The following story was written by me, playing with the concept of myse en abyme (among other deeper concepts within the text, such as philosophical and esoteric intertwined concepts).

Myse en abyme is a type of art that contains the art within itself, creating a meta-narrative. I'm sharing this to bring this concept to those who were not familiar with it.

I'm using a made-up pseudonym "Bob DeLorean" to compose the text.

Please let me know if i'm sharing the wrong way (i.e. if I'm supposed to publish it through another platform and sharing links, instead of sharing the entire story through a Lemmy post).

How do you make a story within the story itself? - A meta-fiction By Bob DeLorean (my pseudonym for this Myse En Abyme kind of story)

"How do you make a story within the story itself? Bob was wondering that. 'You start by thinking about the steps. It's quite simple, son, take this ancient book. It's yours. Literally yours', answered the priest, while handing a dusty book entitled 'How do you make a story within the story itself' authored by 'Bob'.

He opened it, just to face his own story right at the first page: 'How do you make a story within the story itself? Bob was wondering that'.

– Hey, it's my story! – he wondered, scared. – Where did you get it?

The priest answered:

– A long, long time ago, some minutes before this sentence, Bob started to wrote. Look, son, you're a prophet, a really gifted prophet. You should be proud of yourself.

– It doesn't make sense. How should I... how should I know?

– You really wrote it, son. Turn the page.

Bob turned the page. The second page started... 'Bob turned the page. The second page started...'. The rest was blurry, but gradually faded into existence. His eyes couldn't believe it. He read the next line: 'The rest was blurry, but gradually fading into existence'.

– Which type of witchcraft is this?

– It's not, son. It's your story, you really should be proud of yourself.

– But you said that I wrote this, right?

– Exactly, son. You wrote that.

– And how I can't remember?

– You do remember, son. Read it again.

He tried to look the next pages. All blurry, because we're still going to the third page. Bob should know that.

– Wait.. I heard it. Who's that?

It's me, Bob.

– No, I am Bob. You're not.

I'm Bob, Bob.

– Wh... No way! Tell my last name.

It's DeLorean. Bob DeLorean is our name. He looks surprised.

– Of course I'm surprised. What happens with me, at the end?

You mean... with us. Well, for you, I have somber news. You vanish as soon as I stop writing. As for me, I dunno, I'll probably write other texts.

– It's not fair. Am I gonna die?

– Hey, son, are you talking to God? – the priest asked.

– N... no. I'm talking to a voice that's claiming to be myself. Take this book back.

A mysterious force was stopping Bob from giving away his own book. You can't do it, Bob. You know you can't. Only you can read the book, for now.

– He's claiming that only me can read the book. And he keeps narrating some story, this story, it's creepy.

– Oh, it's God! God's right, son! The book is yours. It's meant for yourself.

– You should try to read it, priest...

– I can't defy God, my son. If the book is yours, I can't even touch it.

– You touched it minutes ago.

– It was God's mission to deliver the book for you, son. I simply delivered it as God wisely ordered me.

Hey, Bob, are you listening?

– Uh... yeah?

Say to the priest that he can stop calling me as god.

– Hey... priest... Can you hear him?

– No, son. I can't hear God.

– He asked you to stop calling him "god".

– Beware of your words, son. He's God.

– But he literally asked me. Look...

Bob proceeded to the fourth page, where I said 'Say to the priest that he can stop calling me as god'.

– Wait... I c... I can read it, son!

– Exactly! See?

– If God asked to not be called God, I'll respect God's Will and I'll stop calling God as God.

Humph...

– He seems infuriated.

– I can see it, son. It's right below the prophetic paragraph you delivered to me.

I'm becoming tired. I should sto...

– No!! I'm gonna die if you stop!

I don't care, Bob.

– But I'm... I'm you, you said it before!

Yeah. I'm you, Bob. And I'm deciding to stop my own story: the ancient book was slim, with five pages only. The priest and Bob went to sleep. Don't worry, I'm taking care of them. Maybe we'll awake inside another book in the future."

In bed? Cafe? At a desk? Do you bring snacks? Write caffeinated? I'll usually have a coffee and write for an hour before I get too jittery and I'll do some physical exercise. It's an okay schedule considering that I'm still in school.

