Welcome to Short Tales
A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment
Currently 12,517 short tales
| Next Page
The Shadow Deal: A Life for a Vote
As the sun set over the bustling city, Assemblyman Johnson sat in his office, staring at the stack of papers on his desk. He had been an assemblyman for 20 years, and he had seen it all. From corrupt politicians to crime-ridden streets, Johnson had witnessed it all. But today, something was different. Today, he had received a mysterious letter that changed everything.
The letter was short and to the point. It read: "Meet me at the old clock tower at midnight. Come alone." Johnson was immediately filled with a sense of unease, but his curiosity got the better of him. Who could be sending him such a cryptic message? And what did they want from him?
Johnson arrived at the clock tower exactly at midnight. The streets were empty, and the only sound was the ticking of the clock's hands. As he approached the tower, he saw a figure standing in the shadows. It was a man, tall and imposing, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through him.
"Who are you?" Johnson demanded, trying to hide his fear.
The man smiled, revealing sharp teeth. "I am someone who knows your secrets," he replied. "And I have come to offer you a deal."
Johnson was taken aback. "What kind of deal?"
"I can give you anything you want," the man said. "Power, wealth, fame. Name it, and I can deliver it to you."
Johnson's mind raced with possibilities. Could this be his ticket out of politics? Could he finally make a real difference in the world? But then he remembered something. Something that had always been there, but he had never really paid attention to. His conscience.
"I can't do it," Johnson said, shaking his head. "I can't sell my soul for power and wealth."
The man smiled again, this time with a hint of amusement. "Oh, you don't have to sell your soul," he said. "All I want from you is something else. Something much more valuable."
Johnson frowned, confused. "What could be more valuable than my soul?"
The man leaned in closer, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Your vote," he said. "You see, Assemblyman Johnson, I have been watching you for a long time. And I know that you hold the key to something very important. Something that could change the course of history."
Johnson's heart raced as he realized what the man was talking about. He had always been a man of integrity, and he would never sell out for anything less than the greater good. But now, he was faced with a difficult decision. Could he really stand up for what was right, even if it meant sacrificing his political career?
"I'm afraid I can't help you," Johnson said finally, shaking his head. "My vote is not for sale."
The man nodded, his expression unchanging. "Very well," he said. "But know this, Assemblyman Johnson. I will be watching you. And when the time is right, I will come calling again."
And with that, the mysterious figure disappeared into the night, leaving Johnson to ponder the gravity of his decision. He knew that he had made the right choice, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he could never have imagined.
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
All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -