Tag: short story

All the Love in the World

Frank — the people’s icon. Colleagues loved him, his respectful nature, and knack for avoiding controversies. Friends appreciated his remaining unbiased despite political influences.

He’d seen many downfalls as he had seen successes; lost awards, media insults, lame caricatures, and even protests against his works. Yet he shone through all that without batting an eye. He was used to it all. Fourteen years in the business had taught him how to keep his head through thick and thin.

But all the glitter of Hollywood couldn’t make up for missing his daughter’s birth. For the first time, Frank’s eyes glittered with tears.

Nervous

nervous

I stood backstage listening to my heartbeat’s crescendo. It was my first time. I watched her prepare herself; sneaking glances at the mirror, checking her makeup, and adjusting her bracelet. She seemed calm, panicking only when an assistant informed that he’d misplaced her headdress.

I looked at my sister. I had watched her growth since our parents died. She was three then. I, ten. An artist now, she was about to perform live, and I saw no nervousness.

She walked into thunderous applause. I stole a peek through the curtains–everything blurred.

I remembered. I had forgotten my spectacles at home.

Heard Unhearing

The stadium overflowed with anticipation. Benjamin had eyes for none except the piano in the centre. His piano. On it, he was home more than at his own home.

He looked at the keys, sensing how the cold keys would warm up as he played. The wooden body shone bright and welcoming.

He sat and a breathed deep. One moment, his hands hovered but the next, the music took over. His fingers waltzed on white and black keys alike, never discriminating.

He sat impassive, mind guiding his fingers. He couldn’t hear the applause. Or the sound of his own music.

Making People

I felt god-like.

I injected emotions and stamina into nothingness to create Ben. I had complete control. I could twist his arm and his fate anyway I wanted. His life relied on my mood swings and caffeine intake. It was a responsibility I took light, though shouldn’t have.

Affection surged through me when I realised his evolution from a violent thought to a violent person.

I introduced Ben to my friend. Matt’s a lawyer, he knows people and what makes them tick. He’s had experience dealing with ruffians like Ben.

“Well, Matt?”

“Good. Except for one serious plot hole.”

Temptation

She lay on my table, her glowing skin provoking my every sense. I had never seen something so plump and lush, waiting and wanting to be devoured. For a moment, I considered dumping my New Year’s resolution. Only a fool would give it all up. Because one look at those soft swerves began melting my resolve.

Her scent threatened to asphyxiate me as I approached the table. My pendulum of a mind rocked between what it wanted to do and what it should do.

The next thing I knew, I was tearing the chicken, the grease dripping down my elbow.