Story Archives for Featured Artists T-Z
Stories by Pat Lane (The Webmaster)
Future Day
The time traveler input the date, hoping against hope that his machine would work, that it would take him to where he wanted to go. June 27, 2012 was the day he had chosen after careful study; he hoped that it was far enough in the future that the world would be a better place, away from the tyranny and war and death, but still close enough in time to where he was now that he wouldn't be totally out of touch. He staked his whole life on building this machine, and now he turned the key...
Do Androids Dream of Robot Trucks?
Most men dreamt of fame, money, fortune, women, or perhaps sports glory or killing a hated enemy in mortal combat in front of thousands. His day dreams, spare time and even his real dreams were dominated by thoughts big truck beds, four wheel drive, towing capacities, chrome bumpers, horsepower, torque and the intricacies of finding the perfect exhaust note. Although.... if he really considered it, killing a hated enemy in mortal combat probably could be done with a truck.
Utopia
Finally, after struggling his entire life he had found true happiness; flying above the clouds of the perfect civilization, Utopia. Massive buildings kissed the clouds, clean and beatiful, everyone was happy, healthy and content; everyone had a purpose and a place and the weather was perfect. He distantly heard the violent ringing of a bell and then he woke up; lifting his head off his desk as sweat dripped off him from the sweltering office, he answered the phone with a sigh.
Lizard Brain Cometh
He wanted to make a change, to try something new; to attempt something kinda scary. But a tiny part of his brain, his lizard brain, was telling him to slow down and back up, compromise; his most irrational fears were causing him to shake as his lizard brain took over. It grew and grew, he could feel his body changing - his DNA morphing to match the once tiny part of his brain that evolution dictated he share with lizards and now when he looked in the mirror he was no longer a human being.
When The Revolution Comes
She was cut off in traffic on her way to work and that same jerk flipped her off. Her "fresh" coffee from Starbucks was cold, her deadbeat cousin called her to ask for money, her low life boss called her into his office for a "chat". Throughout the day she accumulated a 1,000 little slights and wrote them all down; all these people would die when the revolution comes.
Pain
His back hurt, both knees were swollen, he was pretty sure he had pulled his calf, and there was a sharp pain in both elbows. His ankle throbbed as he tied his laces and his neck cracked as he put his hat on. There was no part of him that didn't hurt, but he had to keep going, Calverton Softball waits for no man.
Strong Armed
Aaron felt his chest slam into the wall, his elbows pinned behind his back as his boss screamed, "YOUR A FREE LOADER!" Struggling through the pain Aaron yelled back, "How am I a free loader, money goes to the union out of every check I get before I even see the check!" he felt another slap on the back of his head as his boss and union president growled, "Your not paying the FULL dues, only the mandated dues, you owe us another $30 per month free loader;" with that his boss yanked his arm higher, breaking it.
OCD Nightmare
When he left the office, his desk was clean, free of clutter, almost pristine. Three days later his coworkers had managed to pile it high with files, random junk and their own personal belongings.
Information Overload
Jeff was using his iPad to read a book, but he kept his iPhone secured in his left hand to keep him constantly updated on his fantasy football teams progress. To his left was a laptop he was using to chat with multiple friends in multiple windows and on his right was another laptop where he was "working from home." After a full day of this his dreams were filled with the sounds of clicking keys, text message alerts, and endless numbers of computer screens.
Ears Ringing
His ears rang. He heard the ringing every minute of everyday for his entire life. On day 10,950 he ended it by jamming two forks into his ears and pushing until the ringing stopped.
Never. Again.
He woke up in a cold sweat, the memory of his horrible nightmare still clinging to his subconscious; but as bas as the nightmare was the truth that spawned it was that much worse. That trip to Olive Garden really HAD been that awful.
Fresh Air
The business executive got home from work and put his briefcase down with a thud. Finally he could begin working on what he liked to call his "side project", a novel. He grabbed his typewriter and gas mask as he decided it would be a good day to work outside; the smog wasn't too bad today and the weather forecast said the chances of an acid rain shower were minimal.
The Outlaw
The government's forces had said they'd chase him to the end of the Earth. As he looked out the thick plexiglass and saw the whole expanse of Mars City he knew he'd never be back on Earth ever again..., "What a shit hole."
The Wild Ones
The group of twelve kids ran through the town all day; make believing they were kings and queens, super heroes, monsters, aliens or cops and robbers. Deep down inside they all knew the truth, this world belonged to them.
Why Me?
"My alarm didn't go off, I lost power while taking a shower, my car wouldn't start, I got a flat tire, it was raining, traffic was bad, I got into an accident, I twisted m ankle walking across the parking lot and I fell down the stairs." The General Manager heard the tale of woe, sighed and looked at the ceiling while considering the mans fate, "Your fired."
I Need More Guns
"In other news, a man was arrested today for the cannibalistic murder that has some speculating about zombies, " Pat heard the news reporter and opened his safe. Counting the weapons he knew they wouldn't be enough when the moment came.
