ER Castaneda

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2022

Stories (28)

28 Stories

513 karma pts

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“This Little Light of Mine ” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #232

TW: Suicide, Gun Violence Danielle closed in on tiny, wooden round table about 4 feet in height, with a small, black candle atop it. She was outside. Atop the small candle was a very small flame, and Danielle put her hands near the flame for warmth.  She didn’t know how she knew, but she needed to keep the small flame alive or something bad would happen.  She couldn’t remember how she got here, and looked around for any sign of activity. All she could see was darkness every which way she looked, feeling the mind numbing c...

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“Drowning on Dry Land” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #171

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 I am, and I feel a blank slate of emotion. Then it all goes to shit when the plethora of feelings flood in, the anger at...

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“Chainsaws are Loud. ” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #170

“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.   Twenty-two years old and fresh out of college, on my own with my first official bill making (and taking) job, I joined my senior c...

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“Imprisonment via Train” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #168

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, she wondered why she would endure a three-hour daily round trip commute.  Conductor: Now...

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“Just another Manic Monday” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #163

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 pinned under rubble. Her head throbbed and she put her hand to her forehead, where she felt a huge bruise. Her clothes were utterly cov...

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“Super Sushi y Burritos” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #162

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 when you have the option of getting Mexican food or sushi?  This is such a cool place to try. Place just...

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“For Your Amusement ” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #161

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 duffel bag up. “I plan on changing.  Definitely think the pumps aren’t the best footwear for Six Flags.” She and the cashier chuckled.   As soon as t...

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

Submitted to Contest #160

“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 your palate to discover the joys of the influences of the different waters we have to offer, helping to point out th...

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“Price of a Soul” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #159

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.  “Da-dee!” John’s daughter screamed into the phone after the accident. “My new Porsche was just totaled! Pl...

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“Diet Right” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #158

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, Congress voted to make obesity a crime. It wasn’t lost on the American people that many members of Congress held a stake in the Di...

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“Decisions, Decisions” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #157

“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.”   “Sucks,” said Michael, “but this is the life we signed up for!  I’m meeting up with a couple of the...

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“Seeing Red” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #156

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’re both remarried and very happy - well at least I am.” His dad rolled his eyes.  “Mom,” he sighed.  “I had...

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“Highs and Lows ” by ER Castaneda

Submitted to Contest #155

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 longer would she have to use seat belt extenders or bear the stares of those who looked at her in disgust when she waddled through the groce...

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