Stories tagged “tension”
-
Family Reunion
Dylan was the black sheep in the family. Therefore, all the little cousins loved him. The rumble of his motorcycle pulling up outside made the adults all cringe, tension in the room forming a white elephant so large it stifled the conversation. Dinner ...
-
Anticipation
Jim and I staggered back to the farmhouse, laughing and brushing dirt and grass off our clothes. The morning had turned to afternoon when we weren’t looking, and the house now held an ominous feeling that had not existed before. Jim didn’t ...
-
Hurt and Confusion
“No, Jim, I mean… not no, but that’s not what I meant. I mean, I’m scared, Jim.” I couldn’t find the right words to explain the depth of this confusion, this feeling. “I’m scared, too, Shawna, but I’...
-
Mutual Friends
Comfortable, and yet, so shy, The two of them appear. I have watched my two close friends Flirt for almost a year. Fleeting glances, inside jokes, Normally wouldn’t mix. But they both see potential For something sweetly rich. Dearest friends, hol...
-
Rabid Stress
She grew listless as the days went by, her eyes always peering out of some obscure opening within the house. He inquired several times but learned nothing other than that she felt nervous. It never occurred to him that she could feel such an emotion an...
-
To Show You My Heart
The non-understanding was killing me. Again. “I don’t get it – what the hell are you thinking? I hate doing it, but I couldn’t let this happen. “Alright… let me show you…” Closing my eyes, trying to hide ...
-
Dangerous Transactions
The threat of violence hung heavy in the air. Everyone in the room eyed each other. Someone was going to have to make the first move. It sure as hell wasn’t going to be me. That was a fast track to a cold slab. I was just here to make sure that i...
-
Bad Things
The sign on the general store that read FRESH PRODUCE DAILY began to swing back and forth, pushed by the wind. Its creaks sounded like slow, wheezing laughter. Carl froze in the middle of taking a step. Eyes fixated on the sign, he watched the wind car...
-
An Uninvited Dance
“Yes,” she said quickly. He led her to the floor and they began to waltz. As they fell into the rhythm of the music, she glanced over her shoulder in time to see the Earl’s son stalk moodily away. She breathed a quiet sigh and realize...
-
Appeasement and Appearances
The moment stretched to a minute as they continued, their movements synchronized in dance. He finally spoke again. “I’ve irritated you?” Nothing. He sighed. “Forgive me. I understand that our interaction has been…unusual....
-
A Vial Alternative
Giving Halstead a sidelong glance and cautionary nudge to stay put, I reached for a chair and settled across from Feyald. The felynx lord gave one last perusal of his papers with green slitted eyes before sighing and seating himself, black tail undulat...
-
The Meeting
The crowd flows through main street, no weapon visible, everyone looking the part of the innocent bystander. No weapon detected there so far, either. Unlike the plaza. Did the boss really have to use so many bodyguards? Even the waiters have caught on ...
-
Sounds
You know that sound. Soft, leathery… two skins reaching for sanctuary in a dark corner of the night. You’ve heard it before. You’ve wanted to look. Wisely, you kept walking. A hiss. They sense you. You can feel the touch of their eyes. Keep w...