BRUCE MARTIN

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2022

Stories (30)

30 Stories

687 karma pts

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“THE LAST LEAF - by O Henry” by BRUCE MARTIN

This is a short story by my favorite author, O Henry. I am uploading it just for everyone's enjoyment. It's a real masterpiece!• • • • • •IN A LITTLE district west of Washington Square the streets have run crazy and broken themselves into small strips called “places.” These “places” make strange angles and curves. One street crosses itself a time or two. An artist once discovered a valuable possibility in this street. Suppose a collector with a bill for paints, paper and ca...

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“THE EXPRESS TRAIN” by BRUCE MARTIN

Jack stood on the subway platform awaiting his express train. It had been a long, arduous day at work, as usual, and Jack could think of nothing else but getting home to his loving family, having a warm supper and a good night’s sleep. Leaning against a subway post, he allowed himself to drift into a semi-conscious reverie, dreaming of the one thing he never experiences: a moment of solitude and peace.As the senior manager in a high-energy financial firm in Manhattan, his work was intense and relentless. Jack reported di...

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“THE COCKTAIL PARTY” by BRUCE MARTIN

As luck would have it, the cocktail party brought together two masters of the English language. On the one hand, Arthur Lambert was a highly respected professor of English and creative writing. On the other hand, Tom Salinger was a well-known and celebrated author of short stories and novels.Professor Lambert approached the famed author and introduced himself.“Hello, Mr....

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“MY PREFERRED PRONOUNS” by BRUCE MARTIN

As a young child, Harvey Hickock tended to gravitate towards what one might consider feminine activities. For example, he preferred to play with dolls and flowers rather than the military figures, tanks and building blocks that were his older brother’s fascination. As a teenager, Harvey seemed to be more comfortable around girls, but only in a platonic sense. He did not seem to desire them the way his classmates did.Therefore, it was no surprise to anyone when Harvey announced that he identified as a woman.

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“FIVE POUNDS OF FOOD” by BRUCE MARTIN

The Big Texan is a ranch and restaurant in Amarillo, Texas. It was founded in 1960 on Route 66, serving the finest Texas barbecue, but moved to its current location just off Route 40 in Amarillo in April, 1971. The owner originated the 72-ounce Steak Challenge, and when the new facility opened, the Challenge became famous.   It...

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“THE INTERVIEW” by BRUCE MARTIN

Fred burst into the kitchen and proclaimed excitedly, “Honey, I have great news!”His wife, Furn, spun around and responded, “Oh, Fred, you know I love good news! What is it?”Fred held back just for a moment to heighten the tension.“Well, do you remember the position I applied for last week?”

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“AN ATHEIST AND A RELIGIOUS ZEALOT GO PARASAILING” by BRUCE MARTIN

Allan Rivers had always dreamed of visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Several of his friends had been there and raved about the wonderful hotels, lavish dining, and excellent water activities. Most of all, Allan wanted to try his hand at parasailing, and the main resort specialized in that.  Arrangements were made, and Allan and his...

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“THE POOL ROOM AT PELICAN POINT” by BRUCE MARTIN

In the quiet retirement community of Pelican Point in Boca Raton, the residents enjoyed lavish facilities and an active lifestyle. The clubhouse had an Olympic-size, heated swimming pool, a resistance pool for walking, two heated spas, a Swedish sauna and a steam room. There were three restaurants, offering everything from breakfast omelets and French toast to the finest steaks, chops and salads....

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“IT'S ALL RELATIVE” by BRUCE MARTIN

In the doctors' cafeteria at a prominent medical university hospital, two young physicians were discussing their current patient census. Sitting at a table at lunch, one of the two was quite annoyed. Dr. Gary Houston exasperatedly complained about one patient in particular, an elderly man in serious condition. “I can’t believe how stupid this old guy is! It took me an ex...

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“A NEW PRESIDENT - PART 1” by BRUCE MARTIN

Part 1:He seemed to come out of nowhere. Franklin Jacobson was a young, handsome, dynamic Republican congressman from Asheville, North Carolina. He was articulate and knowledgable, almost incredibly so. In fact, many listeners would comment that they had never before heard anyone with such a preternatural command of the issues.

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“A NEW PRESIDENT - PART 2” by BRUCE MARTIN

Part 2: The first Tuesday in November was upon the nation, and the election turnout was the largest in the history of America. The outcome was a foregone conclusion. Franklin prevailed in all 50 states, winning the highest number of electoral votes ever. Franklin Jacobson was now President of the United States. And his ascension ca...

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“A NEW PRESIDENT - PART 3” by BRUCE MARTIN

Part 3: Needless to say, the USA and the entire world were rendered speechless by the President’s formal address. As predicted, many people were extremely frightened. Just as many dismissed all of it as simple jabberwocky. However, news reports began to filter in that, indeed, violent perpetrators on the streets of Chicago and New ...

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“A MIRACLE” by BRUCE MARTIN

Many people would agree that to raise and love a child is the only thing in life that has any real meaning. Wealth, fame, athletics, even intellectual pursuits, all amount to empty achievements in comparison to the profound importance of creating and nurturing life. One might even say that accomplishments such as winning a race, composing a symphony, or painting a beautiful portrait represent two-dimensional creativity, ...

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“THE BLIND DATE” by BRUCE MARTIN

It is a rare individual who does not desire and need the love of others.Larry Peppercap, an accomplished young man, but quite modest in appearance, longed for feminine companionship and love. Tall, muscular, handsome and athletic, he was not. But determined to find a genuine relationship, he was.Following the advice of his male friends, Larry opened a profile on an internet dating service, Lovemetonight.com. The posting of photos on this website was optional. And for that, Larry was mo...

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“THE BTRK KILLER” by BRUCE MARTIN

WARNING: This story involves an onslaught of violence, sexual torture and gore. If you are squeamish, stop right here. I had just come home from my usual workout at the gym when the alarm at my house was sounding and I noticed a window in the back of the house had been pried open. This was a very frightening finding since everyone...

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Author bio

All of my stories are totally fictional, and fully copyrighted.