Ian Gonzales

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (52)

52 Stories

1531 karma pts

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“Gone for Good” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #32

      Todd Harmon jumped down from the cab of his truck, landing on the pavement with a wince as his old knees protested the treatment. He straightened with another grimace of pain for his back, permanently griping after more than thirty years of sitting for hours each day. It was a situation as old as modern society, but somebody had to do the job he did, and the compensation for it had helped him to build a very nice life for himself and his family. He could have taken early retirement three years ago, but he ...

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“For What Ails You” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #24

      “If we go in there, odds are it’s not gonna end well. You know that, right?”           It’s a voice in the back of my mind, a whisper that only I can hear. You’d think after all this time, I’d be used to it, but it still sends a chill down my spine. “Yeah, I know that. But that’s what you’re here for.”           I keep walking as I talk, heading down the night-shrouded street, the old cobblestone w...

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“Prior Obligations” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #22

      “I just wish I knew what this was about,” Maddy said, her arms folded tight across her chest, like she was trying to hold onto something. “I just wish you could explain it to me.”           Joseph glanced up at his wife, saw the worry on her face, and looked away quickly. “I’m sorry, love,” he said, turning back to the mirror and continuing to button his dress shirt. “It can’t be helped. There’s something I have to do.”     &nb...

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“No Place Special” by Ian Gonzales

🏆 Winner of Contest #17

“Hey, Fish, what’s happening with those beans?” My head comes up at the sound of that voice, with its distinctive East London accent. “Underway, sir,” I reply, returning my attention to the task of mixing green beans with a can of something labeled cream of mushroom soup. Around me, laughter breaks out at my response. I can feel my ears burn; I’ve been on this ship a little over four months, long enough to discover that habits formed during four years’ service aboard military vessels are a source of endless amusement. I sneak a peek across t...

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“Friends After Death” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #13

Standing at his kitchen counter, Mike ran through the checklist one last time. It was important that he got things right. A single mistake could ruin everything. His eyes scanned the contents of the cooler lying open in front of him. Chips and bean dip. Check. Pigs-in-a-blanket and hot wings. Check. Those stupid carrot and celery sticks his wife always insisted on sending with him. Check. Beer. Check. He gazed lovingly at the frosty cold bottles of dark glass. Then he spun around, opened the fridge and pulled out another six pack. Double che...

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“The Afterparty” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #13

      The mansion was immense, a construct of towers, turrets, and gables linked by mansard roofing, crowned by a railing of black iron. The walls were dotted with windows, a hodgepodge of arch, lattice, and porthole, from small circles to long, narrow rectangles. The exterior was liberally decorated with ornate scrollwork, trimming every edge and border. A sweep of broad steps led up to a large porch, its roof supported by tall columns. The whole place was a masterful study in Victorian architecture, something ...

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“One Time Too Many” by Ian Gonzales

Submitted to Contest #13

“It just happened again.” I look up from the delivery schedule I’m studying and glance at my coworker. “What?” Josh stares back at me, a frown wrinkling his brow. “I saw another cat. Another black one.” He gestures out through the windshield of the truck. “Scampered across the street right in front of me as I was coming back from the drop-off.” I glance in the indicated direction, but all I can see is the rain, sheeting down out of an overcast sky, coming down so hard that it nearly hides the building that line the street. “Okay. And that’s ...

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Author bio

Ian Gonzales has not written a bio yet!

Winning 2 stories 🏆

Contest #208
That All Important First Scene – read story
Contest #17
No Place Special – read story

Shortlisted 4 stories ⭐️

Contest #277
The Moral of the Story – read story
Contest #266
See What Sticks – read story
Contest #216
Another Chance – read story
Contest #181
Bullets and Feathers – read story