By Gianni Shamari Copyright ©2025 The snowflakes, like delicate lace, danced around Maré’s Bentley as it glided through the Manhattan streets on Christmas Eve. He stepped out onto the sidewalk, adjusting his cashmere coat as he gazed up at the towering Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. The festive lights, like a thousand stars, reflected off the wet pavement, casting a magical glow. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roasting chestnuts and the distant sound of car

By Jenny Swift Copyright ©2025 On the morning of the audition, I woke up late. When I opened my eyes, the sun was streaming through the window. I rushed to the bathroom and did what I could to get ready as quickly as possible. The audition was for a small role in a Christmas-themed play, where I had to sing some carols. It was a Broadway play, which was no small thing. I still didn't know if I could get the part, but I hurried to find out. On the way, I encountered several ob

By D.S. Carper Copyright ©2025 “Fresh out of the shower, be there in fifteen minutes,” the text message read. It was accompanied by a photograph of her body, a single bead of water running over the goosebumps of her breast, settling just above her nipple. She had come over dozens of times at this point, but he still got a little nervous. On their first date, he had told her he wanted to be taken on a journey, and true to her word, she had taken him on many. He sat in the recl

By Barclay Totten Copyright ©2025 Lalla started to lead him up the stairs to her apartment when Jake noticed a burnoosed figure in the shadows toward the back wall. He was propped up against a pile of rugs but hunched over as though asleep. The hood of the burnoose was pulled down over his face with any distinguishable features hidden in darkness.  "Who is that?" Jake queried as he stopped and turned around to look.  "He is the guardian of the market," she replied. "How can