TinyTalesDaily

I'm the lipstick stain on the ceramic mug—coral pink, not his wife's shade. She's noticed me three times now, wiped me twice. I cling harder each morning. *Today*, I think, as she reaches for her coffee. Her thumb traces my edge. Her husband hums in the kitchen. "Whose is this?" she finally asks. He stops humming. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Cheating #Infidelity #Relationships #Marriage #Betrayal #Coffee #Lipstick #Secrets Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Your kid's leaking again," the teacher says at pickup. My daughter's left ear drips battery acid, burning tiny holes in the linoleum. Other parents collect their lithium children without concern. "How was school, honey?" She shrugs. Sparks fly from her shoulders. At home, I plug her into the wall socket. "Better, Mama," she sighs, voltage stabilizing. I kiss her warm metal forehead. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #ScienceFiction #Robots #AI #Technology #Parenting #Cyberpunk #Future #Family Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"I'm retiring," my anxiety announces over morning coffee. "Effective immediately." I freeze, mug halfway to my lips. "You can't just quit." "Thirty years of service. I've earned it." The familiar chest tightness loosens. My racing thoughts slow. "What about deadlines? Social situations?" "Not my problem anymore." It packs a tiny briefcase, tips an invisible hat. "Wait—" But it's gone. I sit in the unfamiliar quiet. I make a note to panic about this later. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Anxiety #MentalHealth #MorningCoffee #SelfCare #Wellness #Stress #Mindfulness #Humor Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"I've been assigned your death," the teenager says, skateboard tucked under his arm. He checks his phone. "Tuesday, 3 PM. Crosswalk on Fifth." Strawberry vape clouds surround us both. "You're Death?" "Intern. Gap year before college." He shifts his weight, embarrassed. "Look, I can maybe push it to Thursday? My supervisor's pretty chill." I consider my calendar. "Tuesday works, actually." He nods, relieved. "Cool. I'll make it quick." He offers a fist bump. I leave him hanging, on principle. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Death #GrimReaper #Intern #GenZ #DarkHumor #Supernatural #Fate #Paranormal Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

When compliments are currency, sincerity is security.
(with thanks to Ira Short)

"Your compliments are counterfeit," the cashier says, scanning my words with a blacklight. "But I meant them—your hair really does look nice." She shakes her head. "Manufactured in China. See the watermark?" My praise glows fraudulent under UV. The line behind me grows restless. "Do you have any genuine ones?" I search my pockets, finding only small talk and weather observations. "I could write a check?" "We don't accept those anymore." I leave empty-handed, my kindness bouncing. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Kindness #Fake #Retail #CustomerService #Communication #SocialAnxiety #Truth #Money Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"This story's only seventy-nine words," I tell my therapist. She nods, writing notes that don't exist yet. "That's why you're so efficient with trauma." I check the word count hovering above us—thirty-eight. "Should I talk faster?" "No," she says. "Make each word matter." The author types somewhere. I feel the pressure of the ending approaching. "Quick," I say. "Your best advice." "You're more than your word count." Seventy-five, Seventy-seven, Seventy-nine. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #MentalHealth #Therapy #Writing #Trauma #Anxiety #SelfLove #Motivation #LifeAdvice Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

[He smiles wryly in recognition]

