Story Therapy

  The painting's secret is shrouded in mystery. It was briefly displayed at the exhibition and vanished just as quickly. Her smile was captivating, emanating a brilliance that surpassed even that of the Mona Lisa. Story By: S A Spencer Author of Romance Fiction:  Dream In Shackles Photo  by  Skitterphoto Read Part I here. Leading up to the interview with the owner, my mind is filled with a mix of good and bad dreams. I arrive at the address, my heart racing with anticipation. As I ring the doorbell, I am greeted by a young woman, no more than thirty-five years old. She leads me into the drawing room, but to my disappointment, there is no sign of the dream painting I hoped to see. The young woman then asks me to take a seat, as if she is the one conducting the interview. I can’t help but feel a sense of confusion and disappointment. I had requested a meeting with the artist, not her daughter. As I try to make sense of the situation, the young woman introduces herself as Melissa, the

The painting's secret is shrouded in mystery. It was briefly displayed at the exhibition and vanished just as quickly. Her smile was captivating, emanating a brilliance that surpassed even that of the Mona Lisa. Story By: S A Spencer Author of Romance Fiction:  Dream In Shackles Photo  by Skitterphoto I stand before the painting, my eyes fixed on it in awe. The colours are so vivid, the brushstrokes so precise. I can feel the texture of the canvas under my fingertips, rough and grainy. The painting is a masterpiece, far surpassing even the famous Mona Lisa. I am so captivated by it I don’t even notice the people around me, all admiring the other works of art on display. As I continue to gaze at the painting, I notice a note beneath it. “This painting is not for sale, and no photography, please.” My heart sinks a little - I would give anything to own this piece of art. Nevertheless, I can’t tear my eyes away from it. There’s something about the painting that draws me in, an in

Carly can’t wait to meet the new puppy next door, and already imagines herself cuddling and playing with the little ball of fur. Story By: S A Spencer Author of Romance Fiction:  Dream In Shackles Photo by  Berkay Gumustekin     I can hear a pitiful bark coming from the next door, and it sounds like a cry for help. The sound is incessant, preventing me from getting any sleep. I can’t tell whether it’s a he or she , but it’s undoubtedly a young pup. My owners have left me in the backyard without a leash, but I can’t jump over the fence to reach the poor pup. I circle the yard, looking for any gaps in the timber fence, but it was only a month ago that I was able to sneak through, and the neighbour fixed it the next day. A pang of motherly love courses through my veins, despite the fact that I’ve been desexed. I bark loudly, “Bow wow, bow wow. My name is Carly. And you?” The puppy on the other side of the fence quiets down, but only for a moment. Then the puppy starts yelping again, ma

There are three key components to this fascinating tale - an ambitious politician, a savvy businessman who has achieved great success, and a clandestine romance that has been concealed for a decade. Story By: S A Spencer Author of Romance Fiction:  Dream In Shackles Photo by   Alejandra Quiroz "Even though you are the chief minister, I am the boss." "Yes, master." Janet laughed hysterically. The record played a few more times at the request of one of the committee members. "Miss Janet, this is the recording from your phone conversation with Kevin, when you were the Chief Minister. Can you please recognise the voices and affirm us if it was you and your boyfriend, Kevin?" Janet closed her eyes. They were correct. But what was new to that? Fifteen years ago, when she had even not contemplated to enter politics, Kevin used to say this dialogue. Over a period, it was a sort of became their codeword of meeting and making love. It was probably the wors