A forgotten photograph tucked away somewhere is the catalyst for an unexpected journey.

Posted in Adventure on Jul 5, 2024

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✍️ 88 stories

“.354” by Anthony Passarella

Submitted to Contest #258

We finally felt that we were making headway in cleaning out the cellar in anticipation of the house being sold, but every new corner straightened out and organized would end up as another blast from the past, followed by inevitable chit chat. A partially enjoyed bottle of Seagram’s 7 that belonged to my grandfather (he died eleven years before I was born) opened up a flood gate of memories about the pool parties in our twenty five by thirty foot Williamsburg yard. Zia Katherine once told me that the local beat cops from McCarren Park would o...

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“Memories Are Made of This” by Marien Oommen

Submitted to Contest #258

The book fell with a heavy thud right on her little toe.“Ahhhhh, that hurt.” Mia screamed in pain. “Whatsaa fuss? It’s just a book.” “Yes, but it's heavy! A tome of tomes, if you ask me.” “No big deal,” replied the man behind the paper. “Let me just fling it in your ear then. Lend me your ear, honey. I come to bury this tome, not praise its weight.” Mia sat down to check out the bomb that squished her toe. Its pages were old and crumbly. Somebody had scribbled on the front page…‘O Judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, And m...

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“THE ADRENALIN JUNKIE” by Glenna Agnew

Submitted to Contest #258

THE ADRENALIN JUNKIE Aria clambered up the side of the cliff, searching for each handhold and each foothold until she finally reached the apex. Her camera case hung safely on its strap around her neck and down her back to avoid hitting the jagged rocks while she climbed. Reaching the top, she stood quietly for a moment, regulating her breathing after the exhilarating but exhausting climb. She could feel her heart pounding, feel the blood pulsating through her veins, feel the rush of adrenalin that always accompanied her need for that ...

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“Ladies of Lincoln” by Jody T

Submitted to Contest #258

The road up Mount Elati has no guardrails. Curves come suddenly and Ana was not ready—not ready to be alone in Greece at age 18, not ready to be speeding up a mountain in an unfamiliar car with a black SUV chasing after her. It started with two SUVs: one had skid off the road at the last sharp turn; Ana saw it airborne in her side mirror.Ana came to a straight stretch of road. She hit the gas, putting some distance between her and the SUV. She didn’t know who they were or what they wanted, at least not exactly. She knew it must have somethin...

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“Colombian Princess ” by Jacob Mathews

Submitted to Contest #258

The picture was nostalgic. Creases on the corners, faded colors of blue and white, smiles so big you'd think they just got married. I found the old photo of my dad and who I assume was his Colombian girlfriend buried in the attic with a 'don't touch' label on the box. He died a year ago so for the anniversary of his death I decided he no longer had power over the mystery crate. I didn't show mom for obvious reasons, although it looks to be older than their marriage. Dad must've been in his early 20's at the time, and as a man now reaching th...

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“The Shattered Ruins” by Eunice Armitage

Submitted to Contest #258

Flicking through the world, browsing the beautiful countries and historic locations where shared experiences make lasting memories—Mount Fuji, The Colosseum, The Great Pyramids—I allow myself a few private moments to dream. Still I know that all these places would be seen yet unseen, and our money would be wasted. So, I close the brochure with a sigh that is pulled deeper by my heavy heart. I realise now my lifelong aspirations will remain forever locked in the phantasmagoria of my imagination; where foreign adventures play out each night b...

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“Air Mail” by Marc Wilks

Submitted to Contest #258

Nicholas Jamison rummaged through the large cardboard box on the floor. Old framed photographs, letters, and a few articles of clothing surrounded him. Nicholas’ grandmother had passed earlier in the year and had left the house and everything in it to Nicholas and his brother Robert and sister Denise. Neither of his siblings had the time to take care of the place due to their careers. Robert worked for the state, and Denise was a traveling nurse. Nicholas worked in town as a computer programmer and could more easily maintain the house. ...

