H.L Whitlock

“Poppy Meadow” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #86

Ron poured himself a whiskey and lemon. He only ever added the lemon part when he was just with himself, or occasionally, in the company of his late wife, who, to his internal sadness, he had outlived by a number of years. Lemon wasn't something real men added to their drinks. At least in proper company.He laid back on the lounger his kids had convinced (with lots of poking, persuasion and outright bullying) him to buy and Ron could not help but wonder why he had resisted the chair for such a long time. Was it the idea that it did his standi...

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“The Dear little Princess” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #86

Warning: bad language and some violenceOnce upon a time, in a land some far away place, there was a dear little princess who was loved very dearly by her father, the castle servants, and all the villagers who lived on her father's god given lands. The dear little princess was kind to all and all were kind to her in turn, for she had long flowing locks, a smile that could melt the frostiest of hearts, and a slender yet womanly figure. Plus she would do such wonderful deeds as shake the hands of the most common of people and cast scorn at any ...

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“Baiting” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #78

“C’mon! Don’t be such a baby!” Nate stood biting his lip. The camp was out of sight now and the woods loomed large over him. Todd stood, hands on hips. “You’re coming!” Nate’s shoulders drooped. He took small steps towards Todd and the other boys. Todd smirked before turning on his heel and leading the way. They pushed through the brush, Todd using his baseball bat to knock back thorny branches and poke loose rocks away from their path. The boys whispered excitedly to one another as they followed. Todd stopped suddenly in front of them and c...

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“Block” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #77

Her father warned her against going to the Cabin alone. He stood in front of her, kneading at his brow. “It’s unwise to head there alone Eleanor. Running that cabin in summer is a challenge. There’s no modern comforts there. But in winter? With no modern heating, electrics or phone signal? Anything could happen to you and we wouldn't be able to do a thing about it!” That was exactly what Eleanor needed. She accepted her father’s misgivings came from a loving place, but Eleanor was not about to let him stand in the way of her plans. She packe...

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“Cold, November.” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #74

Cold, November.The first leaf falls.It’s later in the year than it usually is. A cold November.It took most of October for the leaves to turn from vibrant greens to a host of autumnal shades. Amber. Burnt Sienna. Topaz. Flame. Before finally turning brown. A dull, mud colored, slightly gray, brown.Leaves that had once been large and full. That had spread wide to catch the sun. To hold it. Drink it. Now curled in, shriveled into themselves, huddling from the bitter winter winds. The frost to come.Husks. Dry, speckled husks. Once the home of s...

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“Song Bird” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #73

‘Just hop along little song bird. Hop along and sing. Just hop along little song bird and sing this song for me.’ The song bird flapped its wings and it hopped and it jumped as pretty as it could be, chirping out a sweet melody for all to hear. The people who had came to visit clapped and cheered. One or two even sung along with the sweet little bird. It’s music bringing joy to everyone. The man stood back smugly, proud of the adoration the honey drop of a bird brought. Many had come from far to see the bird, to hear it and enjoy it, and the...

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“Bliss” by H.L Whitlock

“Thank you for your delivery. You have made us very happy today!” Florence stretched lazily and meandered to the front door, taking her time. As expected her Happy Assistant had helpfully sent the sunshine bots, (the small yellow robots who assisted with day to day tasks, saving herself and her boyfriend time to do the things that they enjoyed) had already brought the packages inside, and were speeding back to their docking station, emitting cheery cheeping noises as their gears whirred. “Alright! New delivery!” Florence could feel Arlo’s ...

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“Chewy” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #71

Chewy In the guiness world records, they list the largest cookie ever made by anyone as being made by a team of baker’s in Flat Rock, North California (USA of course, where else?) called the immaculate baking company, in 2003. They’d have to be immaculate to make a cookie that big without it crumbling or anything. They baked it to raise money for a museum they wanted to get built – somebody would pay for them to make the biggest cookie in the world, right? And the craziest thing is that it actually worked! They raised $20,000 and there w...

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“Our Dear Aida” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #70

Our Dear Aida Aida didn’t have much in the means of funeral attire. She riffled through her wardrobe, pulling back drab clothing after drab clothing. She didn’t remember buying so much plaid, but life had a way of getting away from you like that. Realizing her wardrobe consisted mostly of beige and pastel, Aida settled grudgingly on the pantsuit she bought for an interview in another lifetime. It wasn’t quite black, lurking somewhere around navy, and it was definitely out of style (it was when she bought it) but it was a suit, it was d...

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“Children of Spring” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #69

Children of springShe crept through the grove, alone. It was not how she wanted it but it was how things had worked out. She was getting used to it. Just.Yet this journey she took wasn’t about that. It was about trying to change it. Or at least it was when she wasn’t lying to herself.I want answers. I will hold them accountable.I don’t want to be alone anymore. I want...What I can’t have.Gretel shook herself. She had to keep going. She crushed the voice that told her the woods were dark and frightening. That it was a bad idea to be alone her...

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“Moon Paw” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #68

It was making noise again.Luna yawned and stretched. She slowly sauntered over to the cage they kept it in. Her humans had one thing right, keep the noisy fur ball locked up tight. The fuzz ball shivered, visible tremors riding up its body in waves. When Luna sidled into its vision it shook even more, vibrating out its own little earthquake. Luna smirked. She rubbed herself against the bars then carried herself away with a swish of her tail. It yowled. The noise sent hackles raising down her back. Luna shuddered. The hideous pest had forced ...

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“Gabbie Gabs Alone” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #68

Gabbie Gabs alone They sat under their tree for hours, showing each other funny memes and videos. They laughed so much and talked about their favourite bands. Another awesome night. Al’s blonde curls caught the evening light, shining gold. His eyelashes looked gold too and they fluttered gently while he concentrated on his screen. "I... I think I love you." "Uh-huh" He wasn't listening. Gabbie punched him on the arm. "What? What did I do?" Al said, eyes wide and full of feigned hurt. "Sometimes you're the worst!" she snapped at him. "Okay ...

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“Cetus's treasure” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #67

Cetus’s treasureThe ship rocked, battered by the waves slamming themselves against the hull of the ship. The smell of salt was strong on the air, ever present on the journey.The Captain never noticed it any more. It was a background smell along with the dark smell of BO emitting from himself and the crew, the shit of seabirds when they were close enough to shore to attract them. The smell of their food rotting. First turning a sickly green then a dark, ugly brown as they shrivelled and died.The Captain had warned his men: no perishables. But...

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“Teracotta Flames” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #66

Teracotta Flames The sun rose to its highest, fixed in place staring down at the settlement isolated in grassland that seemed to reach out forever, beyond the sun. The settlement stood alone, a small island in the middle of a green sea. Large cones pointed into the sky woven out of colourful fabrics and dark leather. Strong ropes and posts prevented them from falling down. The tepees huddled together, finding comfort in their closeness, keeping the isolation of their world at bay. The community that inhabited this fabricated island were ...

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“Night Out” by H.L Whitlock

Submitted to Contest #65

Night OutIt was a chill winters night, pitch black. There was very little light to be seen by. Street lights in the distance provided an electrical glow, projecting unnatural yellow light out into the dark. It rained a little. Nothing heavy, just a light drizzle.A young couple walked in the dark. The shorter of the two walked a few feet ahead, taking quick steps. The sounds of her heels clacking against the ground rang out into an otherwise quiet night."Urgh! I hate the rain! It always ruins my hair!"The man, a few paces back, took long rela...

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