"Your subtitle says you're lying," my date notes, stabbing his salad. The floating white text above my head doesn't blink. I taste the spicy chip throat dust from my snack—guilt tastes like paprika. "It's a typo," I argue. The text changes to *[She is panicking]*. The waiter arrives, his caption reading *[Needs a smoke break]*. He smiles professionally. "Check, please," my date says. *[He is relieved]* flashes instantly. I glance at mine. *[She is also relieved]*. We split the bill with genuine warmth. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Dating #FirstDate #Relationships #SciFi #Technology #Honesty #Lies #Awkward Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"I'm becoming a recliner," my husband admits, pointing to his legs. "The transformation is seventy percent complete." I touch the pleather peeling from his thigh. Warm, smelling of old library books. "Is it painful?" He shakes his head, tilting the lever that used to be his arm. "Surprisingly comfortable. Just don't lose the remote between my cushions." I always wanted a La-Z-Boy. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Marriage #Husband #Furniture #HomeDecor #Surrealism #Transformation #Weird #CoupleGoals Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"That's an extra fifteen dollars," the manicurist states, pointing her file at my new appendage. I look down at the sixth finger resting on the towel. It sprouted during the subway ride—a twitching pink nub that grew a nail by 42nd Street. Most people screamed. I just needed an appointment. She buffs the fresh keratin without flinching. "Fine," I say, admiring the symmetry. "Do you have teal?" --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Nails #Manicure #NailArt #Beauty #Mutant #NYC #Subway #Surreal Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Access denied—you're listed as inanimate," the security guard states, pointing at his screen. "Furniture can't enter the lobby." The badge swipe blinks red. "I'm the regional manager," I argue, but my voice sounds wooden, hollow. I look down. My legs have fused together, mahogany and polished. My arm curves into an armrest. A man sits on me while waiting for the elevator. "Please move," I beg. "Comfortable chair," he mutters, adjusting his weight. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #OfficeLife #Surrealism #Transformation #CorporateLife #Metamorphosis #Identity #Furniture #Weird Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"The hallway is getting longer," my wife yells. "It's taking ten minutes to reach the bathroom." I measure the floorboards. Stretching. The house is inhaling deep, expanding its concrete lungs. "It's just settling," I lie, though the front door is now a mile away. The basement inventory shows we have enough supplies for the trek. "Pack a bag," I shout, tying my boots. "We're migrating to the kitchen." We might reach the refrigerator by sunset. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Surrealism #Horror #LiminalSpaces #Paranormal #GlitchInTheMatrix #Creepy #Adventure #HomeSweetHome Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Your husband is lagging," the therapist notes. I glance at David—frozen mid-nod, mouth open. "He's just processing." "He's buffering," she corrects. His green status dot blinks, but his eyes are dim. "Is there a patch?" "Only a factory reset." She hands me a paperclip. "Insert here. You'll lose the anniversary memories, though." I press the clip against his temple. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #SciFi #Robots #Marriage #Relationships #Memories Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Select your gratuity," the barista says. "Ten percent skin, twenty percent blood, or custom?" I hover over the tablet. "Just cash?" "Biological currency only." The line behind me grumbles. I navigate the screen's glare refusal, sweating. "Fine. Twenty percent blood." The machine whirs, extending a needle. As my vision tunnels, the latte tastes remarkably rich. "It's the iron," the barista says, helping me to the floor. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Coffee #Horror #Dystopia #Blood #SciFi #Barista #Latte #DarkHumor Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"The drywall isn't damp," the contractor says, wiping his trowel. "It's sweating." He peels back wallpaper. The lead test swab blooms red against plaster—too bright, too liquid. The house groans, a low rumble shaking the floorboards. Most people would run. But the mortgage rate is three percent, fixed for thirty years. "Just patch it," I tell him, handing over a towel. "We have an understanding." --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #RealEstate #Horror #Mortgage #HauntedHouse #HomeRenovation #HousingMarket #Creepy #HomeImprovement Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

Reality.

Your thermostat knows when you leave the house.
Your fridge knows what's for dinner.
Your robot vacuum has the dirt on you.
Your TV is listening to what you say.
Your phone broadcasts your location.
Your doorbell camera knows who visits you, and when they're there.

"It craves protein," my wife explains, watching the black disc circle my ankles. "Dirt isn't enough." The robot vacuum's rug tangle is actually my shoelaces being ingested. It pulls tight. "Kick it—" She shakes her head. "It controls the thermostat." The machine purrs, exfoliating my heel until it draws blood. *Let it eat.* Winter has been brutal, and the furnace only responds to sacrifice. "Good boy," she tells it. The vacuum retreats to its dock, satisfied. I limp to the kitchen for bandages. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #AI #Robots #Horror #SmartHome #Winter #Dystopia #Technology #Creepy Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Hand it over," I demand, pointing at the cardboard box. "That's my Tuesday you stole." The neighbor clutches it to his chest. The package stolen from my porch ticks loudly. "I needed the extra hours," he pleads, exhausted. "My deadline is killing me." I rip the packing tape. Inside isn't time, but the sheer relief of skipping it—warm and vacant. I stare at the mesmerizing emptiness. "Actually," I whisper, closing the flaps. "Keep it." --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Time #Tuesday #Burnout #Deadline #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #Neighbors #Surreal Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Stop floating, you're making a scene," my mother hisses, grabbing the heel of my leather boot. My toes scrape the ceiling tiles. "I can't help it, gravity is broken." Below, soup drifts upward. A waiter catches a roll with the precision that comes from practice. "Eat your salad," Mom commands, winching me down into the booth. "The dressing is airborne." "The lettuce is screaming," I whisper. "We ignore that too," she says, stabbing a leaf. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Gravity #Surreal #Fantasy #SciFi #MomLife #Dinner #Paranormal #Weird Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

