Preloved polyester

He walked in the bright kitchen with his bare feet sticking to the cold linoleum. Coffee was the only thing on his mind until he saw her, standing…

Published on Alina Barbu • Oct 7

September 2026

The Hedge Woman

Nobody really did notice her.

Sep 29 • Alina Barbu

5

3

2

Just Listen

The leaf had kept him company from the center of town almost as far as his home.

Sep 22 • Alina Barbu

7

2

1

How Not to Become a Mermaid

In the warm waters of a faraway land lived a well-meaning manatee.

Sep 14 • Alina Barbu

8

2

2

Where Fionn Stayed

For some reason, he was never able to find a place of his own.

Sep 1 • Alina Barbu

8

3

August 2026

Here We Go Again!

In my long career of non-writer I have started and not finished many books.

Aug 24 • Alina Barbu

6

2

1

The Hero's Journey

He was walking through the dense forest, hands in his pockets, wondering where it had all gone wrong.

Aug 19 • Alina Barbu

8

3

On Myths and Mythology, oh my!

When I was around eleven or twelve, one of my teachers gave me to read an old edition of a book on Greek mythology.

Aug 12 • Alina Barbu

7

1

Between What Was and What Will Be

Frieda opened the door of her little, red cottage and stared at the hot sun.

Aug 3 • Alina Barbu

7

2

1

July 2026

The Project Planner

Orla had been working for the Corporation for about three years now.

Jul 27 • Alina Barbu

5

1

Me on my writing on Substack

I have started my Substack more than two years ago.

Jul 23 • Alina Barbu

11

4

1

The Inner Pocket

He’d bought the shacket in a charity shop.

Jul 14 • Alina Barbu

6

1