A young woman travels to Florida after losing her mother and discovers that her uncle and his girlfriend have stolen from the deceased. However, the young woman is forced to bite her tongue and pretend as if she does not notice. Being without her own key to the apartment and relying on her uncle for access, she contemplates her anger and disgust, the nature of humanity, and searches within her soul for what is really true.

Short story
Literary fiction
5,000 words
Series: 13 Acorns- Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

John Ross visits a nursing home as he attempts to interview Randall J. Davis, a former intelligence operative. Ross attempts to persuade Randall to finally divulge the secrets of one of America’s largest unanswered conspiracies before it is too late and the secrets are buried with Randall. Ross struggles to get the answers he seeks as Randall masterfully dances around the subject and divulges what he believes is true of the world and the nature of reality.

Genres: philosophical fiction, literary fiction, short story, psychological fiction.
Size: 6,000 words
Parent work: 13 Acorns- Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

In this short allegory, Martin symbolizes America as a single village that went from a tiny town, to a great community, and how that great community was slowly eroded by malicious forces from within.

The Mountain and the Wave is a short allegory about two brothers (Strength and Ambition.) Ambition seeks to take and be known, so he grows up to become a mighty wave that destroys everything in its wake. Strength, on the other hand, feels no need to boast or be known, so he grows up to become a giant and subtle mountain–strong and immovable. What happens when these two brothers face off as adults? Find out.

When Phillip finds himself falling ill and losing strength, he has a dream that he is witnessing the reception at his own funeral. Feeling certain that he is running out of time, he must decide how to spend his last week on earth and what he truly values. This story follows his final days and how he spends his time– reassessing his beliefs and priorities to make the most of what he has left.

Follow Philip’s final days in this powerful and re-grounding introspective philosophical fiction short story.

Style: Short story
Context: COVID-19 pandemic, April of 2020

After inventing a computer program that could come to replace politicians and governments, two friends secretly discuss the full implications of such technology: is it necessary; what would be the benefits; what would be the risks?

This short philosophical fiction begins the conversation about using problem solving AI tools to make broad community/national decisions and allocate taxpayer funds to serve the people.

Genres: science fiction, philosophical fiction, short story
Word count: 4,000
Parent work: 13 Acorns- Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

“The path to enlightenment and the remedy for anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.” A philosophical fiction.

After his father’s funeral, the main character (who remains unnamed because he represents all of us) finds himself stricken with grief, anxiety, and hopelessness. His mind is filled with conflicting whispers that pull him in different directions and fight him every time he tries to make a change, and every time he does not make a change.

After exploring dozens of different lifestyle methods in an effort to feel better, he finally finds the remedy in an unlikely place; conquering his own mind and making peace with all of the various “personalities” within his unconscious mind.

Gengres: short story, philosophical fiction, allegory
Word count: 11,000

After years of waiting, a son if finally invited to join his father and a team as they continue working on the ancient project of constructing and maintaining the bridge to cross from earth into paradise. Our story follows the main character on his first day joining the crew, as his father teaches him the history of the bridge, its current state, and a plan to finally complete this project that is as old as humanity.

Style: Short story
Genres: Allegory and philosophical fiction
Word count: 7,000

After years of waiting, a son if finally invited to join his father and a team as they continue working on the ancient project of constructing and maintaining the bridge to cross from earth into paradise. Our story follows the main character on his first day joining the crew, as his father teaches him the history of the bridge, its current state, and a plan to finally complete this project that is as old as humanity.

Style: Short story
Genres: Allegory and philosophical fiction
Word count: 7,000

After an extended period of living in a rut, a small business owner contemplates his current life and what it will take to move forward. With the help of a trusted friend and an infatuation with a good woman, he finds the courage to change the course of his life’s ship. 

Discover Captivating Indie Fiction – Free Short Stories by award-winning American indie author G. Edward Martin

Step into the imaginative worlds of G. Edward Martin, an indie author crafting compelling stories across multiple genres. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural mysteries, complex literary fiction, original science fiction, or easy-reading dark humor comedy literature, you’ll find a story that captivates your imagination.

Explore G. Edward Martin’s collection of free short stories and dive into rich characters, complex discussions, unexpected twists, and vivid storytelling. These tales are perfect for readers looking for quick yet immersive reads, whether you’re commuting, relaxing at home, or searching for your next favorite author.

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Visit my Amazon author’s page to check out all my stories including the parent works to the free stories above.