Short Stories

Fiction, small experiments, and stories built from the things I notice but can’t always report.




The Window at 9:14

By: Marie Pascual The platform was empty except for the man in the hat. He did not speak. He only pointed. The carriage rattled on steel, smelled of old smoke and something sweet, like rice left too long on the stove. I sat where the ticket told me,Seat 9A, window on the left. He handed…

Gift Receipt

My submission to the 2025 NYC midnight writing competition (500 words max) // prompts: perfume, bargaining, romantic comedy By: Marie Pascual Dearest Stan, You would’ve hated this man — like trailers that spoiled endings, or people who said “data” like they were better than you. He reminded me of you in the worst ways. Or…

No Re-Rolls

My submission to 2025 “Writing Battle Nano – Fiction 250 words max”// Prompts: Road Trip, Dice, Outcast By: Marie Pascual GROUP CHAT J23: Joe: Chefs, don’t forget aprons. Zak: Chef go fuck yourself Joe: You first. Mei: What do I wear for Tommy’s dinner? 👀👀👀 Zak: It’s PAPILLON. Look like money 💰 Mei: We can…