A surreal literary short story exploring identity, consumerism, and the illusion of choice.

In a place where one decision can change everything, a man wanders an endless store while confronting the constructs of his own mind. Reality blurs between aisles and memories, and the truth of what he’s running from waits beyond the checkout.

The All No Place is a reflection on identity, consumption, and the quiet peace found at the edge of nothing — when everything hangs on a single receipt.

Available free on Kindle Unlimited, or £0.79 otherwise.

The All No Place – A Surreal Psychological Short Story by George Vale

If you could meet the person your choices created — do you think you would be proud?

To bring Tom back to reality for another day — another opportunity to advance in life — a phone alarm rang, echoing across a disorganised room. He may have been young and impressionable, but he was also painfully self-aware; still, he continued to say yes.

Upon awakening from his nap, he was met with the same chaotic scene as before: packages that hadn’t been opened, snacks that had gone bad, devices that he’d misplaced or never turned on, and the soft blue light of his television, which patiently awaited some kind of input.

With a heavy sigh, he ran his fingers through his hair, briefly exposing his eyes beneath.

“What do I even need today?”

A hollow silence.

Amidst the emptiness in his room and thoughts, the TV changed channels as if of its own will.

“Attend THE BIG YES EVENT with us! — All the things you never dreamed you wanted! FOR JUST ONE DAY!” A suit-clad man grinned as he raised each brightly coloured item.

Tom narrowed his eyes and switched it off, although there was a moment of static. 

The words THE ALL NO PLACE appeared in a single frame. He dismissed it as an optical or mental fabrication, put his phone and keys in his pocket, and departed from the tranquillity of his home.