Hannah Lynn

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2023

Stories (85)

85 Stories

2931 karma pts

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“Her First Submission” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #231

They were short little tales of approximately 700 words, each having a twist ending similar to the old black and white Twilight Zone series. She remembered watching the marathon every New Year’s Day saying “Just one more” as each episode came to an end and the next about to start. She hoped her stories would have that same effect. “Just one more,” she imagined her readers saying as they flipped to the next story in her collection. That is, if she ever completed her short story collection. She thought of the five c...

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“Ten Seconds” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #231

Ten seconds. That’s all she had. The million people packed into the small space created the perfect storm. She didn’t like crowds, the sea of people pressing up against her from all sides made her uncomfortable. Jeff had been obsessed the past few months, bragging to his business partners and clients that they were flying out to New York to see the ball drop. She was embarrassed every time he announced the staggering rate for their Times Square hotel stay as if somehow it was a good thing, an achievement of some sor...

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“Reasons to Live” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #230

(TW – depression, suicidal thoughts)---Reasons to not kill myself – Dec 22, 19811. It would ruin Christmas for my family.---Reasons to not kill myself – Dec 23, 19811. It would destroy my mother.Even though I once told my mother I was considering killing myself and she didn’t take me seriously, it is still the only reason I can think of to not actually do it. It would destroy her. And she doesn’t deserve that. It does seem a bit pointless to stay alive for the sole purpose of another person who doesn’t ev...

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“It's Over - Over and Over Again” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #229

He sat back in his Lazy Boy chair listening to the crackle of the fire. He closed his eyes thinking, “Damn, life is good.” In a few hours the kids would be arriving for Christmas dinner, the first time the gang was all together in what felt like forever. Click, click, click in walked Marilyn all dressed and ready for the festivities. She looked … well, she looked spectacular. “Honey, is that a new dress? I don’t remember seeing that one before?” He asked, looking at her appreciatively. She sta...

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“Sixteen to Sixty - A Love Story” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #229

I don’t remember why we stopped seeing each other but I do remember that we always went back to each other. And then we got married. But not to each other. And then we had kids. But not with each other. On and off for over thirty years I thought about him. Not in the heat of a fight, not in desperation or regret or longing, just in passing. And I would think he’s thinking of me too. He wouldn’t forget me. It’s not possible. And one day I would see him again and I would tell him I love him. I would s...

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“Chatter at the Market” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #228

Another event in the desert where it’s 100 degrees in the shade and by shade he meant the canopy that he himself had struggled to put up. The website had shown a lot of chatter regarding that food market, so he had submitted his application and rented a booth.It was an annual event, always blistering hot and always packed to the gills. He had been there as a customer many times over the years indulging in the comforting Tex-Mex cuisine, but this was his first time as a vendor. Being a computer programmer by profession and not ...

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“Have a Nice Day?” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #228

Twisting the phone cord around my finger, I didn’t know what to do. I stood still for longer than I would have liked before I decided to dial the number. “You ok?” My mother’s voice sounded breathless as she answered. “Yes. Fine.” I heard her exhale. “Ok. Good.” “I’m just scared.” “Aww I know.” “Can you come over? I’m afraid to be alone.” “Sure. How about I take you to breakfast?” “That sounds great. Thanks!” *** Sitting in the tight booth at IHOP I felt anxious but safer than...

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“Jane, Null and Void” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #227

(TW … mention of assassination, hanging)(Note, can be read on its own or as a continuation of previous story “Essy 37 Head of State” submitted in contest #224)The assassination went off without a hitch, shocking the world and those closest to him who did not see it coming. After years of oppression and cruelty, the freed citizens fled in droves, leaving Washington DC abandoned by all.All except Jane. Jane wandered the empty halls fighting the urge to continue her job which was null and void. The offices sat silently, the phone...

