The Ink Well Highlights Magazine # 208

_{Image modified using a picture by Becca Clark from Pixabay}

This periodic magazine highlights a small selection of short stories posted to The Ink Well community that stood out and were awarded a Curie vote. Thank you to all authors in The Ink Well for sharing your creative work!

Important Note

We are showcasing authors who have contributed well-written and edited stories, have read and commented on the work of other authors and comply with all of the community rules posted on our home page. These activities help our community thrive.

The following are just a few of our favorite stories from April 28 to May 3/2025.

Featured Author: @trexane ## [ Decimation ]( https://peakd.com/@trexane/decimation )  _{[ Pexels ]( https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-and-black-galaxy-wallpaper-2150/ )}

> “You are not welcome here Thirian” Tony gave a cold reply. “I was sent here by the Thirian Empire. You have been a thorn in our flesh. I am here to give you your last warning. Surrender earth now, or face terrible consequences” Venn said. “This is not the first time I am being threatened by a Thirian. Do your worst!” Tony replied. “You have refused to do things the easy way. The decimator is coming. The annihilation of your people will be on your hands” Venn said with an angry look as he flew away. @trexane 

Featured Author: @hazmat ## [ The Life of my Party ]( https://peakd.com/@hazmat/life-of-my-party )  _{[ Pixabay ]( https://pixabay.com/photos/drink-party-club-night-night-club-654938/ )}

> Emily was fun to be with. She didn't need to do too much, she just enjoyed the moment as it came. I don't think I ever saw her without a smile, except perhaps in those small moments when I'd catch a glimpse of worry on her face and the next second it was gone. Back then, I thought I was imagining things, but now I know better. She was good but equally cruel. Not cruel in the ways that you'd think, but good in more than many ways you'd think. At least I thought she was good for me, even though my friends thought otherwise. @hazmat 

Featured Author: @happy080 ## [ The Life of the Party ]( https://peakd.com/@happy080/the-life-of-the-party )  _{[ Image generated from Meta AI ]( )}

> "Aunty Bisi, Aunty Ronke, come and show us your secret moves!" Seun exclaimed playfully. Surprisingly, the crowd wasn't mocking; instead, they encouraged the two aunties, along with their children, who were laughing, hailing, and clapping as the two aunties started dancing. Even the bride's serious-looking father cracked a little smile. Seun's antics accidentally lightened the entire mood of the party. He was indeed the life of the party @happy080 

Featured Author: @popurri ## [ He inherited his gift ]( https://peakd.com/@popurri/he-inherited-his-gift-engesp )  _{[ Pixabay ](https://pixabay.com/es/photos/padres-e-hijos-felicidad-amor-1794951/ )}

>"Yes, Dad, tell me". "It's not that. Yes, Dad, tell me; it's that if you want me to tell you the story of the bald rooster". "I'm saying yes, Dad" "It's not that I'm saying yes, Dad. It's that if you want me to tell you the story of the bald rooster", and when he finishes speaking, he takes a sip of coffee. @popurri 

Featured Author: @ghost-art ## [ The Aso-ebi queen]( https://peakd.com/@ghost-art/the-aso-ebi-queen )  _{[ AI generated ]( )}

> The command Bukky had over space, as soon as she stepped her foot into a thousand hall was unmatched. Drumming on the floor, her heel made a sound; her gele rose high like that of a crowned head while her lace shimmered under golden lights. Wherever there was a party, from Lagos to Enugu, to Abuja, her name echoed before her arrival. Asoebi Queen—the woman whose dance could electrify a crowd, whose presence caused members to know that the celebration had truly begun. The women ululated around her with their asoebi fabrics and their laughter tinkled like bells while men clapped and cheered. She led dance trains, lifted spirits, and scattered joy like petals on the floor and then the guests sprayed notes of different currencies like water. @ghost-art 

Featured Author: @reblogme ## [ The Straw That Wasn't ]( https://peakd.com/@reblogme/the-straw-that-wasn-t )  _{[ Pixabay ]( https://pixabay.com/photos/fall-rain-a-drop-of-drops-droplets-7532120/ )}

