Derek Macleod

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2024

Stories (5)

5 Stories

71 karma pts

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“The Popsicle Pals' Frozen Endeavor” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #262

Chapter 1: The Challenge Sam’s stomach lurched as a silence fell over the crowd outside Frosty's Delight. It was the hottest day of the year and most of the small town of Maplewood seemed to be lined up at Frosty's Delight Ice Cream Shop. The once vibrant ice cream shop looked like it had been hit by a scoop of disappointment. Mr. Frosty, the heart and soul of the place, stood at the front steps, his shoulders slumped.“Bad news, popsicle lovers,” he began, his voice as low as the freezer temperature. "The shop will be closing for good soon. ...

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“The Reluctant Guru” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #261

Chapter 1: The Reluctant StartJack slouched into Grease and Gears, the acrid scent of oil and rubber assaulting his nostrils. The fluorescent lights flickered on, casting harsh shadows across the dirty floor. He grunted, fumbling with his toolbox."Another day in paradise," he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can't wait to see what overpriced, underperforming piece of junk rolls in today."The bell rang, signaling the day's first customer. Jack's shoulders tensed as he turned to face a middle-aged woman clutching her keys."My car's ...

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“Echoes of Gratitude” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #261

Chapter 1: The Weight of the PresentJames stirred from a fitful sleep as the first blush of dawn crept through his bedroom window. It looked very muggy and overcast. It was probably going to rain again today. His old bed was less forgiving than the memory foam mattress at his studio apartment. Only a few more days. He rubbed his eyes, he swung his legs over the bed and got up.The kitchen welcomed him with its familiar warmth. He went about fixing breakfast for him and his mother. Cracking eggs into a bowl, he then whisked them up with ease. ...

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“Unwritten Future” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #260

Chapter 1: Alex's Growing UneaseAlex walked to the backdoor of the community hall, his eyes scanning over the wedding preparations. It had been a long day in the fields, and he wiped the caked dirt off his clothes. The pristine white tablecloths, neatly arranged floral centerpieces, and gleaming silverware should have filled him with anticipation. Instead, a knot formed in his stomach.Leah glided over, her steps deliberate. "There ya are, Alex. What d'ya think of the decorations? Our families worked so hard on 'em."He conjured a grin. "They'...

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“The Devil's Deal” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #260

Chapter 1Jack slumped into his threadbare armchair, a ghost haunting the ruins of his life. The city's relentless drone pierced the stillness of his apartment. Whiskey bottles, like tombstones of his failures, littered the coffee table. A sharp ring shattered the silence, cutting through the fog of his despair. He fumbled for the phone, irritation a thick fog in his mind. "What?" he growled.Mrs. Finch's voice cut through the haze. "Package for you."Surprise ignited amidst his despair. A package? Unlikely. Yet, hope, a fragile ember, flickere...

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