Amanda Stogsdill

“We Know What We Heard” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #272

We Know What We Heard by Amanda StogsdillThumpity thump! Inside their cozy living room, teens Danny and Tommy paused their video game. Onscreen, two cars were about to collide with one another. Deciding it was the wintry wind, they returned to their game.Thump, thump. There it was again, a little louder than before. Tommy looked at Danny, perplexed. "Are you doing that?" He shook his head, just as confused as his brother.After about a half hour, their mother returned with groceries. Unpacking in the kitchen, they told her about the mysteriou...

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“The Warnings” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #272

The Warnings By Amanda StogsdillBriara waited impatiently in a very long line. Nearly Halloween, this new haunted house attraction was supposed to be the best around. "Are you scared?" Her Mom asked."Oh, Mom, I'll be fine. It's not that scary!" Briara gazed around, smirking. People were joking and laughing, dressed in costumes. No one was acting really frightened. Yet.Just then, a black dog scampered by. "Hey, that dog cut in front of us." Briara cried."ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!" A voice boomed. Of course, everyone laughed, it was part of the ...

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“Fresh Start” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #270

Fresh Start By Amanda Stogsdill Mandy's stomach was in Butterfly City as she boarded the bus the first day of school. Why did we have to move anyway? She knew the answer; Mom switched jobs, (she now baked at the cafe, which offered better pay than her previous one) and unexpectedly sold their house and moved to a new city towards the end of summer. Life would still be tough for a while. Glumly, Mandy slumped down in a middle seat, and stared out the window. The only bright spot was her Mom was going to teach her how to bake a pie. "Mandy, we...

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“Mother's day” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #268

Warning This story contains themes of pregnancyMother’s Day by Amanda StogsdillStaring at the hospital door, I panic. As my heart accelerates, I'm dizzy. Can I do this? Keeping it isn't an option, if it's adopted, another family could love it. If it were terminated, my problem would be solved. That seems wrong, too. Killing an unborn child, just because I don't want it? It's kicking; I should feel something, but I'm dead inside. I can’t carry it for nine months, then give it up!Chewing my nails, I collapse on the graffiti-covered bench, gazi...

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“mended” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #267

Mendedby Amanda Stogsdill "This call is from Teresa. To accept, press two. You can speak now." An automated female voice directed me."Hello?" I waited, licking my lips."Hi. How are you?" Teresa asked. Her voice was soft, and a little flat.“All right,” I replied, “And you?”"About the same. Stuck inside these four walls. Nothing to do. How's everyone?""We had Tyler's party last week. Same water slide as always. Until the kids get bored, that's what it'll be."Silence. "Wish I was there." Teresa's voice trembled, "Do they ask about me?"Yes, Tyle...

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“cursed” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #266

Cursed by Amanda Stogsdill I slide the manuscript from its hiding place. Staring at the title, I finger its many pages. So much has happened, it seems like a lifetime has passed, instead of months. Would anyone at the agent’s offices read it? Only one way to find out. Pulling out an already-addressed envelope, I place my precious story inside. Sealing it, I almost laugh out loud at the absurdity of the story. Who would believe a word? The truth is stranger than any fiction!****It's a dark, stormy afternoon. As rain hammers on my windows and ...

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“My Crazy Year” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #265

My Crazy Year by Amanda Stogsdill The wintery Colorado wind blew fiercely, numbing tingly fingers as my friends and I gulped in the frosty air. Bundled up in winter coats, scarves, multiple pairs of gloves, we boarded our usual bus to the Center for the Blind.The center was recommended by my vocational counselor, a place for learning new skills while living independently. So, there I was boarding a plane for Colorado. I'd arrived very unsure of what would happen. I was met by staff who assisted me through the airport, driving me to my...

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“Beach House” by Amanda Stogsdill

Beach House By Amanda Stogsdill April showers bring May flowers. What a crazy saying! I can't stand flowers, and April showers aren't exactly beautiful. I’m terrified of storms!"Who can tell me what these are?" Mr. Dawes held up a colorful picture of dark clouds."Cumulus clouds." Eddy, my best friend, raised his hand. He loved everything to do with weather, often boring us with daily weather reports. Naturally, he wanted to be a reporter."Very good. Who knows what happens when these clouds appear?"Rain! I thought. Loud noisy rain, with even ...

