ER Castaneda

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2022

Stories (12)

12 Stories

224 karma pts

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“Drowning on Dry Land” by ER Castaneda

Standing at the top of the mountain, looking at the lush greenery of trees  surrounding me and focusing on the waterfall off in the distance, I realize I made it!  I made the climb! I began to tear up.  One year earlier:  The millisecond right after I stir and am awakened, right before my eyes shoot open, is one of the guaranteed great moments of my day. I don’t know where I am, who ...

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“Chainsaws are Loud. ” by ER Castaneda

“Common sense is not so common.” - Francois-Marie Arouet “I’ve got a plan!” I said.  “Let’s hire someone with a chainsaw on Craigslist!”  I can still smell the mixture of burnt wood and fabric, see the thick gray smoke wafting in the air, hear the blaring sound of the fire alarm, see the people running into our apartment, willing myself to turn back time and make better decisions....

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“Imprisonment via Train” by ER Castaneda

She stared out the train window, watching the scenery whiz by quickly as she made her way home.  If she squinted her eyes, the trees, dilapidated houses, homeless encampments, and open space all seemed to intersect together into one big blob.   Her train rides to and from work and home were approximately an hour and a half long with 10 stops.  There was approximately 10 minutes between each stop.  Sighing...

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“Just another Manic Monday” by ER Castaneda

The U.S. Bank Tower building in Los Angeles suddenly collapsed on a Monday morning at 10:30am.  Cheryl was walking to the printer -  for another mundane task as a clerk - when it happened. The only thing she could remember before the collapse was a loud noise and all she could think was, “Earthquake!” before she blacked out. When Cheryl came to and tried to move, she discovered her leg was...

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“Super Sushi y Burritos” by ER Castaneda

Jim looked at the Mexican-Sushi fusion restaurant menu, sighing. Why did he always allow Marcus to choose the places they would go for dinner during their monthly hangouts?  He thought that maybe he should order a large garden salad?  That seemed safe enough.  “Dude,” said his best friend Marcus, as if reading his mind. “Don’t even think about getting a salad. Why would you even want to order that here wh...

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“For Your Amusement ” by ER Castaneda

Approaching the ticket counter at Six Flags Great Adventue, Beth readied herself for a much needed day off.  “One ticket please,” she said to the cashier, handing over cash.  “Not the usual look coming into the park, the cashier glanced up and down, noting Beth’s pristine two piece black pants suit with black pumps.  “Yeah,” said Beth hoisting her Nike duff...

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“Water, Water, Everywhere - and Lots of Drops to Drink ” by ER Castaneda

“Welcome to Refined H20, an immersive aquatic experience here in Los Angeles.  You’ll be tasting five distinctive flavors of water today, and I’ll show your palate how to differentiate between luxurious agua and simple tap water.” Many patrons laughed.  “My name is Ricardo Cortez and I’m a water sommelier.  Few of us exist in the world.  I’ll be serving your water this evening and helping ...

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“Price of a Soul” by ER Castaneda

John Avalon’s 18-year-old intoxicated daughter smashed into the back of a blue Nissan Sentra while going 110 miles in her 2020, bright yellow Porsche 911 Carrera S on a Saturday night while driving back from Club Starlight. Mom and the five-year-old daughter in the Sentra didn’t make it. Dad was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. John’s daughter escaped the wreckage with a few scratches and bruises. 

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“Diet Right” by ER Castaneda

TW: eating disorders In 2057 in America, with the introduction of “Diet Rite,” obesity was proclaimed illegal for anyone over 18. Anyone deemed obese under current guidelines was arrested, convicted, and placed in jail until they were starved, force fed “Diet Rite,” or a version of the two.  Because obesity and the associated health care risks became a huge burden on the healthcare system,...

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“Decisions, Decisions” by ER Castaneda

“Hey, Davis! Boss said he needs that pitch by 8 tomorrow morning.” Steven sighed.  It was already just past 10PM and he was putting the finishing touches on another ad campaign, thinking he’d finally get to head home at a reasonable time tonight.  But with this new deadline, he’d definitely have to pull an all-nighter.   “Thanks Michael.  Looks like I’m staying here tonight.”  

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“Seeing Red” by ER Castaneda

Jeremy escorted his parents into his two -story brownstone, allowing them to settle themselves on the black leather couch before addressing them. “I asked you guys here because I want you to understand the rules of my wedding and to remain civil to each other. I…” “Dear,” interrupted his mom, “we’ve been divorced for 6 years.   We definitely know how to conduct ourselves by now.  Plus, we’...

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“Highs and Lows ” by ER Castaneda

Trigger warning: alcoholism; eating disorders In the brief period of time she could stand, she looked in the mirror at herself, naked and shivering, taking in her protruding collarbone, her thin thighs that could no longer support her standing body for more than 60 seconds, her concave stomach, her eerily defined ribs, grayish and yet still red and splotchy, angular face, her skeleton-like arms. No lon...

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