A.T. Westbrook

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2022

Stories (6)

6 Stories

140 karma pts

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“Happier” by A.T. Westbrook

Submitted to Contest #199

Whenever I tell this story, I always start with the bleakness, the colorless hollow into which he might very well fade away. The words change depending on my audience, but when the reel plays in my mind, I always see the same film… He repeated the words—have a great day… I love you, too—and put the phone down. Arranging his desk under a distant gaze, his hands followed along the unseen tracks of well-trea...

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“Harmony” by A.T. Westbrook

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #164

Where I come from, no one locks their doors. We don’t even have locks. It isn’t that they feel particularly safe, or kind to strangers. We don’t have those either. Strangers, that is. You see, I come from Harmony. Yes, that Harmony. Before you ask, no, I don’t have a third arm growing out of my shoulder, scales on my skin, barbs out of my spine. I mean, my skin gets dried out if I spend too much time in t...

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“Infinite Blue” by A.T. Westbrook

Submitted to Contest #163

Erin remembered thinking, even in the early days, that the most gruesome tragedies often had innocent beginnings. Perhaps therein lies the tragedy, when the Fates realize that a pure love has flourished in an unseen corner of the world, tangles of blossoms drawing life from deepening roots in the shade of fallen trees only to emerge, radiant, when the shadows could contain them no longer. The balance must be restored; th...

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“The Fogged Glass” by A.T. Westbrook

Submitted to Contest #156

[T/W: Domestic abuse, mental health] “Don’t you remember?” Ron’s gaze pleaded from just inches away. The corners of his eyes pinched, his lips tightened in a strained pout. “I know this has been a lot for you and must be so confusing. But that isn’t quite how it happened, is it, dear?” “Well, Pen, what happened? We’re here for you.” Penelope’s father spoke warmly, although she notice...

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“The Journeys West” by A.T. Westbrook

Submitted to Contest #155

Once in my travels, I came across a great walled city, a place of shelter and safety in an otherwise harsh desert. I entered through what I came to know as the West Gate and walked the stone-laid streets. I had spent weeks crossing the sands, surviving well enough on the supplies I carried with me, but both my horse and I welcomed the refuge. Away from the wind and under shade from the sun, I saw the peop...

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“The Ruined Lighthouse” by A.T. Westbrook

Submitted to Contest #154

“We’re running out of time,” the nurse muttered as she recorded my father’s vitals in her folder. She finished scribbling her notes, clicked the pen with a satisfied nod, and then, remembering that I stood across the bed from her, offered, “I suggest if you have anything you’d like to say to him before he passes, you do it soon. Otherwise, you might be too late.” I watched as she waited for my response, h...

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Author bio

Lifelong amateur writer looking to practice the craft, read your writing, and learn through the process. I welcome whatever feedback you might have. Cheers, ATW Copyright Š 2022-2023 A.T. Westbrook

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #164
Harmony – read story