I don't know if it's an effect of growing up or an effect of growing up during these trying ass times but sometimes it feels like that spark of creativity is gone (or at least incredibly diminished).

Went back and read one of my older stories from a few years back and I gotta say, it's striking how entertaining and creative I found it, and when I think to anything I written recently, it's depressing how dull/uninspired it is.

The Galactic Ecosystem: A Microcosm on My Arm

Imagine, if you will, that a small section of your arm has become the prime real estate for a variety of extraterrestrial life forms. While it may sound like the beginning of a science fiction novel, the diverse inhabitants of this microcosmic universe are more fantastical than one could dream. Herein, we explore the lives of five different kinds of extraterrestrials that might be calling your arm their new home.

1. The Luminian Lumisprites

First among these alien inhabitants are the Luminian Lumisprites, tiny bioluminescent beings that hail from the distant planet of Glimmera. Each Lumisprite is no larger than a grain of sand, yet they possess the extraordinary ability to emit a soft, glowing light. These beings thrive on the natural oils of human skin, which they metabolize to produce their luminescence. At night, when the lights are off, you might see a faint, ethereal glow emanating from your arm, like a living constellation. The Lumisprites communicate through patterns of light, creating intricate, ever-changing displays that tell the stories of their distant homeland.

2. The Sporellian Fungusfolk

Nestled within the fine hair follicles are the Sporellian Fungusfolk, a symbiotic species that resemble tiny, mushroom-like creatures. Originating from the fungal forests of Sporellia, these beings have a peculiar way of life. They feed on dead skin cells and in return, they secrete a soothing gel that promotes skin health. The Fungusfolk are master architects, constructing elaborate mycelium networks that help regulate moisture levels on your skin. If you ever feel a slight tickling sensation, it’s likely the Fungusfolk hard at work, maintaining their underground cities.

3. The Micronautic Mariners

In the creases and lines of your skin live the Micronautic Mariners, a diminutive race of aquatic beings. These tiny creatures come from a watery world known as Oceanea Minimus, where they navigated vast oceans in microscopic vessels. On your arm, they’ve adapted to the sweat and natural moisture, using it as their personal seas. The Mariners have built tiny boats from keratin and traverse your skin like sailors of old, mapping every inch of their new, expansive ocean. Their society is rich with nautical traditions, and their tiny, high-pitched sea shanties can occasionally be heard if you listen very, very closely.

4. The Nebulon Nomads

Drifting just above the surface are the Nebulon Nomads, ephemeral beings made of interstellar dust and energy. These nomadic creatures are almost invisible to the naked eye, appearing as slight shimmering distortions in the air. Originating from the swirling clouds of the Nebula Nox, they are drawn to the electromagnetic fields generated by the human body. The Nebulon Nomads travel in wispy clusters, perpetually in motion, absorbing stray electrons to sustain themselves. Though intangible, their presence is known to enhance the natural electrical signals in your nerves, sometimes resulting in spontaneous, tingling sensations.

5. The Quarkian Quantumites

Lastly, deep within the atomic structure of your skin cells reside the Quarkian Quantumites, entities composed of subatomic particles from the quantum realm of Quarkos. These beings are not bound by the physical laws of our universe and can exist in multiple states simultaneously. The Quantumites are responsible for occasional, inexplicable phenomena such as the sudden disappearance and reappearance of small objects around you. They communicate through quantum entanglement, sending instantaneous messages across vast distances. Their presence is a constant reminder of the mysterious and interconnected nature of all existence.

Conclusion

While the notion of extraterrestrial beings inhabiting your arm might seem outlandish, it offers a whimsical perspective on the unseen wonders that could exist just beyond our perception. The Luminian Lumisprites, Sporellian Fungusfolk, Micronautic Mariners, Nebulon Nomads, and Quarkian Quantumites each bring their unique qualities to this microscopic ecosystem. Whether they are real or merely figments of an imaginative mind, these creatures remind us of the infinite possibilities that the universe holds, even in the most unexpected places.

As we ponder the lives of these extraordinary beings, we are invited to view our world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. For who knows what other mysteries might be hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered? 🌌✨👾