Jan H

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jun, 2020

Stories (9)

9 Stories

424 karma pts

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“The Wind in the Willows” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #248

Freya began walking along the narrow dirt path that led to the open meadow. With every step towards the clearing, her heart filled with anticipation.“Freya, this way,” a woman’s voice called to her.It was Freya’s mother, Valla.Excitement filled her mother’s voice as she called out to Freya. An entire year had passed since the last time they visited. Freya waved and started running as fast as she could.The high grass rustled against Freya’s legs as she sprinted, her body filled with a rush of adrenaline, eager to reach the clearing where her ...

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“A Will to Remember” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #57

Harold T. Goodman gave a maniacal laugh as he finished the revision of his will. He had made changes to it over the years, but this would be the last. He scrawled his name across the envelope and tucked it into his mahogany desk.Turning to the family portrait that hung above the fireplace, he raised his glass of Macallan in a toast. “Let the greedy blood-suckers try to contest that,” he said.***********************There was Uncle Harry, larger than life, waving from the deck of his yacht. He’d been dead for over six months, and it was time t...

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“Turning Point” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #56

Marcie had talked non-stop since we left work. She was excited for me to meet her new boyfriend, but her voice was grating on my last nerve. Maybe at the next red light, I would jump out of the car and make my escape.No, I promised to go out for drinks and to meet Tobias. It wasn’t like there was anything else to do at this time of night. Working the night shift put a damper on social life.“Chloe, are you listening to me?” Marcie nudged me in the arm.“I’m listening,” I said."Then quit digging around in your purse and pay attention."“You were...

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“Raging Sun” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #53

“Move.”“Move.”“Move.”“Soldier, get those civilians to the bunkers,” commanded the sergeant.“Sarge, the bunkers are full, we have to turn back.”“Not an option soldier, get those civilians to safety.”Screams echoed through the tunnels, and the acrid smell of scorched flesh filled the air. Terrified colonists packed into the narrow shafts leading to the bunkers.An intense heatwave blasted the region. Powerful solar flares bombarded the area and grew more extreme throughout the day. Never in the colony’s history had such a catastrophic event occ...

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“A Year of Stars” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #51

Starlight filters through the leaves of the massive old oak tree. A refreshing breeze cuts through the heavy summer air. Here I lie on the moist grass, midnight dew soaks into my clothes, but I don’t notice. I gaze at the stars, millions of them; scattered throughout the heavens. I know they are always there, but tonight is different.The night sky, black as a raven’s wing, makes each tiny star shine like a jewel. I remember a song my mother used to sing to me when I was a kid—Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are? Up above...

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“Flight of the Innocent” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #50

Mass hysteria spread through the world Alice was fleeing. Innocent men, women, and children sentenced to death for practicing the Devil’s magic. Tried, tortured, and executed in the name of God and justice. No one was safe from the inhumanity.Punishment was harsh for a woman that gave birth out of wedlock. With no man to name as the father, the magistrates labeled Alice a witch and the Devil's consort. They condemned her to death. And she was certain they would not allow a child born of evil to live. She escaped the village before they impri...

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“Vacation Getaway” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #49

Barbara and Edward Mann climbed the last few feet of the steep walking trail. They paused and breathed in the sweet, intoxicating aroma of creosote bushes. The horizon swallowed the sun and painted the sky with brilliant colors of red and orange. Saguaro cactuses raised their spiny arms toward the vivid sky.“That afternoon thunderstorm passed through quick,” Barbara said, throwing off her backpack.“Yeah, I’m glad it didn’t last long,” Edward said, “the sky should be clear for the meteor shower.”“I’m almost sorry our vacation is about to end,...

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“The Cape” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #48

The minute I twirled the cape around my shoulders, I knew I wanted to be a superhero. Okay, my cape was a rag of a towel with orange and pink stripes, destined for the garbage. I used a pink hair clip to hold it around my neck. To be fair, I was seven years old. I put on my cape, closed my eyes, and vaulted off my bed. My stomach fluttered, and the air pushed my hair back. I was flying. No one could convince me otherwise. I got braver. I was flying off everything—until Mom caught me. She stopped me before I launched off the shed roof. M...

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“Happily Ever After” by Jan H

Submitted to Contest #47

Every morning for ten years you stand on the front porch, smiling and waving as Tom pulls out of the driveway. Neighbors drive past and wave. You smile and wave. This morning is no exception.You pause a moment to take in the splendid morning. The forecast called for rain, but the sun is warm on your face and the sweet smell of honeysuckle fills the air. The weatherman got it wrong again. You feel so lucky to be alive. There’s a bounce to your step as you turn to go back inside the house.Tom has left the coffeepot empty as usual. You always m...

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Author bio

I've always loved to write, but was too afraid to share. I'm working to improve. All feedback and comments are welcome—good or bad. Thank you to everyone that has read my stories. ********************* “Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” ― Mark Twain