Within My Mind?!

Jordan stood in front of the camera, mic in hand. " This is Jordan, reporting live from St. Sulpice. " He paused, tapping his earpiece. " Is my voice clear? " "You need to be a bit louder," Murphy replied. "But everything else looks perfect. The crowd, the lake, the mountains - beautiful. We're rolling." Jordan stepped toward a man in the crowd. " Are you excited about what's happening today? " he asked. "I am," the man said. "I've never seen anyone try to cross Lake Léman before. I'm into history, so I keep thinking of when Alain Charmey did it for the first time in 1986." " What's special about today that brought so many people here? " "It's the challenge, I guess. And he's mostly swimming underwater. That's new." " Do you know the swimmer? " "No, not really. A friend told me about it, and I got curious." " Well, thank you for your time. ...

"How's my love doing today?"  I knocked on the door, holding a bouquet of roses. I know that shades of red, mainly burgundy and deep pink, are her favourite. Oh, I always add white ones, too, because they are my favourite. "Aww, you didn't have to buy such a lovely bouquet," she said, a soft smile tugging at her lips, "I have nothing prepared for you. I feel so awful now."  I chuckled, shaking my head. "You love these, and that’s enough for me. I was out earlier, and I just couldn't resist. You remember Matt, right? He's started selling bouquets in the morning. His garden is essentially a masterpiece now, and if you are ready, I will walk you there. Mind you, he now has a dog, so we have to be careful." "Happy Valentine's Day, my dear." She rushed into my arms, hugging me tightly before placing a quick kiss on my cheek. Then, stepping back, she twirled playfully. "See? I’m all ready and in white, too! I know you...

We were the last two remaining. The past nine days had tested us beyond what words could capture. We had begun as a group of seven people - travelling through the deadliest forest known to man. Its reputation was well-earned. We encountered mud that would stick to our boots as a second skin  and swamps that would engulf us, leaving only our nostrils above the surface, gasping for air. Every time we emerged from these death traps, we were forced to confront every choice that had led us to this hell on Earth and to question whether any mission was worth this merciless torment. How exactly did we end up here? Multiple texts spoke of a potion crafted by an ancient civilization that could cure all diseases. It sounded promising, but there was no easy way to get it. Many teams had already tried and failed. We were told that over 500 people - skilled hunters and collectors, even their animals—had died trying to reach the Ruins of Malley. I suspect we were told a reduced reasonable number ...

  "Simple enough. It copies an instance of your body and then builds it, " said Noah. "You are telling as if it is that simple!" taunted Alex, leading Noah to describe himself in detail, "Well, see, we know human beings are structured, composed of organ systems. Each organ system consists of organs formed from a combination of tissues that can be decomposed into cells. The machine takes a snapshot of your body state, copies all the information, and composes cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and then you. Obviously, I can't describe it in more depth unless my patent for this process is successful.  In layman's terms, I take your body's photo with every single detail and create a replica of it . When you  immediately look at your clone, you are looking at your body's past! But after that, your clone is an independent organism. " "I have so many nitty-gritty questions, but knowing you for the last twenty years, I know you won't a...

Alex was at the entrance of 'The Creatures' - a bar infamous for the horrific way the bartenders dress. Some have tiger teeth, some have a long furry tail, and some can howl. Of course, most of it is fake, but at first glance, everything would seem strikingly real.  After concluding the first phase of the ongoing government-funded research on cell mimicry , Alex had to take a break from spending evenings in the lab, and an invitation from Noah was something he couldn't refuse.  Noah is an independent researcher who doesn't collaborate with anyone. He proudly supports the belief that brain power is reduced due to the presence of other body organs. Consequently, collaboration with other human beings works the same way.  However, it is also true that he gave the scientific community insights into many abstract ideas and concepts. Lately, there  has been widespread rumour that he was independently developing a  machine   to create a living organism simply by ...

Around half-past one in the afternoon, my mother pulled me into the house. She lifted me up slowly with all her strength—yes, I was heavy. She made me sit in the nearest chair. Then she rushed to the kitchen and returned with a glass of chilled water—much required for a hot and humid outdoor. "How did all this happen? There are bruises on your legs, knees, arms, and shoulders! Did you get into a fight with someone? I don't think you would do something like that. Just tell me what happened!" She was confused, shocked, and, above all, worried. I had not reserved any energy to talk and had exhausted everything on the way back cycling. I simply lifted my index finger and pointed to the television. She understood something serious had happened and switched on a local news channel. "There was a blast? A blast in the petrol pump near Governor House? (A brief pause) That looks intense! Thank God you didn't suffer anything serious. Let me bring some bandages. I will tie t...

'I would agree that it was tough for me. It was unbearable pain. You know, Ma, it hurts right in the heart. I am a good boy. I have done no wrong intentionally to anyone I know. Yes, I played tricks on some people but have never hurt them. Sometimes, I have even sacrificed what might be better for me for their happiness. But see, here I am, breathing my last. God, indeed, is cruel.  I love old country songs, you know that. I have even made you listen to some of them, though you never liked them. How much I want to go back to those moments when you would make fun of my taste in music, and I would try to defend how great they are. Good times!' "Madam, we fear your son has attempted to do something horrible to himself.  This kind of note is mostly found, to be specific, in cases of..." "I know what you are getting at. I do not want to believe my son did something like that. I have raised him well. I know that. It is some staging done by someone who probably kidnappe...

A man sprinted out of the airport, his face drenched in sweat. He looked like someone was chasing him—someone out for his life. But when I scanned the area, nobody seemed to be a threat. He burst through the exit. Gasping for air, he bent slightly, trying to collect himself. His frantic behaviour drew puzzled glances and aroused curiosity but not enough care. I couldn't ignore it. As a seasoned psychologist, I had seen erratic behaviour before, but this was different. It gripped me. It felt like my duty to approach him and offer some kind of reassurance. I had time with my flight delayed—and with further chances of delay.  Just as I started walking toward the exit, I saw him again. He had re-entered the airport. I observed him closely this time. I could sense fear in his mind. He was in his early thirties, well-groomed, seemingly single. He lingered near the guard for five minutes, his hands twitching, his breathing uneven.  Then, without warning, he shoved the guard aside and...