Ian James

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2023

Stories (27)

27 Stories

583 karma pts

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“The Misinterpreted Patients” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #196

(CW: Vulgar Language)"Alright, Patient 21," I said in a professional tone, tapping my pen against the clipboard as I looked over the young boy's file. "It appears that you've been diagnosed with Elaboration Deficiency." Hakimi looked at me with a sheepish grin, as if he had expected this outcome.I couldn't help but reflect on how this was becoming a familiar scene at the I Can Do It (ICDI) Clinic. As a group of educators, my colleagues and I had noticed a common thread among our students - a reluctance to admit their weaknesses. Despite our ...

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“The Perfect Present” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #196

Johan drew a long, satisfying breath and savoured the moment he'd laboured for seven interminable years. The path to this juncture had been paved with dedication, experimentation, and an unwavering determination. Now, he stood before a resplendent silver contraption that bore an uncanny resemblance to the cockpit of a helicopter. Johan knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this apparatus would inaugurate a new era and transform the course of human history forevermore.But his journey hadn't been without its trials and tribulations. The great...

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“Two Journeys, One Path” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #195

The man strode with purpose through the bustling street, resolute and unwavering. The traffic lights dared not impede him, nor did the chaotic rush of vehicles, each blaring their own cacophonous tune. For his mind was set on one destination, a place where he could finally lay to rest the unbearable weight of his pain.And thus he tread, each footfall bringing him closer to his aim. Yet he paused for a moment when he stumbled upon a towering tower, the very one he had once set his sights upon. He tilted his head back and beheld its spire stre...

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“In Sync” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #195

"No!" Cikgu Hamidi's voice boomed with anger. "There’s just too much to do right now.”Nurazlina's heart sank. She had been trying to secure a venue for the District-Level Singing Competition, but it seemed like every school in Penampang was already overloaded with their own activities. "But, Cikgu," she pleaded, "this competition is for the kids. It's an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and represent their schools."Mary watched her best friend's desperation with empathy. She knew how hard Nurazlina had been working to make...

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“The Quiet Architect” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #195

The night was cloaked in a thick veil of stillness, as if the world had held its breath and forgotten to let go. The rain had subsided hours ago, yet the streets still glistened with puddles of water, reflecting the world in a distorted, otherworldly way. Malik's bicycle moved stealthily, its wheels whispering against the slick pavement. There was a chill in the air, an eerie silence that only served to heighten the sense of foreboding that seemed to linger around every corner.Despite this, Malik wasn't afraid. He was on a mission, and nothi...

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“Erased Saviours” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #195

Melvin Fernandez sat on the plush sofa in his room at the Doubletree Hotel, revelling in the Victorian ambiance that surrounded him. The exposed red bricks on the walls gave the space an old-world feel that he found charming. As he moved around the room, he had to resist the urge to pinch himself to ensure that he wasn't dreaming. For Melvin, this moment represented the culmination of a long journey in the literary world. He had struggled for years to achieve success as an author, with his first three novels falling flat. But he had persever...

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“Discovering the Untold Stories of My Students: A Request to the Officer” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #194

Dear Mr. Education Officer,I am writing this in regards to the visitation you paid upon my school, a visit wherein you sought data of my students' academic achievements. Per your request, I presented the data to you, but regrettably, a handful of my students shone with a dim light. They were found wanting, residing within the realms of the Unacceptable, Emerging, and Minimally Acceptable categories. Your voice, stern and unyielding, commanded me to provide justifications for their faltering progress, and in turn, to provide tailor-made inter...

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“Lost in Celebration” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #194

𝐍𝐎𝐖Frank stands there, flustered and unsure of what to do next. The once joyous atmosphere has turned hostile, and he is the source of it all. The angry glares of those around him seem to pierce through his very being, and he is fully aware of the reason behind their aggression. But, rather than expressing contrition for his misdeed, he clings to his irritation.The cries of the young children echo in his ears, and he knows that he has caused them unnecessary pain. Nurain, the birthday girl, is shielded from the ugly scene that has unfolded. ...

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“A Blank Page” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #194

Heavenly eyes watch this human's stance,My soul meanders, seeking a chance.In aiding his journey, I'll find my way,To the luminous path of heaven's display.***Zack slammed shut his laptop in frustration, the backspace button worn down from hours of typing and deleting. His editor-in-chief had torn apart his recent works, leaving him in despair. To heighten his anxiety, something was clearly amiss with his radio. As if taunting his inability to write, Ramona's ballad "The Blank Page" resounded on a ceaseless loop. He switched off the radio, h...

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“A Pawsitive Revelation” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #193

In the heart of a bustling city, nestled within the tranquil enclave of Purnama Park, there lived a dog named Steady. With his sparse fur, sluggish gait, and tendency towards confusion, he spent his days in solitary reflection within his owner's abode. For he believed that he was unworthy of the companionship of the other dogs in his neighbourhood, who seemed so much more glamorous, fluffy, and astute than he. They effortlessly caught flying frisbees and sprinted with great speed, leaving Steady feeling inadequate and alone.But one day, an e...

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“Broken Down, Lifted Up” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #193

Time was running out. Hastening out of bed, I scolded myself for not packing earlier. Today was too important, too momentous to squander. A grand affair in the great city of New York beckoned, and I couldn't let it slip away.  As a Christmas enthusiast, the idea of experiencing a real white Christmas filled me with anticipation. My mind raced with images of the towering Christmas tree that stood in Rockefeller Centre, adorned with vibrant and sparkling lights. The statues of golden angels, resplendent in their trumpeting poses, wou...

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“The Disguised Protector” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #193

It was a scene right out of a Greek tragedy: Jackson and Madison, locked in a tense tête-à-tête, their once-jovial demeanor replaced with a cold fury. Despite the raucous revelry of the cafe around them, they were anything but amused. Herman, their hapless compatriot, had once again proven himself to be the thorn in their side. A self-described nerd, Herman's style was a cross between "military school" and "library assistant". He wore his hair slicked down with a dollop of gel, and his glasses were as thick as the bottom of a Coca-Cola bottl...

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