Welcome to Short Tales


A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment

Currently 12,517 short tales

Previous Page | Next Page

Advertise here



The Coal of Dreams: A Legacy of Magic and Hope



Once upon a time, in the heart of a vast and mysterious forest, there existed a special kind of coal. This was no ordinary coal, for it had been imbued with magical properties that made it glow with an otherworldly light. The coal was known as anthracite, and it was said to have the power to grant wishes to those who possessed it.

The story begins in a small village nestled at the edge of the forest. The villagers lived simple lives, farming the land and raising their families. But despite their hard work and dedication, they struggled to make ends meet. That was, until one day, when a young boy named Thomas stumbled upon a lump of anthracite while on a journey through the woods.

Thomas was immediately drawn to the coal's mesmerizing glow, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at its beauty. As he picked it up, he felt a strange sensation wash over him - as if the coal was radiating an energy that could change his life forever.

Thomas brought the anthracite back to his village and showed it to his friends and family. They were skeptical at first, but as they saw the coal glowing in Thomas's hand, they began to believe that it truly had magical powers. Word spread quickly throughout the village, and soon, people from all over were coming to see the anthracite for themselves.

One by one, the villagers approached Thomas, each hoping to have their wish granted. A young girl wished for a new dress for her birthday, a farmer wished for a bountiful harvest, and an elderly couple wished for good health and happiness in their twilight years. Thomas made sure to hold the coal close to each person's heart as they made their wish, and with every wish, the coal glowed brighter and brighter.

As the days passed, the villagers began to notice a change in their lives. The farmer's fields were indeed filled with a bounty of crops, the young girl had the most beautiful dress anyone had ever seen, and the elderly couple was enjoying better health than they had in years. It seemed that the anthracite truly had the power to grant wishes.

But as time went on, Thomas began to realize that the coal's magic came at a cost. With each wish granted, the coal's glow grew dimmer and dimmer, until it was nothing more than a faint flicker in the darkness. Thomas knew that he had to be careful with the anthracite, for he knew that one day it would disappear altogether.

And so, as the years passed, Thomas continued to grant wishes to those who came to him, always mindful of the coal's power and its eventual demise. He knew that the magic of the anthracite was a precious gift, and he vowed to use it wisely until the very end.

Years later, when Thomas was old and gray, he passed the anthracite on to his children and grandchildren, telling them the story of its magic and the wishes it had granted over the years. And though the coal's glow had long since disappeared, its legacy lived on in the hearts of those who had been touched by its power. For even though the anthracite was just a lump of coal, it had brought hope and happiness to countless lives, and for that, it would always be remembered as a true treasure.


The Coal of Dreams: A Legacy of Magic and Hope

Jack's Journey into the Unknown

The Anthropocene Era: A Time of Challenge, Resilience, and Hope for the Future

The Zorbs' Lesson in Compassion: A Tale of Anthropocentrism and Resistance

The Last of the Anthropoids: A Legacy of Wonder

Anthropoid Hero: The Quest for Reality's Balance

The Secret Lives of the Walking Trees: A Chimpanzee's Journey of Discovery

Unlocking the Secrets of the Forest's Language and Culture: The Discovery That Changed Everything

Unlocking the Secrets of the Himalayan Dreamers: How the Sherpas' Ancient Practices Uncovered a New Path to Success

Uncovering Ancient Wisdom in the Heart of the Amazon Rainforest

Uncovering the Lost Tribe of the Amazon: A Race to Preserve Cultural Heritage

The Kanaq Tribe's Ancient Secret: Unlocking the Spirit of the Teku River

The Secret Language of the Forest: Unlocking the Magic of Nature's Communication

Anthropomorphized Animals Find New Meaning in Life: A Tale of Adventure and Connection

The Unlikely Friends: A Mouse's Journey

Max's Magical Adventure: A Tale of Anthropomorphic Creatures and Endless Possibilities

The Wish-Granting Sanctuary: A Mysterious Journey of Transformation

Lieutenant Jameson and Tom Dodge Anti-Aircraft Gun in Narrow Escape

The Power of Nature: How Lily's Antibiotics Changed Her Life Forever

The Bird Whisperer: How Antibiotics Saved a Tiny Friend's Life

Antibiotics Save the Day: A Young Researcher's Discovery Changes the Course of a Pandemic

The Heroes of Immunity: Defending the Body Against All Threats

The Heroic Antibody: Defender of the Body

Tiny Superheroes: The Army of Antibodies Inside You

The Adventures of Benny: A Journey of Kindness and Unity

The Great Sandwich Heist: A Tale of Mischievous Ants

A Galactic Adventure: Exploring the Wonders of the Universe

The Anticipation of Adventure: A Mysterious Encounter in the Night

Christmas Anticipation: The Countdown Begins

A Night of Magic and Wonder: Lily's Fireworks Adventure

The Night Before the Dream Vacation: Emily's Excitement Reaches New Heights

SummerFest Mania Takes Over Willow Creek: Residents Await Exciting Event with Mixed Emotions