Good Morning
He laced his shoes, straitened his shorts and pulled the hood over his head as he opened the door for his daily 5 AM run. Stepping out onto the pavement the cold, pouring rain immediately soaked through to his bones.
Fangs Out!
Night fell on Beltsville Maryland, the moon was huge and bright in the sky, good hunting weather. Lori's fangs grew more menacing as she smelled young blood in the air and smiled; tonight she'd have the pleasure of delivering her kill to the King.
Hard Boiled
He'd spent most of his life hard boiled, and he'd grown to like it. Now his life was ending as someone cruelly cracked his shell and swallowed him whole.
Prometheus
The images on screen were horrifyingly glorious, disturbing and beautiful, but the experience was being ruined by stupid teenagers in the theater taking pictures on their cell phones, texting and checking various social media platforms. Pat thought about the disgusting images in the movie, let that feeling sink in; then he walked down the aisle towards the worst offender and forced himself to throw up all over the stupid unfeeling moron who was ruining everyone else's Friday night.
The First to Die Were the Lucky
Mark threw the last bunch a soil on his best friend’s body. Just then someone began ringing the bell frantically signaling everyone to grab their guns; their enemy was back.
“Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!”
“I want to see your badge!” Officer Jones heard the motorist yell. He handed over his badge with his right hand and pulled the trigger with his left.
“Do you know what feels like to be unmade?”
Tom felt his soul being ripped out of him by the monster as his eyes glazed over. He knew his mind was slipping away as the life and spirit was taken from him piece by piece.
Job The Cat
Pat was half a mile away from home on his walk with Scarlett the beagle when he noticed Job was still following him. He wondered if Job would ever get too far away to find his way home.
I Stay Late For No One
“I’m gonna need you to stay till 4:30 today,” the boss said as he walked out the door at 3:20. The man chuckled, went around the office setting every clock forward one hour and left five minutes later.
The Harvest
Everyone in town knew it was wrong, but it was very important that this years harvest go well, for them and the whole country depending on their crops. The town leaders tied the virgin down to the altar and lit the fire pit.
The time traveler input the date, hoping against hope that his machine would work, that it would take him to where he wanted to go. June 27, 2012 was the day he had chosen after careful study; he hoped that it was far enough in the future that the world would be a better place, away from the tyranny and war and death, but still close enough in time to where he was now that he wouldn't be totally out of touch. He staked his whole life on building this machine, and now he turned the key...
Do Androids Dream of Robot Trucks?
Most men dreamt of fame, money, fortune, women, or perhaps sports glory or killing a hated enemy in mortal combat in front of thousands. His day dreams, spare time and even his real dreams were dominated by thoughts big truck beds, four wheel drive, towing capacities, chrome bumpers, horsepower, torque and the intricacies of finding the perfect exhaust note. Although.... if he really considered it, killing a hated enemy in mortal combat probably could be done with a truck.
Utopia
Finally, after struggling his entire life he had found true happiness; flying above the clouds of the perfect civilization, Utopia. Massive buildings kissed the clouds, clean and beatiful, everyone was happy, healthy and content; everyone had a purpose and a place and the weather was perfect. He distantly heard the violent ringing of a bell and then he woke up; lifting his head off his desk as sweat dripped off him from the sweltering office, he answered the phone with a sigh.
Lizard Brain Cometh
He wanted to make a change, to try something new; to attempt something kinda scary. But a tiny part of his brain, his lizard brain, was telling him to slow down and back up, compromise; his most irrational fears were causing him to shake as his lizard brain took over. It grew and grew, he could feel his body changing - his DNA morphing to match the once tiny part of his brain that evolution dictated he share with lizards and now when he looked in the mirror he was no longer a human being.
When The Revolution Comes
She was cut off in traffic on her way to work and that same jerk flipped her off. Her "fresh" coffee from Starbucks was cold, her deadbeat cousin called her to ask for money, her low life boss called her into his office for a "chat". Throughout the day she accumulated a 1,000 little slights and wrote them all down; all these people would die when the revolution comes.
Pain
His back hurt, both knees were swollen, he was pretty sure he had pulled his calf, and there was a sharp pain in both elbows. His ankle throbbed as he tied his laces and his neck cracked as he put his hat on. There was no part of him that didn't hurt, but he had to keep going, Calverton Softball waits for no man.
Strong Armed
Aaron felt his chest slam into the wall, his elbows pinned behind his back as his boss screamed, "YOUR A FREE LOADER!" Struggling through the pain Aaron yelled back, "How am I a free loader, money goes to the union out of every check I get before I even see the check!" he felt another slap on the back of his head as his boss and union president growled, "Your not paying the FULL dues, only the mandated dues, you owe us another $30 per month free loader;" with that his boss yanked his arm higher, breaking it.
OCD Nightmare
When he left the office, his desk was clean, free of clutter, almost pristine. Three days later his coworkers had managed to pile it high with files, random junk and their own personal belongings.
Information Overload
Jeff was using his iPad to read a book, but he kept his iPhone secured in his left hand to keep him constantly updated on his fantasy football teams progress. To his left was a laptop he was using to chat with multiple friends in multiple windows and on his right was another laptop where he was "working from home." After a full day of this his dreams were filled with the sounds of clicking keys, text message alerts, and endless numbers of computer screens.
Ears Ringing
His ears rang. He heard the ringing every minute of everyday for his entire life. On day 10,950 he ended it by jamming two forks into his ears and pushing until the ringing stopped.
Never. Again.
He woke up in a cold sweat, the memory of his horrible nightmare still clinging to his subconscious; but as bas as the nightmare was the truth that spawned it was that much worse. That trip to Olive Garden really HAD been that awful.
Fresh Air
The business executive got home from work and put his briefcase down with a thud. Finally he could begin working on what he liked to call his "side project", a novel. He grabbed his typewriter and gas mask as he decided it would be a good day to work outside; the smog wasn't too bad today and the weather forecast said the chances of an acid rain shower were minimal.
The Outlaw
The government's forces had said they'd chase him to the end of the Earth. As he looked out the thick plexiglass and saw the whole expanse of Mars City he knew he'd never be back on Earth ever again..., "What a shit hole."
The Wild Ones
The group of twelve kids ran through the town all day; make believing they were kings and queens, super heroes, monsters, aliens or cops and robbers. Deep down inside they all knew the truth, this world belonged to them.
Why Me?
"My alarm didn't go off, I lost power while taking a shower, my car wouldn't start, I got a flat tire, it was raining, traffic was bad, I got into an accident, I twisted m ankle walking across the parking lot and I fell down the stairs." The General Manager heard the tale of woe, sighed and looked at the ceiling while considering the mans fate, "Your fired."
I Need More Guns
"In other news, a man was arrested today for the cannibalistic murder that has some speculating about zombies, " Pat heard the news reporter and opened his safe. Counting the weapons he knew they wouldn't be enough when the moment came.
Good Morning
He laced his shoes, straitened his shorts and pulled the hood over his head as he opened the door for his daily 5 AM run. Stepping out onto the pavement the cold, pouring rain immediately soaked through to his bones.
Fangs Out!
Night fell on Beltsville Maryland, the moon was huge and bright in the sky, good hunting weather. Lori's fangs grew more menacing as she smelled young blood in the air and smiled; tonight she'd have the pleasure of delivering her kill to the King.
Hard Boiled
He'd spent most of his life hard boiled, and he'd grown to like it. Now his life was ending as someone cruelly cracked his shell and swallowed him whole.
Prometheus
The images on screen were horrifyingly glorious, disturbing and beautiful, but the experience was being ruined by stupid teenagers in the theater taking pictures on their cell phones, texting and checking various social media platforms. Pat thought about the disgusting images in the movie, let that feeling sink in; then he walked down the aisle towards the worst offender and forced himself to throw up all over the stupid unfeeling moron who was ruining everyone else's Friday night.
The First to Die Were the Lucky
Mark threw the last bunch a soil on his best friend’s body. Just then someone began ringing the bell frantically signaling everyone to grab their guns; their enemy was back.
“Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!”
“I want to see your badge!” Officer Jones heard the motorist yell. He handed over his badge with his right hand and pulled the trigger with his left.
“Do you know what feels like to be unmade?”
Tom felt his soul being ripped out of him by the monster as his eyes glazed over. He knew his mind was slipping away as the life and spirit was taken from him piece by piece.
Job The Cat
Pat was half a mile away from home on his walk with Scarlett the beagle when he noticed Job was still following him. He wondered if Job would ever get too far away to find his way home.
I Stay Late For No One
“I’m gonna need you to stay till 4:30 today,” the boss said as he walked out the door at 3:20. The man chuckled, went around the office setting every clock forward one hour and left five minutes later.
The Harvest
Everyone in town knew it was wrong, but it was very important that this years harvest go well, for them and the whole country depending on their crops. The town leaders tied the virgin down to the altar and lit the fire pit.
Stories by: WifiTypewriter
The Painter
In a way I actually enjoy the painting, moving along, making progress, there’s a sense of achievement as I layer it on. Then I get to the end of the bridge, look back, and realise I have to start again.
Empty
The old theatre still stands there, empty, snuggled in between bigger buildings along the main street. Behind the worn façade are empty rows of seats in the dark, reminding themselves of the shows they used to see.
The Familiar Walk to Work
He walks past the bar where he met his friends yesterday, and he walks past the café where he ate on the weekend. There’s the corner where he bumped into her that first day, and there’s the restaurant where she said no to his offer of a ring.
Catfight
You just don’t want to get caught up in the midst of a catfight. I know it seems like they’d be distracted by each other but it’s still a dangerous place for a mouse.
The Neighborhood
Walking these streets again he felt like he owned this place, he strutted. People smiled and waved at him when he passed, he felt this was because he ran the neighbourhood, although it was probably more to do with the fact that he was only seven.