“The Thirst That Could Not Leave”

 I used to live in the entire city.

That is not a boast; it is a statement of geometry. Duskhaven had no suburbs, no outskirts, no exit signs—just streets that curled back on themselves like a Möbius strip made of brick and fog. On the day I arrived, I walked out of the train station, turned left, and never found the edge. Every boulevard ended at the fountain where I had started. Every road sign eventually spelled the same word: RETURN. There is no way out, the bricks whispered. The city had swallowed its own horizon.

By nightfall I was thirsty—really thirsty. The taps in all the cafés ran rust-red, and the bottled water in the vending machines had evaporated into labels and dust. A bent woman in a shawl tugged my sleeve. “If you want fresh water, you must visit the house,” she said, pointing down Sable Street. “But remember: it gives only what you need, never what you want.”

The mansion crouched at the end of the street like a spider wearing a roof. No number, no mailbox—just a door knocker shaped like a human tongue. Inside, the air tasted of damp velvet and old screams. Portraits blinked in sequence, as though taking turns to watch me. Each corridor looped back to the foyer; every staircase ascended into the cellar. A house of horror, yes—yet somewhere inside I heard water running, clear and bright.

I followed the sound down a staircase that grew narrower the farther I descended, until the walls pressed against my shoulders. At the bottom was a single mirror, taller than the house itself. Its surface reflected nothing—no me, no staircase—only a silver stream of water cascading within the glass itself. My throat burned. I cupped my hands and reached.

The moment my fingers broke the surface, the mirror rippled and poured into me. The water was colder than winter stars, sweeter than childhood mornings. I drank until my stomach ached, then drank again. When I stepped back, the staircase was gone. I stood once more in the foyer, tongue-knocker dripping.

Outside, the city had rearranged itself. Streets I’d never walked now curved toward the same fountain. The bent woman waited beside it, holding a tin cup. “Thirsty?” she asked, and I realized she wore my face. I looked down: my own hands were wrinkled, my voice cracked and ancient.

Understanding arrived like frost: the city needed a caretaker, the house needed a tongue, and the water needed a vessel. I accepted the cup. Every newcomer who stumbles from the station now meets me at the fountain. I offer them a drink and a warning, but the city has already decided. They, too, will walk the whole of Duskhaven—because the entire city is here, because there is no way out, because the house of horror is always thirsty, and because I still, endlessly, need some fresh water.

©Akash

Adventure in Train

It was a very early morning when Lucy and Decos boarded the train, their hearts filled with excitement for the adventure that lay ahead. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape as the train chugged along the tracks. They had planned this trip for weeks, eager to explore the countryside and see the sights.

As the train rolled through the hills, Lucy pressed her face against the window, her eyes sparkling with wonder. “Look, Decos!” she exclaimed, pointing at a quaint little house nestled among the trees. It was a charming cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by vibrant flowers and a small garden. “I wonder who lives there,” she mused, imagining the stories that could unfold within its walls.

Decos leaned closer to the window, intrigued. “Maybe they have a pet or a secret treasure hidden in the attic!” he replied, his imagination running wild. They both giggled at the thought, their minds filled with possibilities.

Suddenly, the train jolted violently, and the cheerful atmosphere shifted in an instant. The ground beneath them trembled, and the sound of metal screeching filled the air. An earthquake! Lucy and Decos clutched their seats, their hearts racing as the train swayed back and forth. The passengers around them gasped in shock, and the conductor’s voice crackled over the intercom, urging everyone to remain calm.

As the shaking subsided, Lucy and Decos exchanged worried glances. “Are we okay?” Lucy asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Decos nodded, though he felt a knot of fear in his stomach. They looked out the window again, and to their surprise, the little house they had admired was still standing, though the garden was now a mess of scattered flowers.

Once the train came to a halt, the conductor announced that they would be stopping for a while to assess the situation. The passengers began to murmur, some expressing concern while others shared stories of their own experiences with earthquakes. Lucy and Decos, however, felt a strange sense of adventure bubbling within them.

