Alchemy.
With its promise of change.
To turn lead into gold.
From something ugly and poisonous into something shiny, something of value. And what if you could turn that power on yourself? It’s what any sane person would want. To transform. To be the best version of themselves? No, not themselves—something better, of course. Why settle for the mundane when you could have greatness? To be more valuable. For others to see your worth.
That’s why Alchemy exists, isn’t it?
But can it purify that rotted-out core called self? If it wasn’t for that rot, would it even be you?
And what caused that rot? Too much or not enough? Gorged on the bitter fruit of jealousy? Waterlogged in tears? Mired by indecision, all those failed outcomes and achievements tarnished over time.
It could be all washed away. Forgotten.
With Alchemy.
If only for a night.
With a pill.
If only for a moment.
Alchemy.
If only for this last heartbeat.
End.
Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my short story!
This piece was my submission to the GenreCon 2025 Short Story Competition. Unfortunately, it didn’t take home the gold—or any metal, for that matter—but I’m still incredibly proud of it.
I decided to step outside of my usual style and try something a little different. This story leans heavily on subtext, and I aimed for it to have layers of meaning that unfold upon re-reading. My hope was that depending on your perspective, it could resonate in entirely different ways.
Whether it achieved that or not is up to you, my readers, to decide. Either way, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this with you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. What did Alchemy make you think or feel? Did it connect with you in a way I hadn’t anticipated?
Writing is always a journey, and this piece was one that stretched my creative boundaries. Thank you for being part of that journey with me.
Here’s to many more explorations of the strange, the surreal, and the stories that let us question ourselves.
Until next time!