Ian Grogan

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Sep, 2023

Stories (13)

13 Stories

240 karma pts

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“Tap.” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #225

Tap. Tap. Tap. You awaken slowly out of what was once a deep slumber. You rub your eyes and focus on the darkness around you, acclimating to reality. The clock on your nightstand says 3:42am. You yawn, trying to figure out why you are awake. Tap. Tap. Tap. An unfamiliar and sudden rapping sends a shiver deep down your spine. Turning to your side, you nudge your partner who only moans as an automatic response. You are alone. You sit up, creakingly, in the king size bed, push the comforter to the side and dangle your feet off of the edge...

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“Persistence” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #222

You glance at the reflection of your face in the stream in front of you, the outline highlighted by a combination of warm colors from the distant fire behind you and the slight flicker of the stars above. The image becomes blurry as you dip your cupped palms in the cool water. Bringing your hands to your face, you sip the current and feel the refreshment awaken your body. You know this is your last chance to gather yourself, so you let the drink linger on your lips for as long as possible. With your feet rigid, you lower your damp fingers in...

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“God Wouldn't Mind” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #221

The smell of sulfur filled Emily’s nostrils as she struck the matchhead on the side of the box. The light from the flame caused her to temporarily see spots every time she blinked. She extended the match to the fresh wick resting atop the blood red candle she had found in a drawer in the house and lit it. The wax instantly pooled and ran down the sides of the beacon before dripping onto the grass. Emily rested on her knees next to the freshly filled hole with her Bible in her hand and optimistic thoughts on her mind. She needed her Henry t...

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“Miguelancholy” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #221

I’ve often asked myself why I chose to stay. Why I didn’t walk “into the light”. I had the opportunity to move on, but I wasn’t ready. I wanted to experience more of this world, I wanted to travel, to experience, to see things from a different vantage point. Unfortunately, I ended up at Spuckes & Sons Scare Services as a tier three haunt waiting to get calls from middle class Americans for performative purposes. Years ago, Richard Spuckes realized he could harness spirits and use their unique talents to add extra spice to the entertain...

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“Scorched Earth” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #221

Benjamin set his shovel down and sat upon what was left of the loose dirt pile which remained around the earthen hole. He wiped his forehead with the back of his forearm, trying desperately to keep the sweat out of his eyes. The tattered overalls lay soiled and ripped upon weathered skin on his broad shoulders. His exposed arms glistened in the afternoon sun. He pulled out the flask he kept in his back pocket and took a few gulps from it. The misshapen ‘B’ that was etched into the sterling silver hand-me-down rested calmly in his palm; the a...

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“Life.” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #220

“Are you hungry?” Mr. Dobson had a recognizable rasp in his voice, but Jason hadn’t heard that voice in some time. “Uh, what?” Jason was confused. He had just passed out in his room and now he was back at Bridgefield, sitting at a wide table across from Mr. Dobson who was offering him some food. “Naw, I’m good,” his hoarse response caused him to swallow as he look around the room. “How did I get here?” Mr. Dobson gently set a package on top of the worn oak table and slid it across the uneven grain until it was in front of Jasons stomach....

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“No Sale” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #219

The low hum of the fluorescent tubes are nearly drowned out as Luci walked under the overhead speaker playing an instrumental version of “The Grand Illusion” by Styx. She was halfway down the cereal aisle before noticing the man holding two boxes of cereal, scanning each box back and forth, mumbling to himself about calories. “Excuse me,” she said politely, maneuvering the grey shopping cart across the white-tiled floor, one wheel wobbling as she did. The man shuffled closer to the shelf and placed one of the boxes back on it. Turning the ...

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“Albie” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #217

They lovingly sauntered down the midway, soaking in the atmosphere. And they did so, locked hand-in-hand, as they had done so many times before. The lights and sounds from the carnival games glowed in Albert’s eyes which made Elaine’s heart flutter as she gazed into them. He was wearing his favorite navy blue sportscoat with brown elbow patches and she was wearing her beloved pink dress that swayed with every step. The smell of popcorn lingered in the air, reminding Elaine of their first outing, the movie theater, the first time they could b...

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“October 13th” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #217

Janet watched as Celeste filled her backpack with all the “essentials”. Two flashlights, a first aid kit, water bottles, candles, a lighter, gloves, her cell phone and, of course, the Ouija board. Janet wanted to ask what all of that was for, but as long as she has known Celeste, she knows not to ask such questions. Celeste operates on her own level and Janet was too tired to head down that rabbit hole.“You ready?” Celeste quickly zipped the backpack and propped it up on her shoulder.Janet, a bit hesitant, responded, “I guess. I don’t think ...

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“Oblivious” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #216

Trigger warning: some offensive language.The door was barely unlocked before Captain sauntered into the apartment, over to his bowl, downed a few gulps of water, dripped all over the floor and wandered off into the living room. Phil barely had time to unhook him before he started his thirst-quenching quest. He, too, walked into the apartment with a slight hunger. After gently removing his shoes, he locked the door, sat the leash down on the counter in the kitchen and made his way towards the fridge. Phil meticulously spread a dollop of ...

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“Accidently in Love” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #216

His fingers run across his jawline as he examines the piece of artwork hanging on the brick wall. The days-old scruff scratches him until his fingers meet his thumb at the crux of his chin. Deep in thought, Robert wonders why these sporadic lines and splotches of colors are worth $750 as he pans from the handwritten price tag taped to the wall and back to the painting, closely analyzing it through focused eyes. He can’t recall how many times he has looked at it. At this point, he could paint it himself. He could use the $750, at least.He bac...

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“Etched Scars” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #215

“Did that hurt?” A voice said in a soft nasal tone.                Jacob looked down to see a blond-haired kid in a brightly colored aloha shirt staring back at him. He was pointing at one of the tattoos on Jacob’s right arm.                Of course it hurt, he always thought to himself whenever he was asked that redundant question. But a tattoo is more than just the pain of a few needles sta...

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“Paralysis” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #215

Dreaming, your stomach feels weightless in your throat as you find yourself falling into a darkened chasm with no idea when or how long you have been descending. Looking up, you notice a trickle of light, a possible source of where you may have befallen. Reaching out to the light, you try to escape as the glow suffocates in the surrounding blackness. Fear and loneliness encase you like a mother’s womb and you succumb to the bleak surroundings, forfeiting any fight left inside. It’s over, you think to yourself.     &nbsp...

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Author bio

Trying to find my voice in a sea of linguists.