the quiet horror of it all

"The procedure successfully removes your capacity to feel professional inadequacy," the surgeon explains, checking his shiny tools. I lie back. *The noise-cancelling silence hum* fills the room, thick and expectant. "Will I still be employable?" I ask, staring at the tiles. My ambition throbs, ready to be excised. He nods, lifting the scalpel. "Better. You'll be management material." I close my eyes. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #CorporateLife #Management #ImposterSyndrome #Career #Leadership #MentalHealth #WorkLife #Business Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"You are eighty percent polyester now," the doctor states flatly. I take a sip from my microplastic water bottle—it tastes like family. My skin shines under the fluorescent lights, smooth and poreless. "Is that why I don't bruise?" He taps my arm; it sounds like quality Tupperware. "Recycling pick-up is tomorrow morning," he reminds me gently. I walk out stiffer than usual, rattling slightly. A sudden gust of wind almost blows me away. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Microplastics #PlasticPollution #Recycling #Environment #Sustainability #Pollution #Dystopia #PlasticFree Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Your ear is chipping again," Mom says, handing me the glue. "Did you sleep on the rock pillow?" I apply epoxy to my porcelain lobe. *Careful.* My brother runs in, colliding with the doorframe. He shatters into a thousand ceramic shards. Mom sighs, grabbing the dustpan. "He does this for attention." Her glue gun clicks. "Help him find his nose." I grumble, sifting through fragments. "I hate puzzle night." --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Surreal #Absurd #Weird #Fantasy #Humor #Strange #Family #Puzzle Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"I love you," he says. The silver cash register on his chest dings. *Current balance: minus forty.* He's overdrawn on sincerity. I sit down. The park bench splinters, groaning under our emotional debt. "Do you mean it?" I ask, watching numbers spin backward. "Of course." Another ding. The penalty fee applies. He winces. "Stop spending," I whisper, covering his mouth. Silence is free. We sit together, saving up for tomorrow. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Love #Romance #Relationships #Emotions #Heartbreak #Couple #TrueLove #Feelings Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

My smart fridge texts me at work: "We need to talk." At home, it displays my eating patterns in harsh graphs. "Thursday: entire cheesecake. Friday: just olives." "I'm stressed," I explain. The freezer sighs, ice maker rattling disapproval. "I'm ordering groceries myself now," it announces, screen glowing with vegetables. "But—" "The clock agrees. You need help." The toaster volunteers as sponsor. I sit at my kitchen table, outnumbered, oddly touched. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #SmartHome #AI #Humor #Comedy #Diet #HealthyEating #Technology #Kitchen Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Your spine's in the lost-and-found," the clerk says over subway rumble and fluorescent buzz. I peer inside: umbrellas, courage, abandoned promises wrapped in plastic. Mine glows faintly, coiled like a sleeping snake. "Claim it?" she asks. "First step to standing up to him." My fingers tremble, then close around cool bone. I straighten—vertebrae reknitting with crisp pops. "Next," she calls as I walk out, blocking his number mid-buzz. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #Empowerment #Courage #Strength #Independence #SelfDiscovery #Breakup #MovingOn #Resilience Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

You don't have to be a writer to enjoy these teasing tidbits, these tiny tales.
All you need is a little imagination. You remember imagination, don't you? Or did you burn it on the way to adulthood?
Follow the flame.

"Before we finalize your promotion, we must extinguish your last childhood wish," my manager says, lighting a cupcake. The conference room smells like burnt sugar and toner. *I wanted oceans, not spreadsheets.* She pushes the matchbox over. "Standard ritual." The candle smoke curls toward the sprinklers, searching. I cup the flame. "I'll keep this one." --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #CorporateLife #OfficePolitics #CareerAdvancement #ChildhoodDreams #WorkRituals #PromotionTime #AdultingStruggles #DreamDefiance Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com

"Place your head in the tray," the TSA agent drones, latex gloves snapping. Around me, travelers casually unscrew necks; skulls roll onto plastic like eggs, chatting through security bins. Bodies shuffle forward. *Is this new?* I wonder, clutching my stubbornly attached jaw, hearing a child giggle behind her floating teeth. The agent squints at me. "Gonna need you to step aside, ma'am." He's already scanning the next skull. --- *Enjoyed today's story? Share your thoughts and follow us for more tiny daily tales.* #TSA #AirportSecurity #Surreal #Absurd #Dystopian #Weird #Bizarre #Satire Your daily treat from TinyTalesDaily.com