Ripples in the Water

by Adrian Wood

On his 40th birthday, Mark discovered a mysterious pond behind his childhood home. Each stone he skipped across its surface revealed flashes of alternate lives. Rockstar, astronaut, baker, sailor. Electrifying concerts, floating amidst stars, kneading dough, steering a ship through storms. When he finally paused, he found himself aged decades more, as if each alternative had actually been lived and added to the tally of his years. Now there was nothing left.

Echoes 

by Clara Reid

Morning light streamed into a forgotten room, revealing remnants of joy – toys scattered among the layers of dust and age. The wooden floor held imprints of countless feet, memories of children long grown. In the corner, an old rocking chair sat, its wood worn by time. Suddenly, it began to creak, moving gently as if pushed by the hands of the past. The room, silent for so long, now hummed with the sounds of yesteryears. Among the relics, one could almost hear the giggles, feel the rush of life, and sense the presence of those who once filled it with warmth.

Time’s Gift

by Hannah Kim

Amelia’s world paused when she lost her love, marked by the silence of her once-ticking watch. Seasons changed, but her heart remained in that frozen moment. Then, a paper rustled under her door, bearing words that piqued her curiosity: “Turn back time, just once.” With hesitant fingers, she wound the watch. It stirred, its rhythmic beats echoing her quickened pulse. Following its gentle tug, Amelia found herself in a familiar café. A place where moments were trapped in amber, and where, amidst the soft glow of old lanterns, love was given a second chance.

Through the Mist

by Sam Ortiz

Sara’s morning jog took an eerie turn as the fog thickened around her. Suddenly, a quaint village materialized, one she’d never seen before. Villagers greeted her by name, and her old sneakers turned into worn leather boots. By the time the mist lifted, Sara was part of a century-old photograph in the local museum.

The Watcher’s Dilemma

by DJ O’Sullivan

Ethan found solace in the silent stories he’d weave from his apartment’s narrow window. From lovers meeting to briefcase exchanges, he painted rich tapestries of life below. One day, amidst the routine hustle, a woman paused, gazing intently upwards. Holding up a handwritten note, it read: “What story would you weave for me?” Instead of engaging, Ethan hesitated, then slowly drew the curtains shut.