Welcome to Short Tales


A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment

Currently 12,517 short tales

| Next Page

Advertise here



Bridging the Gap: A Clockmaker's Quest for Harmony in a Simpler Time



It was the year 2050, and the world was vastly different than it had been just a century prior. Technology had advanced at an incredible pace, and the human race had made tremendous strides in exploring and settling the cosmos. The United Earth Government (UEG) had established colonies on the moon, Mars, and even some of the outer planets of the solar system.

But with all the progress that had been made, there were still those who longed for a simpler time. A time before the clutter of modern technology, when life moved at a more leisurely pace. These people became known as the "Antedaters," and they lived in secret enclaves throughout the galaxy, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of interstellar society.

One such Antedater was a man named Marcus. He had grown up on Earth, but had always felt out of place in the fast-paced world that surrounded him. When he discovered the existence of the Antedater communities, he knew he had found his true home.

Marcus moved to one of the hidden enclaves, where he was welcomed with open arms by the other members. They were a tight-knit group, content in their simple way of life. They lived off the grid, relying on solar and wind power for their energy needs, and grew their own food in small gardens.

Marcus quickly became assimilated into the community, and he found great joy in the quiet, peaceful existence that the Antedaters led. He spent his days tending to the garden, helping with repairs and maintenance around the enclave, and participating in the group's various activities.

But Marcus couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. He had grown up with the luxuries of modern technology, and he found himself longing for the simple pleasures of life that he had left behind. He began to wonder if there was a way to bridge the gap between his old life and his new one as an Antedater.

One day, while exploring the enclave's library, Marcus stumbled upon an ancient book on the art of clockmaking. He had never been particularly interested in the craft before, but something about it caught his eye. He began to study the book with renewed enthusiasm, and he soon found himself becoming fascinated by the intricate mechanics of timekeeping.

Marcus spent countless hours in the library's workshop, tinkering with clocks and learning the ancient art of timekeeping. He discovered that the simple, handcrafted timepieces were more accurate than any digital device he had ever used. They kept perfect time, without the need for constant charging or maintenance.

As Marcus became more skilled at clockmaking, he began to see the beauty in the craft. He found joy in the slow, deliberate pace of his work, and he discovered a sense of peace in the quiet ticking of the clocks. He realized that he had found a way to bridge the gap between his old life and his new one as an Antedater – by embracing the simple pleasures of the past, while still enjoying the benefits of modern technology.

From that day forward, Marcus dedicated himself to the art of clockmaking, creating beautiful, intricate timepieces for the members of the enclave. He found happiness in his work, and he knew that he had truly found his place among the Antedaters.


The A-Z Challenge: Where Creativity Meets Structure

Adventure Beckons: A Journey of Discovery and Power

Max's Mastery of Metalwork: A Tale of Detail and Admiration

Unveiling Aachen's Enchanted Realm: A Traveler's Journey into Magic

Aaliyah: The Star Who Shone Brightest Despite Criticism

Arnie's Adventure: The Little Aardvark Who Stood Up for What Was Rightfully His

Arty the Aardvark: The Unlikely Rockstar of the African Savannah

Aardvarks and Hyenas Unite for an Epic Journey and Lasting Friendship.

From Teenage Dreams to Global Acclaim: Aaron's Journey to Becoming a Music Producer Extraordinaire

Sailing into the Depths: A Young Man's Quest for Oceanic Wonder

Bringing Dreams to Life: The Magical Adventures of Ava

A World of Magic: The Ancient Tree's Lessons

The Ingenious Abacus: How One Man's Passion for Mathematics Changed History

Young Blacksmith Continues Legacy of Grandfather's Forge After Tragic Fire

The Abacus Master: A Legacy of Mathematical Brilliance

The Abacus Wizard: How Li's Math Skills Brought Prosperity to a Rural Chinese Village

The Math Whiz of the Village: Maria's Abacus Adventure

The Engine Room Enigma: A Mysterious Encounter at Sea

The Magical Adventures of Luna and Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder

The Secret Life of Abalones: A World of Wonder and Adventure

The Magical Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder

Abigails Journey: Finding Hope Amidst Regret

Abandoning My True Self: A Journey of Rediscovery

Abandonment: A Journey of Resilience

The Shadowed City: A Haunting Legacy of Disappearance

Maria's Mystical Journey: Unlocking Her True Potential

The Kind Heart of Abase: A Legacy of Compassion and Caring

The Brave Girl of the Rolling Hills: Abash's Quest to Save the Forest

Abashed: The Animal Communicator's Quest for Kindness and Protection

The Legend of Ash and Lila: A Tale of Unlikely Love

Emily's Gift of Courage

Unlocking the Art of Winemaking: A Small Village's Legacy of Passion and Excellence