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“Ballerinas in the Moonlight” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #227

“Go back to bed, Miss Amelia darling. You know the rules.”“Who are you?”“You know who I am.”“Tell me.”“I’m your aide,” the stranger said. “Now let’s get you back into bed under your blanket. It’s going to be freezing tonight. Do you have your woolen socks on?”I looked down at my feet. Such ugly socks I had on. Why?“These socks are ugly,” I told the strange lady while getting into bed.She laughed. “Are you going out tonight? Perhaps dancing? The socks are fine. You’ll be nice and warm.” S...

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“Mrs. Jackson's Pumpkin Pie” by Hannah Lynn

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #226

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” she pulled his arm, dragging him along. Yanking his arm away from his sister’s grip, he scowled. “Don’t touch me.” “Whatever.” She rolled her eyes, her typical reaction. Luke hated it when people touched him, especially his arms or wrists, always commenting on how skinny he was. “You’re all skin and bones,” they said, making him feel less of a person, even smaller than he actually was if that were even possible. The school nurse had said not to worry, he would grow out of it, would...

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“Mac and Cheese and Muffin Mix” by Hannah Lynn

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #226

The line was already forming as Margaret pulled into the parking lot of the small, unmarked building tucked into the residential neighborhood. The usual characters were front and center waiting at the locked door. “Good morning,” she called out, juggling several brown paper bags, careful to keep her keys on hand to unlock the pantry. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!” She was met with smiles and cheerful holiday greetings. Those closest to the door shuffled to the side allowing the older woman to pass. “Please stay...

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“Mirror of Truth” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #225

Antique stores trigger memories of my grandparents’ kitchen. There was that white cabinet in the corner of the room that held my curiosity but never allowed me entry. Had I been older or less of an introvert I would have asked to see inside rather than just looking at it wistfully. I suddenly felt a sadness at the missed opportunity of my grandfather sharing with me stories of his antiques and how he bought and sold them.The bells jingled as I pushed my way in the day before Thanksgiving. Would the shop be crowded with cu...

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“Vanity Mirror” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #225

“Good morning, Sunshine. Another day, another dollar. Are you ready for the insanity?” She leaned into the mirror studying her reflection. “Wow, you look exhausted,” she told herself.***“Hey!” MI Jane got defensive. No sooner did the words come out of her mouth than she felt the pressure of her supervisor’s hand on her shoulder. Just the slightest bit of a squeeze and then release. Enough to make the point. She was out of turn. Her job was Mirror Image Jane, nothing more, nothing less.***Jane...

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“Reflections of Motherhood” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #225

“Happy Birthday, Mommy!” Startled out of a deep sleep, Julia woke to the twins jumping on the bed like two little monkeys. “Get over here.” She smiled, reaching out for the children. As they tumbled on top of her with their hugs and kisses, she had to laugh. It was a good way to start her birthday. “Are we going to the carnival, Mommy?” “Did you think about it? Can we go?” “Can we, Mommy, can we?” The questions came at her in rapid fire succession. She felt the exhaustion and slight headache lingering fr...

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“The Other Version” by Hannah Lynn

Submitted to Contest #225

She sat on the edge of the bed looking at the sleeping child. Her cheeks were rosy from the summer day, her hair tousled about her face. She looked happy, peaceful. She once again examined her feelings towards this child, her child. She cared for her, perhaps even loved her. The child would be taken care of, continuing down the path that had been so carefully arranged. With the evidence of high intelligence and increasing self-confidence there was no doubt that she would continue to thrive. She was ca...

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Author bio

Native New Yorker Hannah has returned to her love of writing. She is currently working on her first novel in addition to a collection of short stories. Feedback always welcome! Email: HannahLynnStories@gmail.com

Shortlisted 6 stories ⭐️

Contest #250

Be Like the Purple Flowers – read story

Contest #242

Dancing to the Paintings – read story

Contest #226

Mrs. Jackson's Pumpkin Pie – read story

Contest #226

Mac and Cheese and Muffin Mix – read story

Contest #219

Cell Phone Cell – read story