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“The Candy Man” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #262

Candy Man by Amanda Stogsdill "Judy? Judy? Can you hear me?"In my dark closet, I stifle giggles, listening as Nancy's footsteps fade down the hallway. Releasing a silent laugh, I emerge from my hiding place."There you are! Mom's been holding dinner." Nancy flashes a big grin. "You can't fool me, Judy. I know where you hide." Leave it to Nancy to ruin my afternoon! I think. Showing my irritation by ignoring her, we head downstairs to dinner.Nancy and I are stepsisters. When my parents got divorced when I was little, Mom married my stepda...

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“School days” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #261

School Days by Amanda Stogsdill There have been a lot of people who have assisted me throughout my life. Family, friends, and teachers. In elementary school, I had wonderful teachers, who have unfortunately slipped from my memory.I recall one particular person from those early years. Ms. R was my aide in the classroom. She helped me with the sometimes difficult task of learning braille. (I also had a couple braille teachers who came weekly to teach me). As Ms. R was with me daily, we both learned and struggled together. I didn't find out ...

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“The Watsons” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #260

The Watsons by Amanda Stogsdill"Hurry up, will you?" Teresa called over her shoulder. Butterfly puffed along, the strap of her heavy schoolbag digging into her shoulder."It's miserable. I'm sweating buckets!" The thirteen-year-old complained, "Why can't you drive?""Because, my car's broken down, remember? I have school too, you know. Shut up and keep walking." Teresa was also sweating, but wasn't showing it as much as her younger sister. With their identical features and hairstyles, you'd suppose they were twins. Except of course, for their ...

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“walls” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #259

Walls by Amanda Stogsdill Crash! In their room, Christy and Logan awaken, eyes wide. As the angry voices drift to them, both cover their ears. Not this again! Next, the house shakes with a slamming of a door, followed by the roar of a truck's motor.The house is accustomed to this uproar, its walls would have cried if they had been able to. Patched holes, damaged doors, and askew pictures, are evidence of Father's anger.*****"Christy, what's the capital of New York?" The teacher waited, expecting an answer. Silence. Christy slouched in her se...

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“Unnamed Voices” by Amanda Stogsdill

Submitted to Contest #258

Warning: This story contains descriptions of abuseUnnamed Voices by Amanda StogsdillThe gates swung open with a heavy creak. I stared up at the gray buildings with their barred windows, like sad eyes gazing out at the world. What's inside? Why so much evil and despair?It began with a photograph. In the closet among the other items of my past, it had lain forgotten for many years. Its edges curled, the black-and-white image faded, it was almost overlooked—except for the faces. ********"No, I won't." Susan screamed, kicking her legs. Her mothe...

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“The Secret Summer” by Amanda Stogsdill

Secret summer by Amanda Stogsdill"Are we there yet?" Angie whined for the hundredth time, "How much longer?""Another hour. Now enough fussing." Mom scolded, glaring at her impatient daughter from the passenger seat. Dad drove silently, but grunted in agreement."Do we have to share a room?" Libby grumbled, "She never shuts up!" Their parents replied that no, the girls wouldn't be forced to share."Good!" Both grinned in relief. The once-bickering sisters spent the rest of the journey in contented silence."We're here! Finally." Angie leapt out,...

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“no grown ups” by Amanda Stogsdill

No Grown ups by Amanda StogsdillThe lunchroom is crowded and noisy. I dodge around kids fighting over seats, a food fight among the high schoolers, until I spot an empty table in a quiet corner. Finally! Plopping my lunchbox down, I toss my backpack on to the floor beside me. "May I join you?" Lena asks. I nod, she scoots on to the opposite bench."Want to trade?" After swapping our lunches, we get down to business. "We must surprise her before school lets out." I say enthusiastically.Lena nods in agreement, chewing a nectarine. Why Mom packs...

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