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“Polaroid Dreams” by Victor Lana

Submitted to Contest #258

I moved into my new apartment on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood just a block from the elevated M train, and I haggled with the landlord about the monthly rent because of the noise and rattling of the rooms when the train went by. Instead of lowering the rent, he agreed to include utilities in what I was paying, so I was happy about that. When I moved in that spring with the trees budding outside my third-floor window...

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“Listen, Brother” by Camden Cleveland

Submitted to Contest #258

This was the 4th time the same unknown number had called Nick’s cell phone, all within the past 30 minutes. Instead of ignoring it again or trusting his gut and blocking it, Nick answered, “What do you want? Who is this?”A high-pitched male voice replied, “Ah! I have finally reached you!” He had a very thick middle eastern accent. “You have to pardon me brother, English is not my first language. You see, I had to immigrate here 5 years ago when—”“I don’t care. What do you want? Why do you keep calling me?”“Oh! Yes, brother, I am sorry....

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“GRANNY'S DIARY” by Julia Corliss

Submitted to Contest #258

My granny was a great storyteller. She could spin a tale complete with stars, fairies, and magical meetings quicker than a bunny could disappear down a hole. As a little girl, I visited her in her cottage and listened to her stories completely enchanted. I would ask at the end, “Granny, did that really happen?” She would chuckle and always answer, “Yes, it did. Sometime. Somewhere.” I never questioned her further. I just accepted what she said. As I grew up, I often asked for my favorite stories again, and she would kindly o...

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“Mystery of the Old Polaroid” by Vickie Riggan

Submitted to Contest #258

Mystery of The Old PolaroidVickie Riggan2,969 words Dying is easy. One minute you’re breathing and the next you’re not. Poof! Life’s over. You are done. No more worries. But for those of us left behind the hard part is just beginning. Aside from the obvious funeral arrangements, obituary, and even what the deceased will wear in that final appearance, someone must handle so many details that living leaves behind. That someone this time is me. As an only child and the only surviving member of Mother’s...

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“The Tower ” by A.C. Gleason

Submitted to Contest #258

The funeral had gone by faster than they’d all expected. The four sat in the den, each in spots they’d always picked growing up. A fire was going. They passed around a bottle of cheap whiskey.Instead of their late grandfather a fat tabby sat in the large high backed chair, sleeping gently, completely ignorant to the fact that its owner was now six feet under. “So, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m sleeping here tonight,” said Virgil. They all nodded. There was definitely enough space. Evan looked towards the rain pattering on the sm...

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““Strange Lands Invaded by Foreigner.”” by Jeannie Labelle -Potvin

Submitted to Contest #258

"Strange Lands Invaded by Foreigner.”‘I've needed to take a little time.’Okay, back up a bit. I’ve needed to take a LOT of time.My brain aches as memories cascade. I want to say, “Cascade like dominos.” However as those words circle the bottom of the sink, watery images rise out of the steam of a thousand years of war. My brain hurts even more as I think of all my friends who’ve passed on to another realm, or simply gone back into some mindless void. I go back to the old days when we were all not dead.Hmmm. Very interes...

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A forgotten photograph tucked away somewhere is the catalyst for an unexpected journey.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 88 stories

“.354” by Anthony Passarella

“Memories Are Made of This” by Marien Oommen

“THE ADRENALIN JUNKIE” by Glenna Agnew

“Ladies of Lincoln” by Jody T

“Colombian Princess ” by Jacob Mathews

“The Shattered Ruins” by Eunice Armitage

“Air Mail” by Marc Wilks

“Polaroid Dreams” by Victor Lana

“Listen, Brother” by Camden Cleveland

“GRANNY'S DIARY” by Julia Corliss

“Mystery of the Old Polaroid” by Vickie Riggan

“The Tower ” by A.C. Gleason

““Strange Lands Invaded by Foreigner.”” by Jeannie Labelle -Potvin

🌟 Similar prompts

Center your story around two strangers who bond over their shared love of photography.

Write a story where a photograph could change the course of history if it’s delivered to the right (or wrong!) person.

Start your story with someone who has lost everything but finds solace in photography.

A photographer captures an image of something unexplainable. What happens next?

Contest #258

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

289

Contest entries

88

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: