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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

Write a story about a character running late for a job interview.

Posted in Adventure on May 3, 2024

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✍️ 74 stories

“The Road Ahead” by Helen A Smith

Submitted to Contest #249

TW: mentions a child’s death.This isn’t happening to me! When I’m not pacing the waiting room, I’m riveted to the flashing text highlighted in yellow against the black background. If I carry on like this, I’ll get a crick in my neck. The station notice board, technically known as the split-flap display, alerts me the 7:54 train, final destination Kings Cross, has been cancelled due to shortage of train crew. Can you please explain why there’s not enough train crew? Did somebody decide to pull a sickie at the last minute? Just my luck that th...

29 comments 29
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“What’s Going On?” by Michelle Oliver

Submitted to Contest #249

What if life offered second chances? If you could press rewind, or stop, or start from a certain point again, just like watching a YouTube clip. Would you take the redo? Would your life be different? Press play.▶️ The train grinds to a halt midway between stations and you look out of the window onto a freeway that better resembles a car park. It is as if the entire world has been forced to a stand-still. Swirling around you in the cramped carriage, there are chaotic bubbles of conversation peppered with exclamations of dismay, and your heart...

30 comments 30
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“Consequences” by Kristina Lushey

Submitted to Contest #249

Angelina was smug. She was certain she was the right fit for the job. The job description touched on every skill she knew she possessed and excelled in. The job description read, “We are seeking an innovative marketing manager to promote our company’s brand and services. You will need experience in marketing strategies and the ability to identify new business leads. Along with a degree in marketing, you will have superb leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities.”“Wow, Angelina, you’ve got this one in the bag.” The simi...

20 comments 20
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“In The Hotseat” by Katharine Widdows

Submitted to Contest #249

“Car. Drive to the Webster Offices on Hillmore Street,” Graham Findel barked from the optional driving position in his shiny new Autodrive Hotseat.“Yes, Mr Findel. Webster Offices on Hillmore Street,” came the electronic voice. “You will reach your destination at 8.45am, assuming no unexpected events.”“8.45? 8.45? That’s fifteen minutes late! Car! Switch to manual.”“Yes, Mr Findel. Switching to manual.”The LED displays brightened, and the rectangular steering bar unlocked from its hub with a click, neatly unfolding from the bottom of the das...

9 comments 9
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“The Warthog, the rosty Subaru and Anna” by Renate Buchner

Submitted to Contest #249

Her old Subaru made a puffing noise every time she pressed the gas pedal, and it got much louder when she stepped on the brakes to stop in front of the gate. The guards raised their heads as they heard the screech of the brakes. There were three guards: one in the cabin at the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve entrance gate, and two outside approaching Anna, one of whom appeared to be the dog's handler. The guard holding the device walked towards her on the driver's side. He grimaced but said nothing further. He pointed to the reader, sim...

17 comments 17
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“The Interview That Wasn't” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #249

“Careful, you’re going to rip them,” Donna warned as she stubbed out her cigarette.“Why didn’t I try these on before we left?” Frantically tugging the stockings, I tried to pull them up higher. No such luck. A few inches shy of fitting, they left me with webbed thighs. Crap.“Want me to run out and pick up a new pair? I think I saw a Duane Reade down the block.” Rising from the bed, she peered out the window to the street below.“There’s no time.” I smoothed my skirt down before tying the bow on my blouse.&nb...

14 comments 14
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“Dream Job” by Justin Day

Submitted to Contest #249

Dream Job Lexi just laughed at me. ‘You’re too honest, Ricky, to land a dream job like this.’ ‘What’s that mean. How can you be too honest?’ ‘Well, its why I love you. But you’re too straight up, you can’t bend the rules. And to score a job like this you need to.’ We’d both applied. The ad read: ‘...Travel Rate seeks a highly motivated individual with a passion for international travel. To rate the performance and service of five-star hotels and resorts across the Globe. The successful candidate must be willing to travel for months at a tim...

