Nikki Torino Wagner
Bio
I know stories. After getting suspended for peddling my own magazine in grade school, I started contributing to the local paper’s weekly column. In college, I co-edited our newspaper and literary magazine, which won several awards.
Stories (44)
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The Safety Bell
Pity hung from the funeralgoers' faces. They were something out of a nightmarish painting; not sure what to do with their mouths, some pinching them closed, others looked like they were caught mid scream. Most of the women had watering eyes that they tried to avert from meeting Albert’s. For some reason, it made him feel ashamed.
By Nikki Torino Wagnerabout 11 hours ago in Fiction
The Orchard Doctrine. Honorable Mention in Rituals of Affection Challenge.
Lane’s mother had told her that there were things in a marriage that a woman just did. She instructed that they do so with “no fuss. No ma’am, not even a little.” She described how they were expected to behave at all times. Her ma’ had given plenty of advice, but she never instructed her on this.
By Nikki Torino Wagner28 days ago in Fiction
Catharsis
It was one of those nights when she had drunk that "just one more" goblet of wine. The kind where she twirled into my bedroom like a dancer atop a jewelry box. Removing the comforter from my body, she would lift me to her chest, grab hold of one arm, and we would tango into the living room. Our laughter would join in harmony while she spun me dizzy. After our limbs grew tired, we would snuggle in for a movie. I could hear 'Dirty Dancing' playing. Last week it was 'Pretty Woman', and the time before that 'Sixteen Candles'.
By Nikki Torino Wagnerabout a month ago in Poets
How to 'Go Down a Rabbit Hole'
How-to 'Go Down a Rabbit Hole' Ask yourself: are you putting off anything you could be doing right now? - Maybe a little more productive? Any cottage task, such as washing leftover potion from the cauldron, or finally getting around to dusting the vacant cobwebs? If you’re reading this, one could assume you’re not ready to burst your procrastination bubble. No one is here to stop you, nay, you'll only find encouragement, unless you’re mortally wounded- don't ignore that - find your nearest healer. First rule of this guideline.
By Nikki Torino Wagner2 months ago in Fiction
Dead Traditions . Honorable Mention in The Ritual of Winter Challenge.
I tell myself and others it's my favorite time of year. Then the wind snaps; outside the colors fade. Pink blossomed leaves shed their coats. I watch them swirl away with blue feathers joining- lost forever in their dance. Just brown decay; emptiness left in their place. Darker each night gets. Colder. Time for artificial light. There is oil to prime and windows to close.
By Nikki Torino Wagner3 months ago in Humans
Our Family Home
Noell sat by the gaslit fireplace, picking at the missed dough under her fingernails. Laughter and voices throughout the house reached her ears but didn't penetrate her thoughts. A Christmas carol was playing in the background, adding to the buzz. The timer's bell went off but was ignored. Suddenly someone opened the front door, letting in a burst of cold, wafting the scent of fresh-baked cookies—finally waking her from memories.
By Nikki Torino Wagner3 months ago in Fiction
