short story - Christine John Books

Short Story: The Smith Family’s Summer Vacation Disaster

September 6, 2024August 25, 2024 Christine John

The rays of the early morning sun peeked through the curtains of the Smith family’s cozy suburban home, signaling the start of a new day. The dad, Kelvin, a hardworking businessman, and the mother, Astrid, a passionate art teacher, had been planning the ultimate family summer vacation to Europe for months. Their three daughters, CeCe, Charlotte, and Joan were bubbling with excitement as they packed their suitcases with clothes, camera gear, and travel guides. As the family boarded the plane to London, England, their hearts were full of anticipation for…

Short Story: An Unexpected Summer Holiday

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024 Christine John

Chloe had been looking forward to her summer holiday in Antigua with her boyfriend Dante for months. They had planned out every detail of their two weeks together on the beautiful island – lazy days on the beach, romantic dinners overlooking the ocean, and exploring the local markets and shops. It was supposed to be a perfect getaway for Just the two of them, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy lives back home. However, as the day of their departure approached, Chloe’s excitement turned to…

Short Story: Because of Diana

November 4, 2022November 4, 2022 Christine John

Hundreds of years ago, Juan and his wife Liora moved their entire family to the city of Nazbosheth. They set up camp just outside of the city. Juan’s family consisted of twelve sons, eight daughters, their wives and husbands, and a hundred and twenty grandchildren, including servants, slaves, and all the livestock that his family owned. The descendants of Heronodab, the father of Sach, owned the land where Juan and his family camped. Juan met with Heronodab and paid him one thousand pieces of silver for the property. He then…

Short Story: The Fortune Teller

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022 Christine John

“Hey Mandy, do you want to get your fortune told?” asked Ray as he and Mandy walked casually through the fun fair. Every year the fun fair was held in Southall Park during the school’s half term. “Really? Where?” asked Mandy curiously as she looked around the fun fair. The young man pointed to a sign standing in front of a tent. “Over there. The sign says “Get your fortune told by Madame Zora”. “I don’t know, Ray. I really don’t think we should. I remember Pastor Benjamin preaching against…

Short Story: Bad Influence

June 18, 2022April 9, 2023 Christine John

Mrs. Baxter drew the curtains slightly so that she could look out the window. Her 16-year-old daughter Stephanie had snuck out of the house a couple of hours ago and Mrs. Baxter anxiously waited for her to come home. As soon as she spotted her daughter walking slowly towards the house, she opened the door and stood on the porch with her arms crossed. “Stephanie! Where have you been?” demanded the girl’s mother. “Do you know what time it is?” “Um, 10:30?” the girl asked nervously. “It’s midnight!” the mother…

Out of Control

June 7, 2020June 7, 2020 Christine John

Zayna’s husband and two daughters sat at the front of the church with all the other members of their extended family. They all had their heads down. Some were weeping quietly while others whispered to one another. Outside a hearse pulled up in front of the church and six strong men worked together to pull out the coffin. Everyone fell silent and the organ began to play gospel hymns as they carried the coffin into the church. They placed it down carefully and opened the top half of the coffin.…