“Let’s go explore the house!” Decos suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Lucy hesitated for a moment, but the thrill of adventure was too enticing to resist. They slipped out of the train and made their way toward the cottage, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

As they approached, they noticed that the door was slightly ajar. With a shared glance, they pushed it open and stepped inside. The interior was cozy, filled with the scent of old books and freshly baked bread. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and they could hear the faint sound of a clock ticking in the background.

“Hello?” Lucy called out, her voice echoing in the silence. There was no response. They wandered through the rooms, discovering trinkets and treasures that told stories of the past. A dusty piano sat in the corner, and Decos couldn’t resist playing a few notes, filling the air with a haunting melody.

Suddenly, they heard a soft voice from the kitchen. “Who’s there?” A kind-looking woman appeared, her eyes wide with surprise. “I didn’t expect visitors this early!”

Lucy and Decos introduced themselves, explaining how they had come to explore after the earthquake. The woman smiled warmly and invited them to sit down for tea. As they chatted, they learned that she had lived in the house for many years, filling it with love and laughter despite the occasional tremors of the earth.

After a delightful conversation, Lucy and Decos realized it was time to return to the train. They thanked the woman for her hospitality and promised to visit again. As they walked back, they felt a sense of connection to the little house and its owner, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there could be moments of warmth and friendship.

When they finally boarded the train again, they looked out the window one last time. The house stood resilient against the backdrop of the rising sun, a symbol of hope and adventure. “What a morning!” Decos exclaimed, and Lucy nodded in agreement, her heart full of stories yet to be told. 

And so, their adventure continued, with the promise of more discoveries waiting just around the bend. As the train resumed its journey, Lucy and Decos settled into their seats, their minds still buzzing with the morning's events. The landscape outside transformed into a blur of colors, each passing tree and field igniting their imaginations. 

“Do you think we’ll have more adventures like that?” Lucy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Decos grinned, “I hope so! Every stop could lead to something amazing.” 

They began to brainstorm what their next adventure might entail. Perhaps they would find a hidden waterfall or meet a group of friendly travelers. The possibilities seemed endless, and with each idea, their enthusiasm grew.

Suddenly, the train slowed down, and the conductor announced their next stop. “This is Maplewood Station, folks! A quaint little town known for its beautiful parks and friendly locals.” Lucy and Decos exchanged glances, their hearts racing at the thought of exploring yet another new place.

As the train came to a complete stop, they quickly gathered their belongings and hopped off, eager to see what Maplewood had in store for them. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter from nearby children playing in the park.

“Let’s go there!” Decos pointed towards the park, where colorful kites danced in the sky. They ran towards it, their laughter mingling with the joyful sounds around them. 

Once they reached the park, they were greeted by a vibrant scene. Families picnicked on the grass, and artists painted the picturesque landscape. Lucy and Decos decided to join in the fun, grabbing a kite from a nearby vendor. 

As they ran across the open field, the kite soared high above them, a symbol of their carefree spirit. They spent the afternoon playing games, making new friends, and sharing stories of their adventures. 

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, Lucy and Decos sat on a bench, reflecting on their day. “I can’t believe how much we’ve experienced already,” Lucy said, her heart full. 

Decos nodded, “And it all started with that little house and the earthquake. Who knew it would lead us here?” 

With the stars beginning to twinkle above, they made a pact to always seek out new adventures, no matter where life took them. The world was vast and full of surprises, and they were ready to embrace every moment. 

As they boarded the train once more, they looked out at the twinkling lights of Maplewood, knowing that this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

Ghost In A Tree

 **Ghost in a Tree**

In the heart of the lush countryside, just outside the quaint village of Desu, stood a magnificent banyan tree. Its sprawling branches reached out like welcoming arms, and its thick, gnarled roots twisted into the earth, creating a natural fortress. The villagers often spoke of the tree in hushed tones, for it was said to be haunted by the spirit of a long-lost traveler who had once sought refuge beneath its shade.

One warm afternoon, two curious cats, Luna and Shadow, wandered away from their homes in Desu. Luna, a sleek black cat with bright green eyes, was adventurous and bold, while Shadow, a fluffy gray tabby, was more cautious and thoughtful. They had heard the tales of the banyan tree and decided to explore its mysteries.

As they approached the tree, the air grew still, and a sense of anticipation filled the atmosphere. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. Luna, ever the brave one, darted ahead, her tail high with excitement. Shadow followed closely, his heart racing with a mix of fear and curiosity.

“Look at how big it is!” Luna exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. “I bet there are secrets hidden in its branches!”

Shadow hesitated, glancing around as if expecting the ghost to appear. “Do you really think it’s true? That there’s a ghost here?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course! Ghosts are just spirits of those who have stories to tell,” Luna replied, her confidence unwavering. “Let’s climb up and see if we can find it!”

With a flick of her tail, Luna began to scale the tree, her claws digging into the rough bark. Shadow, though nervous, couldn’t let his friend venture alone. He followed, albeit more slowly, his heart pounding in his chest.

As they reached a sturdy branch, they paused to catch their breath. The view from up high was breathtaking; the fields stretched endlessly, dotted with wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze. But just as they were about to relax, a soft rustling sound echoed through the leaves.

Luna perked up, her ears twitching. “Did you hear that?” she whispered, her eyes wide with excitement.

Before Shadow could respond, a shimmering figure emerged from the trunk of the banyan tree. It was a translucent silhouette, glowing softly in the dappled sunlight. The ghostly figure looked like a traveler from another time, dressed in flowing robes, with a gentle smile that radiated warmth.

“Fear not, little ones,” the spirit said, its voice like a gentle breeze. “I am the guardian of this tree, and I have watched over this land for centuries.”

Luna, filled with awe, stepped forward. “Why do you stay here?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

The spirit sighed, a sound like rustling leaves. “I was once a wanderer, much like you. I sought solace in this tree, and in my final moments, I promised to protect it. Now, I am bound to this place, sharing my stories with those who dare to listen.”

Shadow, feeling braver now, asked, “What stories do you have?”

The spirit smiled, and as it began to recount tales of love, loss, and adventure, the cats listened intently. They learned of the village’s history, of the people who had come and gone, and of the dreams that had blossomed under the banyan’s branches.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, the spirit’s voice grew softer. “Remember, dear ones, every tree has a story, and every story deserves to be told. Cherish the memories of those who came before you.”

With that, the spirit began to fade, its form dissolving into the air like mist. Luna and Shadow watched in silence, their hearts filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

As they climbed down from the tree, the world felt different. The banyan tree was no longer just a tree; it was a keeper of stories, a bridge between the past and the present. They returned to Desu, their minds buzzing with the tales they had heard, ready to share the magic of the banyan tree with their friends.

From that day on, the two cats often visited the banyan tree, not just to seek the ghost but to listen to the whispers of the wind and the rustling leaves, knowing that every visit was a chance to learn and grow. And so, the legend of the ghost in the tree lived on, woven into the fabric of Desu, a reminder that every story, like every tree, has its place in the world.

                            END

The Ice Boys of Icenheim

In the heart of the frozen north, where snow fell endlessly and temperatures dipped to bone-chilling lows, there lived three boys: Kai, Hans, and Erik. Their town, Icenheim, was a frozen wonderland, its buildings carved from ice and its streets slick with frost. At the center of the town stood a magnificent ice castle, its towers shimmering in the moonlight.

Despite the harsh conditions, the boys found joy in their icy world. Kai, the eldest, was a fearless explorer. He loved to venture beyond the town walls, his breath misting in the frigid air as he searched for hidden caves and unexplored ice formations. Hans, the middle child, was a skilled craftsman. He spent his days carving intricate sculptures from the ice, his hands nimble and sure. Erik, the youngest, was a dreamer. He loved to tell stories by the fire, his voice filled with wonder as he described far-off lands and magical creatures.

One winter, a particularly fierce blizzard swept through Icenheim. The wind howled and the snow piled high, trapping the town inside. The boys, unable to venture out, found themselves bored and restless. But with their imaginations and resourcefulness, they turned their confinement into an adventure.

They built an igloo in their backyard, complete with a cozy fireplace made of ice. They played ice hockey, using blocks of ice as goals and their mittens as sticks. They even held an ice sculpting contest, each boy showcasing their unique talents.

One day, a secret passageway was discovered beneath the ice castle. The boys, filled with excitement, ventured inside, their eyes wide with wonder as they explored the castle's hidden chambers. They found a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and learned about the history of their town.

As the blizzard raged on, the boys huddled together for warmth, sharing stories and laughter. They realized that even in the harshest of conditions, friendship, imagination, and the thrill of discovery could turn any challenge into an adventure. And so, the Ice Boys of Icenheim continued to thrive, their hearts filled with warmth in their frozen world.

Squirrel's Friend

  You climb the ladder to the big tree house, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the wooden floor. Inside, a strange glow pulsates from a corner. You peer closer. Meredo, the alien with shimmering green skin and wide, curious eyes, fiddles with a gadget that hums softly.

“Hey!” you say, excitement bubbling up. “What’s that?”

Meredo looks up, a smile stretching across his face. “Just a device to communicate with my home planet! Want to help?”

“Sure!” You lean in, but a rustling outside interrupts. Dodo, the beautiful squirrel with a tufted tail, scampers in. 

“Watch out!” Dodo squeaks, eyes wide. “GIFE is coming!”

“Who’s GIFE?” you ask, a chill creeping up your spine.

“A monster that wants to destroy everything! We need to hide!” Dodo’s voice quivers.

Before you can respond, the ground shakes with a thunderous *THUD*. The tree house sways as GIFE, a towering creature with jagged teeth and glowing red eyes, bursts through the branches. 

“GRAAAAH!” GIFE roars, sending shivers through your entire being. 

Meredo grabs your hand, determination sparking in his eyes. “We can’t let him win! Dodo, distract him while we activate the device!”

“Right!” Dodo darts out, chattering furiously. “Hey, GIFE! Over here!”

As GIFE turns, you and Meredo rush to the gadget. *BZZZZT!* It flickers to life. 

“Now!” you shout. 

A beam of light shoots from the device, enveloping GIFE. He roars in confusion, then vanishes with a *POOF*.

“Did we do it?” you breathe, heart racing.

“We did!” Meredo laughs, and Dodo jumps into your arms, squeaking with joy.

In that moment, you realize: friendship can conquer even the fiercest monsters.

Three Deer

 Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there stood a magnificent Big Tree. Its ancient branches reached high into the sky, casting a cool shade over the forest floor. Birds nested in its nooks, and squirrels played hide-and-seek among its leaves.

One sunny morning, as the dew glistened on the grass, three curious deer emerged from the underbrush. They were siblings: Ravi, the eldest with majestic antlers; Lila, the graceful doe; and Kiran, the mischievous fawn.

The deer had heard tales of a mystical meadow Across the river, where flowers bloomed in every hue imaginable. The meadow was said to hold secrets, granting wishes to those who found it. The deer decided to embark on an adventure to discover this enchanted place.

They followed the winding path through the forest, their hooves leaving imprints in the soft earth. The river flowed swiftly, its waters crystal clear. On the other side, the meadow beckoned, its colors dancing like a rainbow.

But there was a problem—the river was wide, and the current strong. The deer exchanged worried glances. How would they cross?

That’s when they noticed the Big Tree. Its massive roots stretched toward the riverbank, forming a natural bridge. Ravi, with his sturdy legs, stepped onto the roots first. Lila followed, her delicate hooves finding footholds. Kiran, the smallest, hesitated. But with encouragement from his siblings, he leaped across, his heart pounding.

On the other side, they stood in awe. The meadow was more beautiful than they’d imagined. Flowers bloomed in profusion—roses, daffodils, and forget-me-nots. Butterflies flitted about, their wings like delicate whispers.

The deer explored, their eyes wide with wonder. Lila dipped her nose into a fragrant lily, inhaling its sweet scent. Ravi gazed at the distant mountains, feeling a sense of peace. Kiran chased after a firefly, giggling.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the deer gathered in a circle. They closed their eyes and made their wishes. Ravi wished for wisdom, Lila for kindness, and Kiran for endless adventures.

