788 Results in the "Literary Fiction" category


    • the bitter ends in their teeth Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin As twilight set in, the atmosphere turned frigid as the protagonist and Sol prepared to make their escape using a sailboat. Following Essie’s precise instructions, they stripped the vessel of its canvas and tied the mast down, camouflaging it with muck from the water to escape detection. Earlier, the protagonist ventured into Brighton, a haunting ghost town, where the remnants of a community contrasted starkly with the signs of destruction; many homes were abandoned or charred. Essie's home was a somber…
    • Chapter

      The Djinn

      The Djinn Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Djinn plays a significant role in the unfolding chapter, where the protagonist, having crossed over the rocks, meets Sol, who is struggling to recover from a cold swim in the sea. She is hypothermic and physically weakened by the ordeal, needing urgent care and warmth. The protagonist, unsure of how to handle the situation, wraps Sol in a dry blanket and gives her coffee, his mind overwhelmed by a surge of conflicting emotions. While his protective instincts take over, a deep sense of anxiety about her…
    • The Phantom Gramps Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Phantom Gramps began to manifest on the third morning on the seawall, casting a shadow over Sol’s otherwise hopeful demeanor. As she climbed aboard for breakfast, the narrator couldn’t help but notice the unusual gleam in her eyes, the hollow, faraway look she carried as if a second presence lingered behind her. This unsettling energy, which the narrator referred to as the "waiting child," filled the air around Sol, making her seem like a different person altogether. In an attempt to draw her back…
    • Probably Doomed and Perplexingly Merry Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Probably Doomed and Perplexingly Merry, the narrator finds themselves steering their small vessel along the misty Michigan coastline, accompanied by Sol, a young girl who is sleeping soundly in the forward bunk. As the narrator reflects on the weight and warmth of her small frame, there is a sense of unease, a deep responsibility weighing on them as they struggle to adjust to the new dynamic of caring for Sol. The journey is long, and though the sea offers a sense of calm, the narrator cannot shake the…
    • Bad Thoughts About Authority Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin "Bad Thoughts About Authority" fill the air as the narrator and Sol find themselves anchored along a calm canal, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of orchards and fields. Sol, usually vibrant and full of life, shrinks under a blanket as she sleeps, which prompts the narrator to reflect on her vulnerability. The circumstances they’re facing weigh heavily on him, and although he wishes to soothe her with music from his bass guitar, his mind fails to recall a melody that could bring comfort in their shared…
    • Death Right Down to the Cheekbones Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Death Right Down to the Cheekbones, the chapter begins with Sol excitedly confiding in her companion that she has successfully stolen a large sum of money from Richard, who she humorously refers to as "King Richard." Though initially hesitant, Sol has taken the opportunity to pilfer Richard’s hidden funds, knowing precisely where to find his secrets stashed away. As she shares this with her companion, the weight of the situation begins to settle in, and the tension becomes palpable between them. They…
    • The Great Girard Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Great Girard begins with the protagonist’s somber reflection on the state of Gold, Ontario. Once a vibrant, thriving town, it has now fallen into ruin, a ghostly shell of its former self. The landscape is described with vivid imagery of the shoreline and the muted surroundings, which reflect the depth of the town's decay. The catalyst for the chaos is the mournful howling of an ancient dog, a warning that echoes through the air. This haunting moment serves as the beginning of a breakdown in the town,…
    • An Immortal Sea of Influence Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin An Immortal Sea of Influence captures the narrator’s tumultuous journey towards the Slates, a series of islands that hold both the promise of renewal and the weight of past disappointments. Driven by the hope of reconnecting with Lark, the narrator is plagued by conflicting emotions, uncertain of their purpose and struggling with the tension between idealism and reality. The preacher’s teachings about manifesting desires continue to linger, creating an internal struggle as the narrator realizes their…
    • O God that Maple Fretboard Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin O God that Maple Fretboard, the protagonist finds themselves arriving at a public dock after enduring a grueling three-day storm. The once turbulent waters now rest in tranquility, and the boat is gently rocking against the dock as the protagonist disembarks. Almost immediately, they encounter a young girl sitting in the cockpit of the boat, who, with a teasing smile, jokingly remarks about the condition of the boat and the protagonist’s fishing skills. The air is thick with tension, but her playful…
    • Tonio to the Letter Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Tonio to the Letter, the narrator wakes up from a dream where a song plays, accompanied by visions of a comet, with people from their past like Lark, Maudie, and Mr. Tashi making an appearance. Mr. Tashi, symbolizing tranquility amidst chaos, stands out as a calming presence. The tolling of church bells breaks the dream-like trance, and the narrator realizes they have arrived near Lightner, a town that’s long been abandoned. Upon docking their boat, they explore the remains of the municipal waterfront, a…
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