The Sky's Great Mystery: A Massive Light Figure Appears in the Abatement

The Ancient Tree's Gift: A Boy's Quest for Communication

Ember's Legacy: A Young Girl's Quest to Protect the Natural World

The Secrets of Abattoir: A Gateway to Malevolent Spirits

The Magic Within: A Kind Man's Journey to Enchanted Lands

The Boy Who Wished for Adventure: A Magical Tale of Travel and Triumph

Ali's Journey: Pursuing Knowledge and Enlightenment in Baghdad's Great University

The Golden Age of Baghdad: A Love Story of Rebellion and Freedom

Amidst the Winter's Darkness, a Beacon of Hope: The Story of Abbé Pierre and His Café of Compassion

A Glimmer of Hope: A Priest's Encounter with Magic

The Wishes of the Abbaye de Bellevue: A Monastery's Descent into the Supernatural

Finding Peace in the Face of Doubt: The Story of Brother Thomas

The Abbess's Heart: A Tale of Love, Compassion, and Redemption

Finding Peace and Purpose at St. Agnes Abbey: A Story of Grief, Healing, and Redemption

Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Abbey: Sarah's Journey to Enlightenment

Finding Peace in the Ancient Walls: A Young Woman's Journey to Solace at the Abbey of St. Mary

The Eternal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace and Legacy

The Magic of Abbot: A Young Man's Quest for Ancient Power

Finding Inner Peace: A Journey of Discovery and Transformation

Finding Peace and Purpose in the Heart of Abbots

The Shroom's Sinister Spell: A Clever Inventor's Deadly Descent into Dark Magic

The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Donuts: A Tale of Mischievous Treats

The Magic of Abbr: A Curious Girl's Journey to Mastery

The Secret of the Hidden Clearing: A Brave Girl's Quest for Adventure and Survival

The Guardian of the Woods: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Protection

Adventurous Brave Curious Expeditions in Enchanted Lands: Alice's Magical Journey

King Edward Abdicates, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Kindness and Compassion

The Kingdom's New Queen: A Reflection of Wisdom and Compassion

The Kingdom's Unlikely Abdication: King Edward's Journey to Simplicity

The Kind and Just King: A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion

King Henry's Legacy of Peace: The Kingdom's Path Towards Selfless Leadership

A New Queen, a New Era: The Transition of Power in a Far-Off Kingdom

A New Era Begins: King Edward's Legacy Continues

Abduction and Experimentation on an Unknown Planet

The Nightmare Unfolded

Sarah's Journey: From Earth to Alien Ship and Back Again

The Shadow Watchers: A Chronicle of Fear

The Mysterious Abductions of Willow Creek: A Town Forever Changed

Abducted by Alien Zorbs: Sarah's Fateful Night

Escape from Captivity: A Tale of Determination and Freedom

Trapped in Darkness: Sarah's Escape

The Alien's New World

Abe's Community Garden: A Small Act of Kindness with a Lasting Impact

Abe's Elemental Magic: A Simple Tailor's Quest for Heroism

Sailing Through the Storm: Abeam's Heroic Rescue

Abed's Magical Grove: A Legendary Adventure of Wonder and Discovery

Abel's Quest: A Journey of Kindness and Adventure

The Craftsman's Quest: Unlocking Inner Power and Potential

The Passionate Pursuit of True Love: The Tale of Pierre Abelard and Heloise

The Curious Adventures of Abelson: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Bravery

Abelsons: The Portal to Infinite Journeys

The Secret Isle: A Journey of Discovery and Redemption

Finding Solace in Aberdeen's Cozy Cup

The Secret Heart of Abernathy: A Tale of Adventure and Homecoming

A Town's Transformation: From Industrial Hub to Artistic Oasis

The Evil Force Within

The Aberrants Tale: A Mysterious Encounter in the Rainy City

The Girl Who Saved Eleria: A Tale of Magic and Bravery

Alice's Enchanted Adventure: The Girl Who Could Talk to Animals

The Magical Friendship of Hootie and Betsy: A Tale of Joy and Wonder

Thieving in the Night: A Master Heist

The Book of Unlocking: A Tale of Ingenuity and Responsibility in a World of Advanced Technology

Finding Hope: Better's Journey to a Better Life

The Betters' Downfall: A Hero's Quest for Humanity's Future

The Magic of Community: Ember's Legacy

The Bettors Curse: When Desire Becomes a Living Nightmare

The Shadow Whispers: A Beta's Descent into Darkness

Embracing Abeyance: Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

| Next Page

Advertise here

All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -