February Short STory Features

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Gingerly, she moved toward the door. She was home alone, not expecting any visitors, but maybe one of her brothers forgot their key. Twisting the door knob, revealed an old woman. Her skin was ashy white that wrinkled like crumpled paper with her hair to match. Her hooked nose dipped down low, covering a portion of her top lip.

“Hello,” the old woman croaked. “I picked some apples from my orchard and have too many to feed myself, would you like some?”

She hesitated for a moment, but then reached out for the basket and gave a small smile, choking out a “thank you” before she closed the door. Ambling over to the counter, she set down the basket and grabbed an apple off the top of the pile. To the naked eye it appeared to be safe, so she took a bite. Her eyes widened in shock as a hot feeling hit her tongue, closing up her throat. The apple gave a thud as it left her hand, hitting the floor. Her hands clutched her neck, turning the skin marron. As she fell to the ground, life drained out of her eyes. 

She was gone; No knight in shining armor to come and give her happy ending.

Interview with the Author:

Tito:  What was the inspiration for such a story?

Haley:  I was inspired by the story Snow White the day I wrote it. I like to write about what I've been enjoying that day.

Tito:  Do you want people to view your writing in the way you envision it or do you appreciate other's interpretations?

Haley:  I believe in the freedom of interpretation and value hearing diverse perspectives on my writing. However, like many writers, I naturally hope that readers connect with my work in a way that aligns with my own vision and intentions.

Tito:  What themes or messages do you often explore in your writing, and why are they important to you?

Haley:  Dark and scary themes are my specialty!! I love to explore the writing about murder and evil, because it shows the part of humans that we try to forget or ignore. It is something that's powerful and interesting.

Tito:  How do you handle writer's block or challenges in your writing process?

Haley:  I find that when I can't think of anything I want to write about, I like to turn to books, music, and even social media because that can help me brainstorm ideas.

Tito:  What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to start their own writing journey?

Haley:  I think if you're new to writing then you should start with writing what you already know and learn about what you don't know and write about that and let the cycle continue.

My Dear Seo-Joon, 

When I left for Seoul, I didn’t take much. I didn’t expect much either. You once asked why I came, and the honest answer is I don’t know. Maybe it’s as the aunties say, maybe it was destiny calling me to this place. A comforting thought, isn’t it? Though I can’t be sure of everything, I have learned one truth: the night shines differently in Seoul. 

It shines dull yet bright, there are no stars to be seen, but the dazzling buildings can make even a humble monk forget. It reminds me of you, who, with eyes carrying the duality of night, saved me as I wandered to the tavern alone. 

“Are you lost?” you had asked, your dark brows slanted in concern.

“No, thank you though.”

“It’s no problem, that is the responsibility of a man.”

I laughed. Your brown eyes were still and serious as if you had meant it more sincerely than anyone in the world.

“Anyways, my name is Hyun-Joo. It’s nice to meet you.”

“My name is Seo-Joon.”

“Well, Hyun-Joo, wanna come over for ramen at my place?.” Extending your lotus hand, you not only pulled me from my seat, but from my burden. Because just as your name Seo-Joon suggests, you unfolded my heart, opening up something tucked carefully away. 

That night, you showed me to your apartment. And for the next six months, you showed me all of Seoul. Bookstores, corner cafes, and lots of tteokbokki street vendors. Whenever I smell its sweet and spicy flavor, my mind immediately goes to you. 

But of all the things we did together, my favorite thing you showed me was the Han River. Of course, I had seen it before, but with you, it was different. The city lights reflected in the dark water like fallen stars. Inside the lights, I saw the places I had gone, the places I was going. The fates of millions swirled in the Han River, and though I didn’t know it then, our fates entangled with them. A sigh of awe escaped my lips.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” With the cool wind rustling your hair, you squeezed my hand in the night. 

A shiver kissed the back of my neck, but I smiled. “It feels like we’re in a painting.”

With gentle hands, you had placed your jacket over my shoulders. “Life is a painting.”

Oh, if only you weren’t such a liar. 

Shortly after that night, you visited Han River alone. There was no one to place a jacket on your shoulders, no one to scream your name, no one to plead for you. Did you realize your fate that night? Did the light’s reflection sparkle in your eyes, calling your name? I would’ve called it even louder. 

I’m sorry, Seo-Joon. I’m sorry I never realized your pain 

Let me make things right, let me join you at the bottom of Han River. I’ll bring your jacket, zipping this love letter in its pocket. And when we meet at the Gates of Hell, the Han overlapping with the Styx, I’ll hand it to you with all the sincerity in the world. 

Yours truly, 

Hyun-Joo

Interview with the Author:

Tito:  What was the inspiration for such a story?

Bryn:  I was watching a video talking about the extreme measures put in place to keep people from jumping into the river. I thought it was really sad so I decided to write a story about it. 

Tito:  Do you want people to view your writing in the way you envision it or do you appreciate other's interpretations?

Bryn:  My vision for what I write is always what I would be interested in reading. If people interpret my writing in a way that's more interesting to them, I think that's a good thing.

Tito:  What themes or messages do you often explore in your writing, and why are they important to you?

Bryn:  I really like writing tragedies, and I like to explore them through themes of love and longing. I couldn't say why they're important to me, I think sometimes people just like certain things.

Tito:  How do you handle writer's block or challenges in your writing process?

Bryn:  To combat writer's block, I usually try and think of things that I find beautiful. Daydreaming helps me envision the setting or mood of a story I'd like to tell.

Tito:  What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to start their own writing journey?

Bryn:  To anyone interested in writing, my advice is to not force a message out of your story. The message will naturally come as you write; so don't worry too much.