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Nothing Happened: A Short Story
Marsha's boyfriend, Chase, often wakes in the night shouting. He says it's nothing. She doesn't believe him. When they travel to his childhood home, she learns the truth.
13 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2011
About the author
Joshua Scribner
476 books35 followersJoshua Scribner is the author of the novels Mantis Nights, The Coma Lights and Nescata. His fiction won both second and fifth place in the 2008 Whispering Spirits Flash Fiction contest. Up to date information on his work can be found at joshuascribner.com. Joshua currently lives in Michigan with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 25, 2022
2.5 stars
December 1, 2024
There is a special craft in relating a story. The talent of Joshua Scribner is how he builds a narrative and brings tension and a sense of foreboding in the process.
We can identify with this young couple; their hopes and fears. The story seems to pivot on an event in the man’s past. His partner loves him more for this, as through his remembrances lived out in nightmares his need for her and the comfort she provides has cemented her affection. She cares; is sensitive and lovingly responds to his need for reassurance and embracing love.
His mantra when he has a bad dream episode is “Nothing Happened”. He seems stuck in this expression for he cannot articulate any further facts. When they are to visit his parents in his childhood home at Christmas, Marsha hopes it will be the means to bring them closer and ease his troubled past.
The story wonderfully unravels as a supernatural force seems to want to bring clarity to the situation. Perhaps allowing Marsha to confront Chase’s hidden memories. Whether this is a malevolent spirit is the tricky part which adds chills and lasting thrills as the story reaches its climax.
It is very interesting how a phrase like ‘Nothing Happened’ can have various interpretations and perhaps a lame excuse rather than holding a ring of candour and truth.
We can identify with this young couple; their hopes and fears. The story seems to pivot on an event in the man’s past. His partner loves him more for this, as through his remembrances lived out in nightmares his need for her and the comfort she provides has cemented her affection. She cares; is sensitive and lovingly responds to his need for reassurance and embracing love.
His mantra when he has a bad dream episode is “Nothing Happened”. He seems stuck in this expression for he cannot articulate any further facts. When they are to visit his parents in his childhood home at Christmas, Marsha hopes it will be the means to bring them closer and ease his troubled past.
The story wonderfully unravels as a supernatural force seems to want to bring clarity to the situation. Perhaps allowing Marsha to confront Chase’s hidden memories. Whether this is a malevolent spirit is the tricky part which adds chills and lasting thrills as the story reaches its climax.
It is very interesting how a phrase like ‘Nothing Happened’ can have various interpretations and perhaps a lame excuse rather than holding a ring of candour and truth.
September 17, 2023
Marsha is in the car with her love interest, Chase.
Mandy is Marsha’s daughter; Bridgett is Chase’s daughter. The girls are in the backseat.
The blended family is going to visit Chase’s parents in Oklahoma. It’s deep in the country, and the night is pitch back. In fact, the house is the only domicile for over a mile in each direction.
Chase has intense nightmares, where he often cries out. Marsha *sees things*. She’s sensitive, perceptive, and she has visions.
Terrible sins from the past. An unnatural presence. Chuck. Marsha sees the truth.
Wow. Very crazy ending.
Mandy is Marsha’s daughter; Bridgett is Chase’s daughter. The girls are in the backseat.
The blended family is going to visit Chase’s parents in Oklahoma. It’s deep in the country, and the night is pitch back. In fact, the house is the only domicile for over a mile in each direction.
Chase has intense nightmares, where he often cries out. Marsha *sees things*. She’s sensitive, perceptive, and she has visions.
Terrible sins from the past. An unnatural presence. Chuck. Marsha sees the truth.
Wow. Very crazy ending.
February 11, 2018
This book was ok.
April 21, 2019
A quick fun supernatural short story read.
September 26, 2011
Short story. Basically, this woman is clairvoyant & she sees a vision that explains why her lover often wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. There is a little twist at the end, but I still wasn't very much impressed with this one. The writer seems unseasoned, but it could just be that I didn't care for his writing style.
July 12, 2011
There relly not much I can say without given something away. Another free book from Kindle. Would not have bought it otherwise. It started off really good but couldnt follow through with the suspense for me.
August 23, 2011
i was a bit disappointed in this one as i like to read the authors work but this story cam eup a bit short and i was a little confused . no worries as i like his work this one just didn't do it for me.
June 1, 2011
A little confusing. Possibly not the best topic for a short story. Could be better if given a little more padding.
May 27, 2011
Ok, but i found it a little confusing.
October 7, 2011
Not bad for a short story. There was a nice build-up. Although it was only 5 pages long, it kept my interest and had a nice twist at the end.
January 13, 2013
Man, that man can write. he tells a means story in every single story of his i have read. Can't wait to read more.
September 24, 2011
Not bad, but not the author's best.
November 27, 2011
Deliciously creepy with a twist ending. A fun, fast read.
December 5, 2011
Simply awful.
August 3, 2014
Great short story...and the ending is very unexpected!!! Can wait to read this authors other pieces:-)
January 31, 2014
I very much enjoyed this short story. I think its definitely worth reading. I wondered why a couple of the ratings were so low so I checked out those readers other ratings and got my answer.
May 24, 2011
Not the ending I had thought..... twisted little author!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews