Gary Phipps

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2020

Stories (10)

10 Stories

216 karma pts

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“Fear To Change” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #273

Davey looked up from his lukewarm coffee, the buzz of the fluorescent lights above fading into the background. He was trapped, or so it seemed, within the confines of a cubicle that resembled a cage, its walls pressing in tighter with each passing moment. The familiar chorus of keyboards clattering and phones ringing filled the air, a repetitive symphony of boredom. The seconds crawled by, barely discernible in their passing. Here, time stood still. Lunch break came and went like the revolving door of routine. He trudged toward the local del...

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“Shuttered Soul: Capturing the Unseen” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #244

In the not-too-distant future, society has become even more interconnected through digital means, yet more isolated in the physical world. Technology has advanced, allowing for the capture of phenomena beyond human perception. The world was rife with urban legends of digital ghosts and cursed media that could affect those who viewed them, blending the supernatural with everyday tech. Eli, a down-on-his-luck photographer, was obsessed with capturing the unphotographable. He was always looking for the one amazing photo that would take hi...

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“Witness to the Wasteland” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #230

In the trenches of the Western Front, amidst a world torn asunder by war, Robin found himself an unlikely participant. The air, heavy with the stench of gunpowder and the dampness of the earth, spoke of the unending strife around him. From the onset of the conflict, Robin had been there, witnessing the serene fields devolve into a maze of mud, violence and melancholy. His presence, often unnoticed by the others, became a silent testament to the resilience of life in the face of overwhelming chaos. Each dawn, Robin would stand watch, his ga...

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“Abnormal Shift” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #219

Haney sat in the dim glow of the CCTV screens, the soft buzz of electronics filling the otherwise silent room. As the security guard for a remote government research facility, his nights were typically uneventful. But Haney didn’t mind the solitude. After serving as a Cav Scout at Fort Bragg and being accustomed to high-pressure situations, the quiet monotony was almost therapeutic. His eyes, sharp and observant, moved from screen to screen, ensuring that all was well within the facility's sprawling compound. It was said to be focused on m...

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“Masterpiece of Malice” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #217

In the bowels of a towering skyscraper that touched the clouds, in a room devoid of natural light, sat Japeth—a man whose fingers danced over the keyboard like a pianist lost in the throes of a concerto. With a pair of silver-framed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, Japeth peered into the bright screen before him. Surrounding him were his colleagues, collectively known as the "Warriors," each a genius in their own right, defending a massive financial empire from the dark underbelly of the digital world. The company they worked for...

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“Elemental Harmony” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #216

Griff couldn't remember a time when the forest wasn't part of his life. For as long as he'd been alive, the emerald expanse behind his home had been his sanctuary. His mother had always said it was because they lived on the edge of a National Park that the forest felt almost magical. The towering pines seemed to hold centuries of secrets, and the rustling leaves whispered promises of adventure. Every day after school, Griff would throw on his worn-out sneakers, grab a water bottle, and disappear into the labyrinthine woods. He cherished th...

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“Caliban's Bargain” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #215

Chris had always been a cautious man, careful not to slip into the abyss of risks or uncertainties. He had his life planned out like a meticulously crafted blueprint—until the terrible day when everything went south. An important business venture had failed miserably, taking with it his life savings, his reputation, and worse, the trust of his family. Just as he was contemplating the shattered pieces of his life alone in his home office, there was an abrupt knock on his door. It was 12 p.m., an odd time for visitors. “Who the hell is here ...

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“Hopeless Gimmering” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #212

August 3rd, 1849 Reached this lonesome valley today, a real marvel under God's sky. The land stretches endlessly, its only partners being distant mountains and a beckoning stream's song. The journey was a trial, boots laden with mud, spirits weighed by tales of men who came and departed with empty pockets. In my pocket, though, is this curious shiny stone. Not yet gold, but whispering of its presence nearby. Camp's set, the daunting task ahead clear as day. Many a man ventured, few struck gold. Yet, tales of fortunes and the promise of a...

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“Wilderness Savior ” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #132

“Are you there God? It’s me, Wayne”, said in a strained voice. “I know we haven’t talked much lately, but I’m going to need some help with this one”. Huddled between some large boulders half stuck in the hillside, he recalls the events leading to this moment. “I can’t believe this happened?” he thought to himself again. It’s been three days now, three days alone, three days hungry, and even worse, three days cold. Wayne hated the cold. Being a Veteran Army Combat Paratrooper, Wayne spent many cold nights sle...

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“It's nothing personal ” by Gary Phipps

Submitted to Contest #131

It was about a quarter until six as the Duke impatiently glanced at the grandfather clock against the wall. It was a gift to his grandfather from the duchess of Spain some time ago. The Duke, being nearly 60 years of age, can't remember a time when that old clock wasn't in that exact same spot. He loved the nostalgia that it brought him, but part of him also resented it because he usually only looked at it when he was impatient or not looking forward to a particular moment or engagement. This was one of those times. After already having di...

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Author bio

I'm an independent short story author who loves putting together good thought provoking short stories with a twist. I usually don't include too many "happy endings" in my stories. Influenced heavily by Hemingway, Poe and other short story legends that made me love the "realistic endings" in their tales.