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Emily M. Reiser

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2024

Stories (8)

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5 Followers

2 Following

8 Stories

126 karma pts

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Greener Pastures

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #292

If Jade were a little braver, this town would be nothing to her than a hazy memory. Her mother used to tell Jade to relish in the quaint living that could only be found in special places like Inder. What her mother failed to mention was that it couldn’t be overstated how boring the simple life was. Jade knew all along, of course. That’s why she always dreamt of leaving Inder with no intention of venturing back across the town line. But she got older. The responsibilities mounted onto her shoulders. First, taking care of her sick ...

4 likes

Coming Together

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #283

Helene had trouble connecting to the joy that many were convinced possessed them during the holiday season. It was one of the many reasons she rejected the idea of attending any festive gathering. She had not celebrated a single holiday in ten years. A tradition she was proud to continue. Mostly, because it had become less of a tradition and more as a method of self-preservation. Her methods of crafting her best personas could come under scrutiny if she caught the attention of the wrong party guest. Unlike other events she crashed, she would...

2 likes

One Day at a Time in Bellewood

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #252

It will not be like last time. I am in control. After moving to the quaint town of Bellewood I learned that they only have one coffee shop: Prairie Java. It isn’t even good. But the owners must be familiar with the idea that beggars can’t be choosers. We take what we can get. I’ve been here two months and I’ve already become an avid regular at this establishment. In that time I’ve only seen two baristas at work here, Emma and Lori. Emma is a recent high school graduate who will attend a cosmetology school in Septembe...

4 likes

It's the Little Things

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #246

Over the years I’ve learned to be careful. I am good at what I do and I cover my tracks. I pull off my jobs and I take special care to not draw too much attention to myself. But eventually, despite all the planning and the caution, there comes a time when you need somebody to do you a favor. The caveat being that you then owe them one in return. Being in somebody’s debt creates an itch under my skin that never goes away until I can look them in the eyes and shake their hand. I am not necessarily a woman of my word, but I know the...

7 likes

What Happened to Riley White?

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #236

I was intrigued when I found the dusty computer in the attic. My parents claimed they had never laid eyes on it. I brought it back to my room, wondering what a mysterious computer was doing in our house. After plugging it in, the screen lit up right away. The background remained black with words trickling across the screen. The same word in green filled the entire screen in seconds. Adams. It took a quick internet search on my phone to pull up a few people with the last name Adams that lived in town. Curiosity fully engulfed me as I...

6 likes

Home

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #235

“Lizzie, you have to go.” Lizzie shook her head, grasping Nina’s hand tighter. “I can’t leave you. Not after everything.” The color was draining from Nina’s face but she managed a faint smile, coughing up blood right after the act. “We did what we set out to do. Now you have to get out of here before they come back.” Nina’s right hand fumbled its way to her pocket. It emerged with a large coin that had a sun sketched on both sides. “Take this. Find the others who believe in our cause.” Lizzie slowly pulled the coin out of Nina’s fingert...

8 likes

Fairytale

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #233

The frigid wind whipped through Halle’s hair as she wrapped her arms around her chest. She was still three blocks away from her apartment. It was getting late so there were not a lot of places for her to duck in and warm up for a few minutes. A few buildings ahead Halle watched as three girls strolled out onto the sidewalk, hugging each other and giggling so loud it echoed off the concrete. Halle looked above them. FAIRYTALE it read in a loopy font on the sign that hung above the door. As Halle got closer one of the girls with...

3 likes

Six Resolutions

Emily M. Reiser

Submitted to Contest #231

Mia’s calves were burning as she approached her third mile on the treadmill. She had always told herself she needed to put her gym membership to use but it wasn’t until the past few months that she felt motivated enough to go. She spent too long behind a desk and it was starting to get the better of her. Now she had a purpose. The rest of the 24/7 workout center was empty. Mia had her pick of treadmills and she chose the one positioned right in front of the clock on the wall. 11:59 Mia forgot about the pain building in her muscles as she ...

6 likes