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The Portrait of Matteo
Seventeen-year-old Manny got off a public bus at a busy intersection in downtown Philadelphia. When the bus released its brakes and passed his narrow view, he checked whether the art museum across the street was still there. He had been visiting it every day that week but wondered for a second the veracity of its presence. Now, the spring sun betrayed its gray highlights, giving it a warm glow.
By Paul Aaron Domenick3 days ago in Fiction
Kusliga Vista
“I told you we were going too far off trail,” said Clark. “I thought Ammon said he could read a compass,” said Kit. “Guys, it’s easy, we just need to find a river or stream and follow it. Those things always lead to civilization,” Ammon said and pushed through thick patch of bushes.
By Amos Gladeabout 18 hours ago in Horror
Earrings
April truly is the cruelest month, especially in Augusta during the first full week, breeding dogwoods and azaleas into dreams of a green jacket on Sunday. I won’t go into it about badges; suffice to say my family received. I was dating some loser the year I was twenty-two or -three, and I was taking him to the Par 3. At least I was until the night before.
By Harper Lewisa day ago in Writers
Bacon. Content Warning.
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings. He launches into an atmosphere riddled with smoke, soot, and ash. He feels the radiation from a thousand fallen nukes. For humanity, it’s certain death. For him, it’s like bathing in a sauna. He laughs again at the thought.
By C. Rommial Butlera day ago in Fiction
Challenges
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What Comes Back
Write a poem about something that returns, whether expected or not.
$200 Grand Prize5 days leftSmall Win
Write a piece about a small, everyday victory that ends up meaning more than expected.
$200 Grand Prize12 days leftThe Unhappy Ending
Write a story that does not end well, and allows the consequences to stand.
$200 Grand Prize19 days left
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Something Is Beginning, I Think Challenge Winners
This challenge wasn’t about clean starts. It was about that weird in-between where something is beginning, but no one really knows what yet. A lot of these stories leaned into hesitation, into pauses and false starts and that feeling that something is about to happen but hasn’t quite.
By Vocal Curation Team4 days ago in Resources
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 03/19/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal17 days ago in Resources
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