A Night of Endless Excitement: A Christmas to Remember

The Night Before Christmas Magic: A Boy's Exciting Encounter with Mysterious Figures

The Guardian of Wishes: A Young Girl's Journey with the Anticed

The Anticking Ritual: A Young Man's Quest for Power and Wealth

The Lack of Excitement: A Crime in Plain Sight

The Night of Disappointment: How One Party Went Wrong

The Letdown of the Mountain

The Anticlimax of Asking Out a Coworker: John's Tale of Disappointment and Growth

Reversing Time: A Daughter's Grief and Memory

The Mischievous Animals' Great Bakery Heist

The Day the Anticyclone Came to Town: A Tale of Destruction and Chaos

The Storm That Brought Balance: The Tale of the Anticyclone's Glowing Crystal

The Anticyclone's Infinite Possibilities: A Small Town's Journey Beyond Reality

Lost in a Fog of Depression: Samantha's Journey to Recovery

Unlocking Happiness: The Magic of Antidepressants

Finding Hope Amidst Complexities: Sarah's Journey with Depression and Antidepressants

The Antidote Village: A Tale of Determination and Healing

The Antidote Whisperer: Emma Taylor's Race Against Time

The Antidote Master: Ember's Journey to Healing and Harmony

Bloodiest Battle of the Civil War: Antietam's Carnage

Bloodshed on the Battlefield: The Fateful Turning Point of the Civil War at Antietam

Saving Humanity: The Scientists Who Developed a Vaccine Against Antigen

The Rebellion of the Antibody-Producers: A Tale of Hope and Resistance

Saving Humanity with Antigens: A Race Against Time

The Tragic Price of Oppression: Antigone's Defiance of Creon's Edict

The Brave Rebellion of Antigone: Fighting Against Tyranny and Emerging Victorious

Antigua's Hidden Gems: A Journey Beyond the Tourist Areas

Falling in Love with Antigua: A Journey of Discovery and Community

Lost in Each Other's Eyes: The Antiheroes' Fateful Embrace

The Shadow of Justice: Protecting the Innocent in a City of Crime

Antiheroes Unite: A Tale of Redemption and Sacrifice in New Eden

Sarah's Violent Allergy Reaction: The Antihistamine Savior

The Allergy Trap: When Relief Becomes a Nightmare

Sarah's Lucky Save: Alex's Quick Action Saves the Day

Game-Changing Discovery Revolutionizes Energy Industry

A Stormy Night's Surprise Rescue

Beyond Antilles: A Journey of Wonder

Unlocking Antilles' Secret Magic: A Young Adventurer's Journey

Antimatter Revolution: The Battle to Save Reality

Unlocking the Secrets of Antimatter: A Revolutionary Discovery

The Unassuming Hero: How Antimony Changed the World Without Notice

The Lonely Element: How Antimony Found His Place in the Universe

The Unlikely Innovators: How a Small Café in Antioch Changed Lives

In Antiochs Whispering Winds Café, Stories Come Alive

Revolutionizing Energy: The Rise of Stable Antiparticles in New Eden

The Anti-Particle: A Double-Edged Sword

Unlocking the Power of Antiparticles: A New Era in Science

The Cruel Ruler: Antipas's Reign of Terror

Uncovering the Heart and Soul of Antipas: The Mysterious Architect Revealed

In Tuscany's Heart: A Taste of Italy

Tasting Dreams in La Bella Vita: A Honeymoon Antipasto Adventure

A Home Away from Home: Antipastos Café Offers More Than Just Food

A Taste of Magic: The Story of The Tasty Bite

Sarah Suspects Emily's Secrets

Willow Creek Divided: A Tale of Dog Lovers and Haters

Living in Isolation: The Constant Presence of Antipathy

When Neighbors Become Enemies

The Power of Antiperspirant: How One Small Gesture Can Boost Confidence and Empowerment

Sarah's Journey to Sweat-Free Bliss: A Tale of Antiperspirant Magic

From Self-Conscious to Confident: How One Woman's Love for an Antiperspirant Led to a Fulfilling Career as an Ambassador

Unlocking the Magic of Antiphonal: A Tradition of Harmony and Community

The Magic of Antiphonal: A Secret World Revealed

The Legend of Luminaria: Rediscovering the Lost Secrets of the Antiphonalians

Guardian of the Edge: A Tale of Wonder and Discovery in Willow Creek

The Antipodean Adventure: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Uncovering the Mysteries of the Past

The Antiquarian's Tales: A World of Magic in Every Page

The Curious Quest of the Antiquarians: A Treasure Beyond Gold

Previous Page | 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! -