Ria looked at the cash register in horror, but the figure didn't change. Nine. Thousand. Dollars. For a pack of ramen and some drink mix. The cheapest brand of each. What in the unholy hyperinflation was

Chapter One Xethrom Space is vast. From one individual's vantage point on a single planet, the sky seems to be positively teeming with stars, but up there? It's so much….emptiness. I know this well, I've

To the snobby gerbils around him, Whiskers would always be that street rat who snuck into the pet store with a crazy dream of being adopted. But they didn't know he had a secret weapon: He'd put on tons

The couple at the table had a distinct air of entitlement and maybe a little bit of something worse. But David wasn't new to the industry so he plastered on his most welcoming smile and walked over to

The silver haired thing sat in the display box, staring at whatever or whoever was unlucky enough to pass in front of it. Its face seemed innocent if you were easily fooled. The giver of the gift called

Some people learn music involuntarily. They're made to attend lessons they don't enjoy and practice instruments they barely tolerate until they reach an age when they can cast them aside for good. Marcus

In a world where few children learn cursive anymore, Lia always stood out. You see, she loved the way letters can kiss and loop, joined in a sensuous dance across the page. From the moment she first held

He'd been shocked to wake up somewhere other than his own bed. His cuffed hands, shackled feet and his prison attire shocked him even more. As the prosecutors delivered details on ‘his’ numerous, sordid

When you closed your eyes for the last time, I know people expected me to be distraught. Years and years we spent as close as one human and one cat could be. A feline lifetime full of artfully distressed

‘Stupid, hot vampire…’ Jessie muttered to herself as she sharpened another stake. She had quite the pile already but she told herself one could never be too prepared when hunting the undead. Even if it

The sign above the door said, “MAGIC STUFF” in enormous, bright green letters. All caps, comic sans. It also featured a picture of a winking wizard who bore more than a passing resemblance to Gandalf.

They never let me drive. They tell me I'm part of the family, shower me with love and hugs and kisses, but they won't even let me drive. I try not to let it get to me, but it doesn't feel great. Knowing

I have something to say but first, here are the winners from last week: 🌟 @harmony2605 🌟 🌟 @hatdogsensei 🌟 🌟 @ronnie10 🌟 🌟 @ozd 🌟 🌟 @lecia89 🌟 Your points have just been delivered 👍. And onto

"When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” - Kristin Armstrong Welcome to Graturday Week Thirty-Four! 🎉 So, its Grunday today! We got all

There was once a village that sold oranges. They were really delicious, perhaps the best in the country. People came from far and wide to sample them and nobody ever left disappointed. Unbeknownst to them,

"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” - Karl Barth Welcome to Graturday Week Thirty-Three! 🎉 💐🌻HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMMIES!🌻💐 AND, welcome to Grunday…again 😅! We're still on a roll with another

"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson Welcome to Graturday Week Thirty-Two! 🎉 Alright, we've got ourselves a Grunday 😅! But better late than never,

"The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents