Its Crowded in Here and Other Short Stories

By Bex MacArthur

IT'S CROWDED IN HERE, AND OTHER SHORT STORIES is a collection of seven fictional and mythological stories. They follow the darker side of humanity while following young, strong women who don't always make the right choices (or cannot do so).

"Us" is about Sarah, who suffers when her promiscuous sexual alter (Ruby) takes over. She fights to regain control of their shared body and stay faithful to her longtime boyfriend, but will she win?

"Acceptance" is about a girl struggling with her mental health and her suspected "multiple personalities." Stuck in her own mind, she is guided by a young version of herself toward finding peace in her self-diagnosis.

"I Scream You Scream, We all Scream for Pizza" is about a date gone wrong when teenager Jess is roped into babysitting duty on the night of her big pizza date. When trying to save her date night, she accidentally puts her little sister in a deadly situation.

"Look What I Have Become," follows narcissistic influencer Caitlyn as she is cursed by a mysterious woman selling mirror orbs. She is forced to see herself as she truly is; ugly.

Take a walk in "The Forgotten Forest," A magical forest that traps the lives of all that die there. A tale of family, ghosts, angst, and tragedy that is set in motion by a family hike.

"The Four Arrows of Artemis" is a heart-gripping reimagining of the tale of Orion's death, where Artemis grapples with death and grief and suffers by her own hand.

"As I Lay" ends the collection as a perfect follow-up to "The Four Arrows of Artemis," with a grief-stricken girl contemplating her existence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bex MacArthur
• Release date: Dec 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781005447892

Bex MacArthur

Bex MacArthur is a novelist who specializes in young adult, fantasy, and women's fiction. She is pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University and is an active member of their Creative Writing Club. She is hopelessly clumsy, but luckily, she can't trip while at her desk.

Book preview

It’s Crowded in Here and Other Short Stories

By Bex MacArthur

Copyright © 2022 Bex MacArthur

All Rights Reserved

Book Cover: Photo by Thiago Matos. Cover design by Bex MacArthur.

First Smashword Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

Dedication Page

Foreword

Us

Acceptance

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Pizza

Look What I Have Become

The Forgotten Forest

The Four Arrows of Artemis

As I Lay

About the Author

I dedicate this book to my mom. A wonderful woman who gave me my big heart and lust for creativity. You’ll always be remembered.

Foreword

This is a collection of a student’s creative writing assignments that were completed based off specific instructions and writing prompts. Some topics could be triggering so please read at your own risk. Thank you and I hope you enjoy!

US

I look in my mirror, and there you stand. The warm lights behind me glow off someone I don't know, yet you stare back at me as a reminder that I am my own stranger. Your menacing grin stretches across this face we are forced to share. My eyes dart to things that help me cling to the front. The cute plushies in the corner and my horse lamp beside my poster-laden door help me hold on. But the burden of your presence is thick like a fog that asphyxiates my brain.

Hello, again, Sarah. Did you miss me? Ruby says. Her sticky words are thick like honey and fill our crowded