Welcome to Short Tales


A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment

Currently 12,517 short tales

| Next Page

Advertise here



Meddling Neighbors Disrupt Privacy



It was a typical Wednesday evening when the meddling neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, decided to get involved in the personal affairs of their neighbor, Emily. Emily had been living next door to the Jenkinses for over a year now, and they had always found her to be a bit odd. She was a loner, kept to herself most of the time, and never seemed to invite anyone over.

Mr. Jenkins, who was known for his nosiness, decided that it was high time he put an end to Emily's strange behavior. He approached her one evening while she was watering her plants on her front porch.

"Good evening, Emily," Mr. Jenkins said with a smile. "I couldn't help but notice you've been keeping to yourself lately. What's going on?"

Emily looked up from her plants and gave Mr. Jenkins a suspicious glance. "What do you mean?" she asked curtly.

"Oh, come now," Mrs. Jenkins chirped in, waddling over to join the conversation. "We're just concerned about you, dear. You're always holed up in your house and never let anyone in. It's not healthy."

Emily sighed and rubbed her temples. She had dealt with the Jenkinses' meddling for far too long. "Look, I appreciate your concern, but I'm perfectly happy just living my life as I see fit. I don't need you two poking your noses into my business."

Mr. Jenkins chuckled and patted Emily on the back. "Oh, come now, dear. We're not trying to be nosy. We just want what's best for you. You deserve to have friends and be happy."

Emily rolled her eyes. She had heard this lecture countless times before. "I appreciate your help, really I do. But sometimes people just need their space. Can't you understand that?"

Mrs. Jenkins huffed and crossed her arms. "Fine, dear. We'll leave you be. But don't say we didn't try to help."

Emily watched as the Jenkinses walked back to their house, muttering to each other about how they were going to "fix" Emily. She couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. At least for now, she could finally have some peace and quiet.

As the days went by, Emily noticed that the Jenkinses were still trying to get involved in her life. They would leave notes on her doorstep with "helpful" suggestions or call her up uninvited to chat about their latest gossip. Emily found herself growing more and more irritated with each passing day.

One evening, as she was walking home from work, Emily encountered the Jenkinses in her front yard. Mr. Jenkins was mowing the lawn, while Mrs. Jenkins was hanging out a load of laundry.

"Good evening, neighbors," Emily said through gritted teeth.

Mr. Jenkins looked up from his mower and grinned at Emily. "Just doing our part to keep the neighborhood tidy."

Mrs. Jenkins waddled over to Emily, a smug look on her face. "We were just thinking about inviting ourselves over for dinner tonight. We know you don't have any friends, so we thought it would be nice to introduce ourselves."

Emily felt her anger boiling over. How dare they! Didn't they understand that she wanted nothing to do with them? "I appreciate the offer," Emily said through clenched teeth, "but I think I'll pass. I value my privacy, and I don't want to be a part of any of your meddling schemes."

Mr. Jenkins chuckled and patted Emily on the back. "Oh, come now, dear. Don't be like that. We're just trying to help. Can't you see that?"

Emily shook her head and turned on her heel, storming off into her house. She slammed the door behind her, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Maybe now, she could finally start living her life without the constant interference of the meddling Jenkinses.


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! -