#nyc-midnight

[zlee-34]

Courage is a Wildflower - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2024 A young adventurer entered the crowded grey slum of a shining city, hauling a heavy sack upon his shoulder. He tread through the damp dirt and placed his delivery on a table, across from which stood a young woman in religious robes conversing with the locals. Beside her stood a black cauldron, slowly boiling water. The locals bid the…

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I'm Sorry If I Die Today - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 500-Word Fiction Challenge 2024 It was just supposed to be a test. A proof-of-concept. Michael hid behind stacked desks in the enclosed storage room. From the hallway, he could hear the tearing of human flesh. They were only supposed to prove such a thing was possible. His sweaty palms forced his hand off the slick metal, and he crashed to the hard floor with a…

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In a Storm, Lightning Always Strikes - A Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2024 Kobayashi tidied her hair to match the style of the hostesses. Thunder rumbled overhead as rain drummed on the storm shutters. A single candle struggled to light the room as she robed herself with a hostess’ spare dress. Once it was perfectly sized, Kobayashi hid her dagger in her sleeves and blew out the candle. She entered the…

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Fizzling Out of Fun - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 500-Word Fiction Challenge 2023 Katie gazed out to the sparkling, golden beach, a gemstone in the rocky coastline. Her blonde hair, falling to her tanned shoulders, swayed in the refreshing seabreeze. She didn’t realize she was still walking until she hit a sturdy object. With a sharp gasp and posterior pain, Katie landed in front of the object. It was a column;…

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Perfect Days Last Only a Moment - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2022 Elaine waited outside the studio under her umbrella. She kept mistaking the pattering of rain for footsteps, and glanced around for any sign of someone. She gave a long sigh and gazed into the window. There were rows of stationary bikes, soon to be topped with people trying to lose weight, train for sports, or just there for the fun…

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A Beautiful World - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2022 The morning chill forced Benjamin’s eyes open. The faint lantern light crept its way into the boy’s room, where the musty blanket he called his bed placed him next to a pile of mismatched clothes, ready for him to slip into. Half-asleep, he did as he had for innumerable mornings, the chill motivating his movement. After layering…

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The Unexpected Expectations for Tonight - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2024 The time had finally come for Eliza. She was about to enjoy one of the great milestones to reach adulthood.Her boyfriend Joseph invited her over to spend the night. Of course, it could only mean one thing.“Alright, should we get to bed?” he said.She nodded, both nervous and giddy, and she prepared herself. Her mother had even…

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Subhuman - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2023 It’s not an easy feeling to ignore. Knowing that something’s missing.I recalled an image. More like a dream.I was covered in blood. Laid down, cold and bare.There was a sensation. Something different from anything I’d felt before. Following the concern, my hands groped my abdomen.And it was open.I could feel the air inside.…