Shera lay outside in the snow, wearing nothing but his father’s old shirt. Its thin fabric obstructs the cold as well as a shield of paper blocks a sword, serving merely as a pretense of defense. Thus, the chill breeze has free reigns as it wages war on the poor boy’s body, causing his lips … Continue reading The World That Never Was
My bare feet grind against the rough cavern floor as I run along the dimly-lit corridor. It hurts like hell, but whatever it was back there is worse than bloodied fucking feet. I throw a furtive glance behind my shoulder, and sure enough. There is movement in the distance. Slithering, followed by menacing, hissing sounds. … Continue reading The Snake Pit
I sit on the edge of my bed, gazing out the open window. It’s still dark outside, but soon the sun will rise from the depths, and with it, my journey will begin. I look around the room, this treasure trove of memories. Should I feel sad about leaving it all behind? Maybe, but I … Continue reading Call To Adventure
“Come back here, you good-for-nothing piece of crap.” The son, tears fresh in his eyes and adrenaline pumping through his small body, slams the door shut behind him before running out into the cold of night. Searching desperately for somewhere to hide — a place where he may finally be given respite. The forest floor is wet … Continue reading The Escape
The wind speaks to me in gentle whispers, telling of a place far away where I may find happiness at last, and yet somewhere deep inside a voice of reason resides. What I seek has been here all along, but it is hard to reach, and thus it is easier to entertain thoughts of an … Continue reading A Place Far Away
I love my family, and I love our life here — yet I cannot help but be curious about the world out there, the world beyond the confines of my home and beyond the loving embrace of my parents. They say that there is nothing for me in the world outside. They say that our … Continue reading The World Outside
Benjamin Bratz 