2 comments 2
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“Changing Lanes” by Heather S

Submitted to Contest #249

Trigger Warnings: This story contains themes of physical violence, gore, and abuse; mental health issues; substance abuse; and other sensitive themes, including murder, moral ambiguity, and a complex, potentially unhealthy romantic relationship. Reader discretion is advised.Camila Ramirez's heart raced as she glanced at the clock on her dashboard. 8:45 AM. Her job interview was at 9:00 sharp, and she was still stuck in the notorious Los Angeles traffic. After spending the past six months unemployed and sleeping on her sister's couch, this wa...

5 comments 5
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“Of all the days . . . ” by Timothy Gabriel

Submitted to Contest #249

“Are you kidding me?!” George asked himself. Was the sidewalk really closed for repairs? He had just walked home on it last night and there was nothing, absolutely nothing, that had led him to believe it would be closed off this morning. That was all he needed right now. He shook his head and wanted to cry.    Today was supposed to be a big day for him. After countless applications to the job of his dreams with the most prestigious company in the city, he’d finally gotten the call. The interview would be Friday morning at 9 AM...

1 comment 1
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“Blaze” by Liane Fazio

Submitted to Contest #249

Jake emerged from the steamy bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He padded into the kitchen craving his morning coffee. His red husky, Blaze, waited for him by the refrigerator, tail wagging.“Alright, you spoiled little baby girl,” Jake teased. “I’ll get you your cheese.” He grabbed his creamer and Blaze’s favorite treat from the fridge. She sat patiently, tail wagging, as he handed her a piece of American cheese. With delicate grace, she accepted it and trotted happily out of the kitchen. Jack chuckled, shook his head, and finis...

13 comments 13
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“"A Little Seltzer Down Your Pants"” by Murray Burns

Submitted to Contest #249

“A Little Seltzer Down Your Pants”                                               “A little song,                                    ...

3 comments 3
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“Seven Stops” by Luiza Marcus

Submitted to Contest #249

I adjust my skirt for the third time, pulling it a little higher towards my waist. I'm not happy at all, plus if the wind blows, I'll struggle to keep it against my thighs. I undo the side latch and let the skirt fall to the floor, pick it up with one leg, and throw it over the pile of clothes on the bed. Clothes that I've tried on that I didn't think were an inspired choice for a job interview I want. I'm not so indifferent that I'll wear anything. Come on.The songs that play on my phone are constantly changing. I put on a pair of jeans, gl...

2 comments 2
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“Off-Peak” by Dylan Martin

Submitted to Contest #249

Just how fucking early do you have to leave the house to not be late? The interview was in FiDi; only 45 minutes away, no big deal. I went over the entire route last night. The interview’s at 3 PM, which might look bad—maybe they want an early riser, a real go-getter, a proper robot boy—but I don’t know how the fuck to wake up in the morning, so I played it safe. But it’s fine. It’s not like I chose a quarter to closing or anything. 3 PM is the middle of the afternoon, the last real hour people give to their job before looking at the clock a...

0 comments 0
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“Dream Job” by Pete Gautchier

Submitted to Contest #249

1. Topic statement: Write a story about a character running late for a job interview.Dream JobThere was ringing in my ears. It was persistent. I just needed a few more minutes to rest my weary soul. I clumsily reached for my annoying phone to silence the menace. No sooner had I turned it off, I felt a tugging at my ear followed by loud incessant purring. My bleary eyes revealed my catatonic state to my annoyed observer. Sunny, my lifelong feline friend, was not amused and continued bellowing his dissatisfaction at no...

3 comments 3
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“Maria” by Christine LW

Submitted to Contest #249

Maria, Maria, why, now is not the time, to get cold fingers. Tugging at your heart strings to stay away, so easy to pull up those bed covers up. To miss your audition with Miss Duponte. Imagine the apploud in the auditoriums around the world."My dear this is your opportunty to shine. It may not come again. You have poise stamina and inner strength.You have told yourself this for eighteen lean years. When your mother took in extra sewing, being a single parent. To pay for those dance lessons and special leather ballet pumps. It never came che...

0 comments 0
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