nyctophilia
- noun [ U ] psychology specialized
- uk /ˌnɪk.təˈfɪl.i.ə/ us /ˌnɪk.təˈfɪl.i.ə
the condition of being very happy and comfortable in the dark: Nyctophilia is a condition that makes you want to sit in the dark all by yourself late at night, wide awake. [Source: dictionary.cambridge.org]
The concept of Nyctophilia as a series bloomed during a murky period of an unknowable year. The idea was to house and organize the random short writing pieces by Olivia that are unattached to a longer and unified title. Some are the products of prompts, challenges, requests/commissions, or just creative exercises.
Below find short excerpts taken from the 4 featured short tales.
Nyctophilia Vol. 00 Excerpts
(Note: Final published versions may feature slightly different wording.)
01 – Unrequited
A female obsessed with a man in a relationship takes a risk to make him hers.
The two of you are sleeping and don’t know I’m here. You look like a glowing gift as you sleep, your soft lips parted as you rumble gentle snores. She’s lying next to you curled up, her hair cascading in waves across the pillow. An ugly lump protrudes from her because she’s carrying your child. The change reminds me of losing you.
02 – Dear Gadue
A devious trucker meets a beautiful woman in a seedy dive bar.
She repeated herself. “Gadue. I’m Gadue.”
I chortled. “Don’t sound Irish.”
“It’s Celtic, actually. Very old.”
Lady was a redhead. My favorite. Wondered if her colors matched. Didn’t always. Sometimes it was blonde like bleached hay. I liked that, too.
03 – Games
A young vampire brings a new girl to his hideout with plans to feed.
She shivered, touching his hand. “You’re also cold. Maybe you really are a vampire.”
“I am.”
He nuzzled her and inhaled, deciphering her layered notes. She smelled about sixteen. He remembered his own sixteenth when his master turned him. Like the other trophies he’d collected here, she’d never make it home to Mommy and Daddy.
04 – Black Sea
A cynical paranormal investigator investigates a mysterious old home on All Hallow’s Eve.
“It’s not that I’m not afraid. I just haven’t encountered a real phantom. I turn down quiet payoffs because our credibility’s worth more than cheap cash. An agency seal means something. Be proud to show off our mark.”