JuliaCoffin

The dead typically want one of two things. Ghosts crave conversation. Spirits seek pain.My name is Bria, and I've been able to interact with the dead for as long as I can remember.Communicating with the deceased might sound like a cool gift, but let me assure you, it's not. Ghosts don't shut up, and not all specters are friendly. In fact, most of them are dangerous.Pretending the paranormal doesn't exist is far easier than talking to the shadows, so I've been avoiding the dead for years. Past experiences have led me to avoid the living too. And for a long time, I've successfully kept my distance.Until a single ghost encounter in the library ruins everything.Now a couple of my classmates know my secret. But as it turns out, they have a deadly secret of their own. Time to talk to the shadows again._______________This story contains profanity and violence.[ONC 2021 Shortlister]…

JuliaCoffin

The new and attractive landlord has left everyone else wanting to make a good impression.But me? I've known something was off from the moment he shook my hand. There's just something wrong about him. Something . . . dark.But I brushed it off. And now it might be too late.Guess I should have listened to my instincts after all. __________________________________This story contains profanity and violence.• ONC 2023 •…

JuliaCoffin

Kenna's life has been turned upside down.Though the changes are positive, her past ensures that she still suffers from nightmares every time she closes her eyes. It's not long before her roommate notices, but she informs Kenna that she used to have bad dreams too. Except she managed to make those bad dreams disappear. Forever.Kenna's roommate offers her the opportunity to get rid of her nightmares too. Apparently, she and her friends found a way to fully control and manipulate their dreams, and with practice, they've been able to use this ability to improve their waking lives as well. They invite Kenna to join them, and though reluctant, she's hopeful to finally have a restful night's sleep.Kenna accepts.Problem is, dreams were never meant to be controlled.__________________________________This story contains contain profanity and violence, and brings up past abuse (intensified through nightmares).• ONC 2023 •…

JuliaCoffin

I watch in shock as my body falls limp to the ground. What I'm seeing makes no sense. I don't even remember feeling any pain, but the dirt below my mud covered sneakers is slippery with blood. My blood.• - • - • - • - •Watching his own body drop dead at his feet was only the start of Ethan's problems. Now he has to fight to keep the girl he's been crushing on safe. But Alana has a deadly secret. And in the blink of an eye, their night goes from bad to worse.• - • - • - • - •*This is a short story that includes violence and profanity.*…