788 Results in the "Literary Fiction" category


    • Chapter

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 1: The sunlight streamed through the window, and the protagonist slowly woke up, feeling the deep ache in his body from the previous night's events. His eyes squinted against the brightness, and as he tried to shake off the drowsiness, he noticed a spider resting on his pillow. He absentmindedly brushed it away but noticed another one lingering on the bedpost, which he chose to ignore, too exhausted to deal with it. His mind was clouded, and the hazy memories of the night before felt disconnected…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 11 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 11: The events unfolded rapidly, with the tension between Aidan and I growing as we moved away from the reception at Osprey Lodge. He led me deeper into the thick, shadowed pine trees, a place that seemed to mirror the confusion I was feeling. It was there that Aidan confronted me about the phone I had taken, a decision I had made out of confusion and desperation. I apologized sincerely, explaining how I felt like I was missing pieces of the puzzle. His expression was serious, and he warned me…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 4 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 4 begins with the protagonist returning to his bedroom, where the aftermath of the previous night has been erased, leaving a space that is pristine and orderly. The scent of fresh linen lingers in the air, a stark contrast to the disarray he had left behind. It’s clear that a housekeeper has meticulously restored order—his suitcase is neatly unpacked, his bathroom, once cluttered with damp towels and remnants of hasty grooming, is now spotless. Even the cedar closet, where daddy longlegs had…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 3 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3 unfolds with Frank waking up to the sound of quiet chatter and movement in the living room, where his daughter Abigail is being fitted for her flower girl dress. Tammy and Maggie adjust the fabric, making sure the hem is even, while Abigail beams with excitement, her small hands smoothing out the lace details. The crown of daisies in her hair enhances her innocence, a stark contrast to the weight Frank carries in his chest. As he watches the scene unfold, he feels a fleeting sense of normalcy,…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 2 delves into the complexities of the relationship between the narrator and their daughter, Maggie, as the realities of adulthood and independence take a toll on their bond. After Maggie completes her college education, she moves to Boston, and the narrator, wanting to support her as she navigates the next stage of her life, agrees to co-sign her lease for a basement studio apartment. Along with the lease, the narrator agrees to help cover her rent for the first year, thinking this would give…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 6 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 6 unfolds in the tense aftermath of a wedding that was supposed to be a joyous occasion but instead became the backdrop for tragedy. The reception hall, once filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses, is now a place of quiet urgency as the catering staff swiftly clears tables, removing all signs of celebration. The once-beautiful centerpieces are handed out to guests as parting gifts, an unspoken gesture meant to usher them away and allow the grieving family their privacy.…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 7 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 7 delves deeply into the emotional aftermath of a tragic event, one that shatters what should have been a joyous occasion. The protagonist, reeling from the incident, reflects on the cold reception of the two police officers who took his statement. Their hurriedness and lack of concern for his emotional state further add to his frustration, and he begins to feel more like an item on a checklist than a person in mourning. After the officers leave, he is left with the jarring contrast of the once…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 2 of The Last One at the Wedding delves deeper into the protagonist’s struggle as he attempts to push forward with his job as a UPS driver while carrying the weight of recent personal loss. Despite receiving condolences from his supervisor, he forces himself to continue his shift, believing that staying occupied will help keep his thoughts from spiraling. However, the region is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures prompting officials to issue public health warnings.…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 1 begins with the narrator making a stop at Men’s Wearhouse in Stroudsburg to return the tuxedo he had worn to a wedding. The employee behind the counter, a young man with pink hair and multiple piercings, greets him warmly and asks how the event went. The narrator responds politely, though his mind is elsewhere, still reeling from the events of the previous night. The exhaustion from the long drive back from New Hampshire with Tammy and Abigail weighs on him, but even more than that, the…
    • Chapter

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 4 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 4 opens with the close of summer, as Tammy suggests that my role in looking after Abigail is no longer necessary. Despite her insistence, I continue to help with various responsibilities, such as making sure Abigail attends her math club meetings, gets her vaccinations on schedule, and sees a dentist for her many cavities. The dentist, alarmed by the extent of her dental issues, referred us to an orthodontist who expressed astonishment at the condition of her teeth, saying, “She’s going to need…
    Note