Charles Appleby

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2023

Stories (2)

2 Stories

27 karma pts

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“Broken Silence” by Charles Appleby

Submitted to Contest #274

My friends say that ambient noise helps them sleep. They say that the incessant monotony soothes them like nothing short of drugs can. The static, or whatever noise they choose, carries them to such a deep sleep that they describe it to me as if I've never rested. A foreign delicacy worth boasting about. White noise has never done this for me. For as far back as I can remember all repetitive noise grated against my ears. It's gotten to the point where it’s rare for a day to pass without having to relocate due to noises that pierce my hearing...

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“Lost In Thought” by Charles Appleby

Submitted to Contest #239

My head is sore, the road is smooth, my thoughts are tangled. We have been driving in silence for less time than I think we’ve been. She disturbs the stale stillness by turning away from the window, I blink awake at the wheel. With the timidity of a beaten dog she reaches for the radio, her purposefully ragged sweater drooping over tiny knuckles. A Spanish song pummels us both with noise, like an uninvited and overexcited guest. For a moment, I am back, laughing at the sudden contrast. I turn to her and see her laughing too. Fireworks reflec...

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Author bio

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