Carille Durbin

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2020

Stories (18)

18 Stories

440 karma pts

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“Forest Fire” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #64

"I don't want you to go fight this forest fire!" Rafe told his wife, Yvonne. "It's much too dangerous."  "We've talked about this before," Yvonne reminded her husband. "I can't quit just because you want to protect me. Firefighting is my job, and it's a job that I love."            "I restrained from complaining when you went into that burning house last year. I was apprehensive, but I didn't say anything. I worry in silence every day when you go to wor...

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“A birthday Present to Remember” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #61

A Birthday Present To Remember Nathanial celebrated his fourteenth birthday with his family. They had a tasty dinner consisting of fried chicken, corn, and mashed potatoes.            "Open your presents," Nathanial's mother said. Nathanial looked at the pile of packages beside his plate. He saw three presents wrapped in plain brown paper. He opened the one on top. Two new shirts were inside. The next package held two new pairs of denim jeans. The last pre...

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“Gabe” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #58

"Not again!" Bobby thought when the familiar sound of shouting woke him up. His parents were yelling at each other again. He tried to crawl deeper into his sleeping bag so he couldn't hear their angry voices.            "Are you telling me that I can't buy myself a new pair of shoes? I need them!"             Bobby could easily hear his father's angry words. He put his hands over his ears.   &...

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“Cottonwood Grove” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #56

The residents of Cottonwood Grove didn't like change. They or their ancestors had lived and died in the small community by the river for over two hundred years. Occasionally a member of the population would go to college and return with a new spouse. Usually, the community accepted the spouse. Nedra attended college in the closest big city. After graduation, she returned, married to a handsome man from that city.            Everyone liked Wendell. He laughed at all th...

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“My Job” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #52

I knew Albert was dead. I knew because I killed him. I lived beyond my means. I craved the best things in life. Designer clothes, expensive wines, exotic trips, and room service in the best hotels all cost money, more money than I had. That wasn't a problem until the credit card companies cut off my credit. I needed easy money.  I started gambling. The money came rolling in. Slot machines paid well, and the Black Jack table was my friend. It didn't matter if I hadn't heard of a sports team, I wo...

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“The Treehouse” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #50

Three of the Carlson siblings were standing in the afternoon sunshine in their mother's backyard.   "It's hard to believe that Mom is going to move." Chloe, the oldest, was talking to her two brothers.            "Mom's been talking about it ever since Dad died. She said the winters in Ohio are too cold," Cooper replied. Cooper was just one year younger than Chloe.  "I thought she was just talking about moving, that she would live here forever." Caleb ...

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“You'd Better Not Lie” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #48

When she was five years old, Margaret asked her friend, Nichole, if she took her barrettes.  Nicole lived next door and they played together almost every day. The day before, Margaret had been showing Nicole her beautiful new hair clips. They were pink with sparkling stones; Margaret loved them.            "I haven't seen your barrettes since you showed them to me!" Nichole sounded angry.  Margaret's vision became blurry just before she saw a bright flashing red...

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“Alexander's Adventure” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #43

Alexander's first thought when he woke up was, "It's Saturday. Momma and Daddy won't go to work today." He knew because he heard them talking about it last night after supper.           His second thought was, "there is something different on my dresser." He got up to take a closer look. Sure enough, there was a strange-looking bottle sitting between his comb and his favorite toy car. He picked it to take a better look. The bottle was covered in dirt. I...

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“Top Notch Security” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #42

I must have the kind of face that people trust because my clients tell me things, things that are better left unsaid.                Top-Notch Security is the name of my business. I started the company soon after my wife died because I couldn't face working for some giant corporation. My wife was always encouraging me to use my talents. She believed in me and was an inspiration, even when she was sick and in pain. She and my lovely daughter made my...

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“Finding a New Home” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #41

"Get up. we're leaving," Mama told Liz. Liz was only six months old but she could walk.           Liz opened her sleepy eyes to look at her mother. "Come on we are leaving now," her mother repeated.           Liz looked around and discovered the rest of the family was starting to move. She got to her feet and started walking as fast as she could. Members of her family parted so Liz was surrounded by adults. &...

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“A Common Ambition” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #40

"This is it, the start of my new and prosperous career." Bill was looking at the door to the First National Bank of Northfield.             "History was changed in this town," a young man about Bill's age remarked. Both men were enjoying a tour of Northfield, Minnesota, the famous town that dared to fight the infamous James-Younger Gang.           "Yes. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the b...

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“Camping Adventure” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #39

"There it is!" Marshall found the North Star in the handle of the Little Dipper. He was camping with three other friends in Rocky Mountain National Park. "Just think, the light from that star started its journey three hundred twenty-three light years ago." "You're the physics major, not me," Maurice spoke as he stood to stretch. He lived in the same dormitory as Marshall. They both loved the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. "I'm going to my tent;  I'll see you in the morning." Maurice love...

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“Family Obligations” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #38

Pride and satisfaction flowed through my veins as I drove up to the old house. It was built sometime in the eighteenth century and the historical building fit my personality perfectly. Great Aunt Ulna left me the house when she died. The lawyers gave me the deed and the keys yesterday. I couldn't wait to move in.               Why did Aunt Ulna leave the house to me? I have no idea. Our family is large. I have three brothers and thre...

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“Recognizable Stranger” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #37

Sylvia pushed her cart down the frozen food aisle. She was looking for the same pizza that she bought last week. Some frozen pizzas were better than others and this one had that rare combination of crisp yet chewy crust. She turned her head a fraction to study the pizzas to the left and caught a glimpse of an older woman. Sylvia didn't want to stare but she thought she recognized her. Where had she seen her before? Try as she might, she couldn't come up with an answer. The frozen pizza was in a stack to her...

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“Three Weeks of Sleeplessness” by Carille Durbin

Submitted to Contest #36

Dear Diary,Once again it's two am and I am wide awake. I decided to document all the things that I have tried and the result of these remidies, starting with today, Sunday. I will use the following format for easy reference.   Day Insomnia Remedy Results Sunday Counting sheep I counted over five thousand sheep and became bored beyond belief. Sleep eluded me so I started over with number one. I finally fell asleep at 9:00 AM Monday Glass of warm milk I was overcome with anxiety because I did not brush my teeth a...

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