Midnightescape Stories

Run with twelve Allied POW's as they make their brake from Stalag 5 located in the heart of Nazi Germany. This little snapshot is a WWII themed fictional Prisoner of War break. This is a first person point of view work, something that I don't usually dabble in, but its fitting for this particular setting. I wrote "Escape" a while back and thought I would share it due to its connection with "New Man, or is it?" Hope Y'all enjoy it.

In the bustling city of New York, two successful Muslims are living lives of ambition and solitude. Wali is a prominent finance executive, known for his sharp intellect and unyielding work ethic. Beneath his icy exterior lies a heart hardened by broken relationships and disillusionment with love. Hayat is a renowned Writer and publisher, celebrated for her groundbreaking write ups and relentless dedication. Her cold demeanor shields her from the pain of failed relationships and a society that never seems to understand her. Both are deeply religious, committed to their faith, but resolutely against the idea of marriage. Their worlds are turned upside down when their families, driven by tradition and concern, orchestrate an arranged marriage between them. As Hayat and Wali are forced into an arranged union, their initial interactions are fraught with tension and mistrust. Yet, amidst the backdrop of New York's relentless pace, they find themselves slowly peeling back the layers of their hardened exteriors. In a city where ambition and solitude reign, can two broken souls find solace in the most unexpected of places? Can their hearts, so long closed off, open up to the possibility of love? "Hearts of Stone: A Manhattan Arrangement" is a story of breaking barriers, discovering oneself, and the delicate dance between tradition and personal truth.

In a kingdom where love is a luxury and duty reigns supreme, a grand masquerade ball is set to change the course of history. The palace doors open not just to nobles but to every woman in the village-a chance for the future king to find his bride. Among the masked faces is a merchant's daughter, a girl who once lived in comfort but is now trapped in a life of servitude under the watchful eyes of her cruel stepmother. She's learned to silence her sharp tongue, to play the role of the obedient worker-but beneath the surface lies a mind as quick as it is defiant. Then there is Prince Izana, the reluctant heir burdened by expectations. Polite, composed, the perfect royal son-yet behind closed doors, his wit is sharp, his heart restless. He does not want a crown forged in duty, nor a bride chosen for power. He wants something real. When fate weaves their paths together on a night of masked identities and hidden truths, neither expects the spark that ignites between them. But in a world where secrets can be deadly and love is the most dangerous game of all, one night is never just one night. And when the clock strikes midnight, nothing will ever be the same.