Nonfiction
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 14
When travelling overseas, one of the things that I get the most pleasure from is visiting local convenience stores and supermarkets. Mainly because it’s an easy introduction to local snacks, drinks and vices. Although it may be slightly materialistic and safe, beyond this, I find it an interesting window into the day-to-day life of local citizens. This fascination probably stems from my time living in Japan, where konbinis† are quite literally on every corner. To be clear, I’m talking about a world before Facebook and where every Aussie with a passport hadn’t yet “discovered” the Karaage-kun and dollar chuhais at Lawson.
By S. J. Leahy5 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | The Bus Stop | Part VI of VI
As the clock struck the end of the workday, I found myself making my way toward the bus stop, eager to catch the 5:30 p.m. bus that would take me home. Joining me at the bus stop were other women from the neighboring government agencies. As I crossed the street towards the bus stop, I noticed women converging from all directions, each with their own stories about work. The bus stop became a spot where we women exchanged our workday woes and challenges.
By Mia Z. Edwards5 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Special Agent Mia | Part VI of VI
From a young age, I was enthralled by the exhilarating exploits of special agents in movies like James Bond, Mission Impossible, and Salt. Naturally, I found myself daydreaming about stepping into the shoes of a special agent myself. Little did I know that fate would grant me the opportunity to live out this fantasy, though in an unofficial capacity.
By Mia Z. Edwards5 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Notetaker | Part VI of VI
I found myself in a difficult situation! My new supervisor, Sally Horowitz, requested that I become the note-taker for the newly formed Y2K meetings she would be leading. The problem was that I had no prior experience taking meeting notes—my note-taking skills were limited to my college days! I was unsure if I could accurately capture the essential points in such significant meetings.
By Mia Z. Edwards5 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 13
Although we didn’t have a license to free roam, there were plenty of establishments in the hotel to keep us fed. Each morning, for breakfast we had the expansive Marco Polo buffet. In the evenings, there was a traditional Pakistani buffet for a local flavour. As for Eastern Asian flavours, we had Taipan yum cha and the “best restaurant in Pakistan,” Sakura Japanese. Catering to the Western palate, you had the Steakhouse or executive lounge. Room service, a café in the lobby and the Kwikimart† rounded out the plethora of options at our immediate disposal.
By S. J. Leahy5 months ago in Chapters
The Violin That Wept
Crafted in Venice in 1712 by Lorenzo Bellini, this violin produced tones unlike any other. Legend claims the strings were soaked in the tears of his dying wife, granting them unmatched resonance. At its first concert, the audience wept uncontrollably; by the end, three people were dead of heart failure. The violin was banned, sealed in a monastery vault. In 1935, a German officer rediscovered it and ordered it played on the radio—listeners reported a “melody of grief” that caused hallucinations and despair. The broadcast was cut mid-note. No one knows where the violin went next… only that on certain frequencies, it can still be heard.
By GoldenSpeech5 months ago in Chapters
The Elevator That Skipped the 13th Floor
Everyone knew the Sinclair Building had no 13th floor — it jumped from 12 to 14 like countless others. But every now and then, when the elevator doors opened between floors, passengers would glimpse something: a dimly lit hallway, peeling wallpaper, and a figure standing at the far end holding a lantern.
By GoldenSpeech5 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Get Mia! | Part VI of VI
As the sun rose on another workday, I needed the signature of our bureau’s Principal Secretary of Prominence, Mr. Goldberg, on an important document. Naturally, I went to Jane, his office secretary, only to discover she was again on sick leave.
By Mia Z. Edwards5 months ago in Chapters
