“Do you think someone allegedly involved in a fraud deserves a bonus and stock options?” her quivering voice echoes in the closed chamber. The question is direct, hard-hitting, and almost accusing. The honcho turns around in his chair, provocatively taps the cigar on the ashtray, and watches the dropped ash cool and shrink. “I know … Continue reading Clawback
The shell of a human being passes by with unseeing eyes focused on the sunset and a device in his shaky hand. He shudders to recall the scene that had wrecked the core of his being many sunsets ago. She had jumped into the valley, and he was left holding a mask in his hand … Continue reading Muse
“Project complexity is the perfect counterfoil to showcase one’s ability,” she said, drawing a sharp question from her coach about who the goal-setter or challenge creator is. She clutched onto the chair in her search for words, then mumbled, “I believe in setting goals for myself.” “Choosing the toughest path shows an effort to prove … Continue reading Self-sufficiency
He was rejected for lacking social grace and having two left feet, but he was getting used to it all. “You are getting too comfortable with your single status,” whined his mother, who had always been too involved in his personal life. He took some time to think of the right words to answer, but … Continue reading Punch line
He promised magic with his ale; people drank, wept and danced, their hearts healing in the shared joy and unity. He stipulated that they sip the brew in company, basking in the warmth of shared memories. Undeterred by bankers' derisive laughter and refusal of a business loan, his family set up a riverside resort on … Continue reading Magic Potion
“I failed to change the content every time a reader picked up the same copy” is the notorious last confession of a magazine publisher out of business. When a smartphone outperforms in this aspect, it's a game-changer. Phone addicts, you now have a solid defence. Trust, a relic of bygone eras, is looking for new … Continue reading Trust in the age of AI
Rules do not govern the wildflower that grows in the crevices of a sidewalk, which is beautiful and complete. It is not at the mercy of the gardener, who strives for a certain quality and feels deflated if the flowers do not meet his standards. It is never taken to an exhibition to win awards, … Continue reading Dream of Freedom
“You have changed, Captain Amar”, the Chief spoke with a frown as he issued instructions for the next naval mission. “Why do you think so?” he mumbled incoherently as dread encompassed his spotless white starched uniform. The boy from the slums who played a body double for actors never imagined he would be acting in … Continue reading Undercurrents
“We used to have a life - chatting face-to-face, watching expressions before responding and displaying etiquette in easy, understandable ways,” Uncle Arthur is going nostalgic again. “I’m younger than you are, Arthur,” interjected Aunt Esther, “ and I remember the sounds when you disconnected the phone in anger or disgust and even the wooden pen … Continue reading Nostalgia
egg whites drip through a strainerswirl endlessly in boiling brothassume indefinable shapesEgg-drop soup is overjoyedin the company of orange chickento go down together – in alimentary depth W3 Prompt Six Sentence Stories
Creative Experiments and More 