And in that magical moment, the meadow seemed to whisper its approval. The Big Tree, their faithful guide, stood tall across the river, its roots connecting their world to this enchanting place.

From then on, the three deer visited the meadow whenever they needed solace or inspiration. And the Big Tree watched over them, its branches swaying in the breeze, a silent witness to their dreams.

And so, the legend of the Three Deer and the Big Tree spread throughout the forest, inspiring other creatures to seek their own magical places. For sometimes, the greatest adventures lie just Across the river, waiting for those brave enough to cross.

And that, my friend, is how the story goes—a tale of courage, friendship, and the magic that exists in the heart of nature. 🌳🦌✨

The Beauty Of Unknown

The moon was a sliver in the vast black sky, barely casting enough light to guide the three friends through the dense forest. They walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fallen leaves.

Anya held the torch high, its flickering flame casting long, dancing shadows on the surrounding trees. Anya, with her fiery red hair and bright green eyes, was the fearless leader of the group. She was always the first to explore and the last to give up.

Beside her walked Leo, the quiet observer. He was tall and thin, with a mop of brown hair that was always falling over his eyes. He was the most cautious of the three, always thinking about the dangers that might lie ahead.

Bringing up the rear was Maya, the dreamer. She was short and petite, with long, flowing black hair and eyes that sparkled with wonder. She was always lost in her thoughts, imagining fantastic worlds and creatures.

They were on a quest to find the source of the mysterious light that had been appearing in the forest at night. For weeks, they had been following rumors and clues, each step leading them deeper into the unknown.

As they walked, they couldn't help but notice the silence of the forest. The usual chirping of birds and rustling of leaves were absent, replaced by an eerie stillness. Anya gripped the torch tighter, her heart pounding in her chest.

Suddenly, they stumbled upon a clearing. In the center, bathed in an ethereal glow, stood a single tree. Its leaves were not green, but a vibrant pink, unlike anything they had ever seen before.

A gasp escaped Maya's lips. She was entranced by the beauty of the tree. It was as if it had sprung from one of her dreams.

Anya and Leo were more cautious. They approached the tree slowly, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

As they got closer, they noticed that the pink leaves were glowing from within, emitting a soft, warm light. It was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen.

Anya reached out and touched a leaf. It felt soft and warm, like velvet. As she did, a wave of energy washed over her, filling her with a sense of peace and joy.

Leo and Maya also touched the leaves, experiencing the same feeling of wonder and happiness.

They spent the rest of the night under the pink tree, bathed in its magical glow. They shared stories and dreams, their laughter echoing through the silent forest.

In that moment, they knew that they had found something special, something that would stay with them forever. The pink leaf became a symbol of their friendship, a reminder of the magical night they spent under the tree.

The next morning, they left the clearing, but they carried a piece of the magic with them. They knew that they would never forget the experience, and that the pink leaf would always remind them of the power of friendship and the beauty of the unknown.

@Akash

Little Boy Loved The Tree

 Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, there lived a young boy named Rohan. Rohan loved nothing more than playing cricket with his friends on the dusty village pitch every Friday after school.

One Friday, as Rohan was walking home from the pitch, he stumbled upon a small seed lying on the ground. Curious, he picked it up and examined it closely. It was unlike any seed he had ever seen before - small and round, with a hard outer shell and a faint, sweet smell.

Rohan decided to plant the seed in his backyard and see what would grow. Every day, he watered it and tended to it with care. And sure enough, after several weeks, a small sprout emerged from the soil.

As the weeks passed, the sprout grew into a tall, strong tree with wide branches and lush green leaves. And every Friday, when Rohan played cricket with his friends, he would glance over at the tree and smile, knowing that he had helped bring something beautiful into the world.

Years passed, and Rohan grew up and moved away from the village. But every time he returned to visit his family, he would make a point to stop by the old cricket pitch and visit the tree that he had planted so many years ago.

