heard. It was as if the woodland creatures sensed something ominous stirring. The snapping of a twig jerked Gorun's attention to his right. He froze, muscles tensed, waiting. A few heartbeats … Continue reading Phoenix
The Confusing Middle 