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Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2023
Submitted to Contest #216
With her back to the door, she took a shot of the whiskey, grimaced and replaced it in the bottom drawer of her boss’s desk. Smoothing her skirt, she returned to her own desk just outside his office. “Order the wife some flowers, will ya, sweetheart?” The boss appeared behind her starting his morning demands. “Have them write something nice on the card for our anniversary. Use the company account.” He walked through his office doorway, leaving the stink of cigar hanging in the air. With the phone wedged in the cr...
“Move along, buddy.” “Hey, man, I’m not doing anything wrong.” “Yeah, I’ve heard it all before. Come on, give someone else the spot.” The cop stood there unmoving while the younger man gathered his belongings into a backpack scowling. Ushering him out the door into the masses the officer nodded his head to the empty seat, looking at me. “Ma’am?” As relieved as I was to get off my feet, I hardly wanted the attention, nor the title of “Ma’am”. I smiled as I took a seat on the newly empty stool, opting to hold ...
Submitted to Contest #215
“They say screaming is actually good for you.” “I’ve never heard that one before.” “It’s true. There’s something new called Scream Therapy. Supposedly screaming helps to release endorphins.” “Really?” “Yeah,” she continued, optimistic that he seemed interested. “In fact, there’s a theory that screaming can help those who have experienced trauma in their lives, even in childhood.” “Well, thankfully we don’t have to worry about that.” He grabbed her hand smiling at her. “Come on, let’s get on line. Hopef...
Just like that the power went off. The TV, the lights, the microwave heating up his crappy TV dinner all down for the count. He glanced at the air conditioner in the window as if somehow he would find it working. Nope. His heart rate quickened thinking of the extreme heat outside that would be seeping in and taking over. “Dammit.” All those past due notices piled up and then in a moment of frustration thrown into the garbage. How was he supposed to take care of his bills and HER bills with one paycheck?&nbs...
Shortlisted for Contest #214 ⭐️
“Two camels for your daughter?”Lost in thought, or maybe just trying to stay alive in the sizzling heat, I didn’t pay much attention until my dad replied, “Two camels?”“Three camels for your daughter.” This time a statement rather than a question.What is going on here?“Hun, what do you think?” He asked and all eyes turned to his wife sitting coolly sipping an iced tea. “That’s my daughter,” she said, not missing a beat. “She is not for sale.”“You heard the boss.”The stranger walked away, and my parents continued their mea...
Submitted to Contest #214
Walking into the antique shop she felt the anticipation begin to grow. What treasures were awaiting her? Rich in history, some items brought with them their stories from the past while others were a mystery left to one’s imagination. “Oh,” she heard herself actually gasp and made a beeline to the back corner. The desk caught her attention right away, being exactly the style she had been looking for on and off over the years. “Why hello there.” She spoke to the piece of furniture and laughed to acknowledge that she ...
Submitted to Contest #213
“Do you have a minute? I want to get your opinion on something.” She smiled, more to herself than outwardly. Her daughter, a fiercely independent woman, wanted her opinion. An occasion such as this was few and far between. “Of course. What’s on your mind?” “We received a submission for the cover, but it feels weird. I can’t put my finger on it. Something just seems off.” “Let’s take a look. Did you bring it with you?” “I did.” The young woman pulled her laptop out of its case and opened...
(TW … depression, suicidal thoughts)“I honestly don’t know why I should even care anymore.” It was an unpleasant thought. She knew that. It was a thought to fight off, to wrestle to the ground and beat senseless, walking away the victor. She knew that.“Why do I bother? There is no point.” These thoughts, as if best friends, seem to show up together. The power of two makes it harder to fend off, needing a one-two punch to knock them both out.She had fought this demon many times in her life. It was an en...
Submitted to Contest #212
“She’s back.” “Hat Lady?” “Yup.” MaryAnn motioned the next customer to the counter, putting a temporary hold on their conversation. “Can I help you?” She asked, hoping she didn’t sound as impatient as she felt. It wasn’t the customer’s fault that she was anxious to see what happens with the mystery woman. “Yes. Ten stamps please. You know those stamps that are always good, I can’t think of what they’re called.” “Forever stamps,” she replied, glancing toward the lobby. “Yes, that’s it. Forever stamps.&nb...
Submitted to Contest #211
“Pick a card,” her classmate said while passing her the jar. She smiled at the older woman then realized with a start that they were probably close in age. In fact, she was most likely the elder of the two. She felt all eyes upon her as she held the smooth jar, giving it a quick shake. She had a sudden memory of her father’s voice. “Pick a card.” As if it were yesterday and not fifty years prior, she recalled sitting in the kitchen playing rummy while eating her mother’s sugar cookies. Before cell phones becam...
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