Moo & His Friend

 The cow was very sad this evening. He had been separated from his herd and was now alone in a pen. He didn't know why he had been separated, but he missed his friends and his home. He wandered around the pen, mooing sadly.

As the evening wore on, the cow grew more and more despondent. He lay down in the straw and closed his eyes. He didn't know what the future held, but he was sure that it would be nothing but loneliness and sadness.

Suddenly, the cow heard a noise. He opened his eyes and saw a small boy standing at the gate of the pen. The boy was holding a piece of bread.

"Hello," the boy said. "My name is Billy. What's your name?"

"I'm Moo," the cow said.

"Why are you so sad, Moo?" Billy asked.

"I don't know," Moo said. "I just am."

"Well, I'm here to cheer you up," Billy said. "I brought you some bread."

Moo looked at the bread and his eyes lit up. He hadn't eaten in a long time.

"Thank you," Moo said.

Billy handed the bread to Moo and Moo ate it hungrily. When he was finished, he felt a little bit better.

"Thank you," Moo said again. "That was very kind of you."

"You're welcome," Billy said. "I'm glad I could help."

Billy and Moo talked for a while longer and Moo started to feel a little bit less sad. He realized that even though he was alone in the pen, he wasn't really alone. He had Billy to talk to and that made all the difference.

The next day, Billy came back to visit Moo and they became friends. Moo was no longer sad and he looked forward to Billy's visits every day.

An Adventurous Story

 Mr. Mirta and Dr. Saha had been planning an adventurous trek through the mountains for months, and finally, the day had arrived. They set off on horseback with nothing but the sound of their galloping hooves echoing through the valleys. The lush green grass beneath their feet and the scent of fresh mountain air invigorated their senses.

As they approached a narrow bridge over a rushing river, Dr. Saha spotted something in the distance - a vibrant yellow object glistening in the sun. Intrigued, the duo decided to investigate. They spurred their horses onward and quickly came upon a hidden cove.

In the middle of the cove stood an enormous yellow statue, intricately carved with fine details and etchings. It was like nothing they had ever seen before, and they knew they had stumbled upon something truly special.

Without hesitation, they made their way towards the statue, taking in its awe-inspiring beauty. As they got closer, the statue's eyes seemed to come to life and the duo heard a deep, rumbling voice, "Get in."

Dr. Saha and Mr. Mirta exchanged a bewildered glance, but their sense of adventure overpowered their fear, and they stepped inside the statue's gaping mouth. In an instant, they were transported to a new world filled with incredible sights and sounds they could never have imagined.

They journeyed through dense jungles, vast deserts, and icy tundras, all while learning more about the secrets of the world and the power of imagination. They even encountered friendly beings that spoke a language they could understand.

After a long and unforgettable journey, they were returned to the cove, and the yellow statue became just that - a statue once again. Mr. Mirta and Dr. Saha gazed at each other, their faces beaming with amazement and appreciation for the unforgettable adventure they had experienced together.

They mounted their horses once more and made their way back towards the mountain. As they looked back at the cove, they both knew they would always remember this day and that they had become lifelong adventurers.

©AKASH

It's A Rainy Day

 The pitter patter of raindrops on the windowpane sets the stage for a song of rain and introspection. The gloomy gray skies reflect your own melancholy mood as you sit listening to the storm outside. The raindrops race each other down the glass, blurring the outside world into an indistinct wash of green and gray. 

You lose yourself in the rhythm of the rain, each drop creating its own percussion section in a symphony only you can hear. The steady metronome of the downpour lulls you into a state of reflection. Thoughts come unbidden, memories rise up of past joys and sorrows. You are a child again, playing in puddles and jumping in the rain. You are a teenager, walking home from school on a rainy afternoon. You are an adult now, listening to the rain as life's mysteries still remain. 

The storm washes over you, cleansing your mind of worries and cares, if only for a moment. You think of loved ones near and far, hoping they too find comfort in the rain. You feel gratitude for life's simple gifts: a warm fire, a cup of tea, the sound of rain on the roof. Tomorrow the storm will have passed, but for now you sit content, letting each raindrop tell its story as the music of the storm fills your soul with peace.

©Akash