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Alana Lawlor

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jun, 2020

Stories (7)

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29 Followers

9 Following

7 Stories

152 karma pts

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Shooting Lessons

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #60

I watched my brother with a sense of unease, as he jabbed the zombie crawling beside him with a stick and laughed in amusement. The zombie let out an offended groan and swiped its withered hand at him. “This one’s still a bit wiley.” “It really is a miracle you’ve managed to survive this long.” The zombie seemed unlikely to make a sudden lunge for him, in his defence. It had been a woman, at least I thought so because it had long hair. Its legs had been shredded to ribbons. They dragged after the creature’s torso like decaying, m...

6 likes

The Silver Locket

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #53

We edged our way through the bushes and wet leaves. They stuck to my boots as I walked. It was the dead of night, but the moon was bright and we didn’t need to switch on our headlamps yet. I was in the middle, Kate was ahead of me holding the branches back. Brian was behind. I could hear his heavy breathing and clumsy footsteps as he struggled to catch up to us. “Christ, you didn’t tell me we’d have to trek through the wilderness.” “You knew it was down the country,” Kate said. “Everything is miles away from everything else here.” Kate...

12 likes

The Talent Show

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #50

I patted the glowsticks in place, hoping the sellotape would hold. They were stuck all over me, including my limbs, which made it hard to bend my arms. Mrs. Thompson, who teaches second grade and was my teacher last year, had been helping me prepare my outfit. She sat back on her heels and reviewed her work in admiration.“Danny, you look fabulous!” She gave me a wide smile and pinched my cheek. “Alright, who’s next?”Chris stuck up his hand and edged forward. “My turn, my turn.”She started with his legs, holding the glowstick against him and ...

7 likes

Birdwatching by night

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #49

It was the evening of September 14th when I saw it. Ironically, our birdwatching group had just finished for the night. We had spotted a few arctic terns and considered it a successful outing. I’d said my goodbyes and made plans to meet up the following week, and was then driving home through a narrow stretch of road beside the woodland. I saw it flying from a distance and stopped the car to see what it was. It was so large that at first I thought it was a raven. It landed on a tree not far from me and as it settled itself I got a better loo...

5 likes

Writing Therapy

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #46

The group sat in grumpy silence, shifting in their seats and avoiding eye contact. Sean focused his gaze resolutely on the floor. He kept his body still and prayed he wouldn’t be called upon. He could just make out Donny in his peripheral vision, rocking back and forth in his chair with his head lolled back. Ms. Powley, the group’s therapist, was smiling brightly as she looked around the room. With her back very straight and her hands clasped together, she had the energy of an over-eager camp counselor. “Nobody wants to volunteer?” It ap...

6 likes

27th July 1981, Maze Prison, Northern Ireland

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #45

There’s a shrill alarm ringing. I used to wake up before the alarm, but recently I’ve slept like the dead. Sleep still has its hold on me. It’s pressing down on me like a thousand blankets. I hear whistles now, and batons banging on the doors as the guards do their rounds.“Up, up, time to get up!”My eyes crack open. It’s a sunny day, a rare and welcome event in Ireland. I stretch out my body, carefully. Everything is stiff and mechanical, like trying to peddle a rusty bicycle.It’s been 28 days since I last ate something and my body aches at ...

5 likes

The Reunion

Alana Lawlor

Submitted to Contest #44

I staggered after Lucy, even though she was the one wearing heels. She marched quickly and with purpose, her shoes click-clacking on the cold linoleum. In my defense, I was carrying some supplies for the caterers. I was too nervous to sit around, so I asked if I could help them. At this moment, I was struggling to maintain my grip on a large box filled with champagne glasses, craning my neck to the side to make sure I didn’t trip.“I spoke to Jeff, I told him to take Grandpa straight into the family area. He’ll get annoyed if he has to keep m...

7 likes