An overwhelmed professional flees her rigid routine for the sanctuary of a park, only to be drawn into a surreal, time-bending world where she must confront her subconscious to reclaim her authentic voice

Performed by Val Cole

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Get to know the writer:

1. What is your short story about?
The story explores the profound routine and loneliness experienced by the majority of the population due to a societal obsession with ‘hard work’ and material values. It challenges readers to ask themselves: to what extent are we living full, authentic lives? Through the protagonist’s journey, the story reveals a future that awaits us if we continue to function as ‘robots’ dedicated to numbers and financial gain—values that are, ultimately, hollow.

2. What genres would you say this story is in?
Magical Realism and Speculative Fiction, with a strong philosophical and psychological undertone.

3. How would you describe this story in two words?
Existential Awakening

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
It’s a rich mix of psychological depth and core human values. I find myself returning to ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ for its profound exploration of the transition from loneliness to authentic happiness. Recently, I’ve been deeply influenced by the series ‘Severance’, which brilliantly captures the duality of modern existence and the ‘robotic’ nature of corporate life. I also appreciate the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise; despite the action, it consistently emphasizes essential values like family and loyalty, which I find very grounding.

5. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
My musical taste is a journey through different energies. I have a long-standing passion for Classic Russian Rock, which carries a lot of poetic and raw power. On the other hand, I deeply appreciate the structure and timelessness of Classical Music. However, as reflected in my story, I find a unique sense of peace in the laid-back, soulful blues of artists like J.J. Cale. His music represents that moment of slowing down and finding rhythm in a world that is often too loud and fast.

6. Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
It is a dialogue between two very different worlds that both explore the human condition. On one hand, I am deeply moved by Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ for its unparalleled psychological depth and its exploration of morality, guilt, and the price of one’s soul. On the other hand, I hold the ‘Harry Potter’ series close to my heart; beyond the magic, it is a masterclass in addressing social stigma, the courage to face deep-seated fears, and the power of choices over circumstances. Both, in their own way, deal with the weight of our decisions.

7. What motivated you to write this story?
I actually wrote this story over a decade ago, during a time when I felt suffocated by my own reality. As a lecturer and business consultant, I was constantly surrounded by people, praise, and success. But the more I was celebrated, the lonelier I felt. Everyone saw the ‘persona,’ but no one saw the real me. I was playing a role every day because that’s what was expected, while my true self remained hidden. I poured that stifling loneliness and pain onto the paper.
I decided to bring it out of the drawer now because I finally felt strong enough to share this truth, and because I believe the message is more urgent than ever. With the current global instability and the growing emotional distance caused by technology, I felt it was time to tell people: ‘Wake up. Stop just surviving. Stop being robots to your roles and material values. Pause and choose what truly matters before the countdown ends.'”

8. If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Without a doubt, my grandmother. She was a survivor of World War II whose life was incredibly complex and challenging, yet she remained the most graceful and joyful person I’ve ever known. She taught me to truly see the world—to find joy in every small flower. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: if you don’t like something, change it or walk away; if you can’t, find something within it to love. She taught me to treat every crisis as a lesson and to be grateful to the universe for that growth. She was a pillar of support for everyone around her until her very last day. It would make me truly happy if I could sit across from her once again and learn more about her boundless resilience and love for life

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about finding the bridge between the business world and mental health. I believe this intersection is key to creating a balance between true human values and the practical means required for living. This passion has led me to develop a comprehensive theory based on the love of the soul, which I call ‘Filopsycha’. Beyond my professional and academic work, I find my greatest joy in simple, authentic moments: traveling with my husband and our dog, engaging in deep conversations with my children, and spending quality time with my friends and extended family. These connections are what keep me grounded and inspired.

10. What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?
After keeping this story in a drawer for over a decade, I felt a sudden urgency to see if its message still resonated. I wanted to see if the ‘rhythm’ of the internal struggle I wrote about back then could touch someone else when performed out loud. WILDsound offered the perfect stage to transform my private thoughts into a shared, living experience.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
My advice is a balance of patience and courage. On one hand, embrace your silence and let your story mature until you feel strong enough to stand behind it. But on the other hand, when you realize that your message is truly important—dare to put it out there. Sharing your truth is a powerful tool; it can be the very thing that helps someone else feel less alone in their own struggle. Don’t just write to express yourself; write to build a bridge for others who might be trapped in the same situation you once were.”

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Submit your short story to the festival today: https://fantasyscififestival.com/magical-realism-short-story-festival/