Night Shift Files [Vol 2]
Featuring 4 Writers on Art, Tech & Connection
The Night Shift Files is a sanctuary where fiction, poetry, and storytelling come alive in the quiet hours—when the world slows, but imagination ignites.
Each story is a testament to the power of words. Some echo lived experiences, resonating deeply with personal truths. Others invent their own myths, weaving unease and curiosity into unforgettable narratives. But all of them demand to be felt, to be remembered.
Tonight, we explore the creations of four writers, each with a voice that lingers beyond the last sentence.
Contents
▶ Art in the Form of Spring Tulips – A vivid depiction of nature's artistry in a mountain tulip festival, layered with personal reflections that turn simple observations into introspective wonders.
▶ My Wing Machine – A poignant look at vulnerability and digital intimacy, blending the rhythms of conversation, inner thoughts, and the allure of connection in the modern age.
▶ Death by Chatbot – A sharp and darkly funny commentary on automation’s failure to deliver humanity when it matters most. Flash fiction that will leave you simultaneously amused and unnerved.
▶ Stories Like This: Kiss From a Rose – A nostalgic reflection on how music, memory, and pop culture intertwine. Bryce Young’s deeply personal essay captures the essence of the '90s and the power of a favorite song to define moments in life.
Each story leaves its mark. Each voice demands your attention. Lean in—and let the night inspire.
Joshua Shockley's "Art in the Form of Spring Tulips" immerses us in a world drenched in vibrant color and hushed awe. Through vivid descriptions of a mountain tulip festival, Shockley masterfully portrays nature as its own breathtaking artist.
Beyond the visual feast, he delicately weaves in a personal reflection on his evolving favorite color with the changing seasons. This intimate detail elevates the piece, transforming a simple outing into a deeply introspective journey and reminding us of the artistic wonders that bloom in the everyday.
E.M.R.'s "My Wing Machine" delivers a raw and introspective exploration of the evolving relationship between human vulnerability and digital companionship.
The writing pulses with a vivid energy, immediately drawing the reader into the protagonist's inner world. The true artistry lies in the seamless way E.M.R. blends dialogue, inner monologue, and the language of the digital sphere, forging a rhythm that is both captivating and deeply intimate.
This piece resonates powerfully for anyone grappling with themes of self-discovery, modern relationships, and the increasingly permeable boundaries between our physical and digital lives.
Prepare for a dose of darkly comedic unease with Gillian Fletcher's "Death by Chatbot," a flash fiction piece that brilliantly captures the absurdity—and underlying terror—of our over-reliance on automated systems.
This is clever, provocative writing that will instantly connect with anyone who has ever battled a frustrating chatbot. Fletcher expertly blends thought-provoking social commentary with genuinely funny moments, creating a narrative that is both laugh-out-loud relatable and quietly disturbing.
If you enjoy stories that make you nervously chuckle to yourself, "Death by Chatbot" delivers this potent combination with masterful precision.
In "Stories Like This: Kiss From a Rose," Bryce Young delivers a witty and poignant exploration of memory, all sparked by the timeless power of Seal's "Kiss From a Rose."
Young's writing shines with humor and a keen eye for detail, effortlessly blending Batman Forever quirks, childhood escapades, and a contemporary moment of loss. The essay beautifully encapsulates the '90s experience while tapping into universal themes of nostalgia and the enduring resonance of music.
This piece will deeply connect with anyone who has a song etched into their life story, offering a delightful and insightful reflection on the soundtracks we carry within us.
Closing Notes
If you enjoyed these works, let the writer know—leave a comment, share it around, or follow their work directly. Writers thrive on feedback.
And if you’ve got something of your own that won't leave you alone—send it my way.
Until the next story,
—Your Narrator
I love the idea of a story curation!
Genuinely honored to be included - thank you so much!