> Chris got up with the straw still between his fingers. “I’ll go pack my things.” He went towards the guest room; Mara followed him and then closed the door after entering inside with him. She now seemed completely bloodless. “There is something that I must share with you,” she barely made a sound as she spoke and kept looking back at the door to be sure no one could hear them outside. “What is it?” Chris asked raising an eyebrow. @reblogme 

Featured Author: @nancybriti1 ## [ She had a map on her body ]( https://peakd.com/@nancybriti1/creative-nonfiction-she-had-a-map-on-her-body-ella-tenia-un-mapa-en-su-cuerpo-eng-esp )  _{[ Pixabay ]( https://pixabay.com/es/illustrations/ai-generado-ni%C3%B1a-ni%C3%B1o-vistoso-7835211/ )}

> With time, the burns on my sister's chest healed, giving way to a white, elongated, boot-shaped spot. I remember my little sister feeling self-conscious about that spot across her chest, and I had no better idea than to tell her, in a confident manner: "You have the map of Italy. That's because you're going to live in Italy" - and my sister's eyes sparkled, believing that the mark was a sign of the future. @nancybriti1  @jayna , @gracielaacevedo , @yaziris , @itsostylish , @samsmith1971, and @agmoore p.s. You can see the past magazines here: [1](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-march-25-2021), [2](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-april-1-2021), [3](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-april-10-2021), [4](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-april-17-2021), [5](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-april-24-2021), [6](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-may-1-2021), [7](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-may-9-2021), [8](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-may-16-2021), [9](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-may-23-2021), [10](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-may-30-2021), [11](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-june-6-2021), [12](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-june-13-2021), [13](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-13-june-20-2021), [14](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-14-and-announcement-june-29-2021), [15](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-15-and-weekly-top-commenters-july-5-2021), [16](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-16-and-weekly-top-commenters-july-12-2021), [17](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-17-and-top-commenter-recognition-august-15-2021), [18](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-18-and-top-commenter-recognition-august-22-2021), [19](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-19-and-top-commenter-recognition-august-29-2021), [20](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-20-and-top-commenter-recognition-september-5-2021), [21](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-21-and-top-commenter-recognition-september-12-2021), [22](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-22),[23](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-23), [24](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-24), [25](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-25), [26](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-26), [27](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-27), [28](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-28), [29](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-29), [30](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-30), [31](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-31), [32](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-32), [33](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-33), [34](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-34), [35](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-35), [36](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-36), [37](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-37), [38](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-37-r67be3), [39](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-39), [40](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-40), [41](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-41), [42](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-42), [43](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-43), [44](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-44), [45](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-45), [46](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-46-r98a9r),[47](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-47), [48](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-48), [49](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-49), [50](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-50), [51](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-51), [52](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-52), [53](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-53), [54](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-54), [55](https://peakd.com/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-55), [56](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-56), [57](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-57), [58](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-58), [59](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-59), [60](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-60), [61](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-61), [62](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-62), [63](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-63), [64](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-64), [65](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-65), [66](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-66), [67](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-67),[68](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-68), [69](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-69), [70](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-70), [71](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-71), [72](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-72), [73](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-73), [74](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-74), [75]( https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-75), [76](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-76), [77](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-77), [78](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-76-rkraog-hive-170798), [79](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-79), [80](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-80), [81](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-81), [82](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-82), [83](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-83), [84](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-84), [85](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-85), [86](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-86), [87](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-87), [88](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-88), [89](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-89), [90](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-90), [91](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-91), [92](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-92), [93](https://peakd.com/publish?edit=theinkwell%2Fthe-ink-well-highlights-magazine-93), [94](https://peakd.com/publish?edit=theinkwell%2Fthe-ink-well-highlights-magazine-94), [95](https://peakd.com/publish?edit=theinkwell%2Fthe-ink-well-highlights-magazine-95), [96](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-96), [97](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-97), [98](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-98), [99](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-99), [100](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-100), [101](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-101), [102](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-102), [103](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-103), [104](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-104), [105](https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/the-ink-well-highlights-magazine-105), [106]( 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