Janelle Curtis

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Feb, 2020

Stories (7)

7 Stories

170 karma pts

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“"I am the way to go among the lost..."” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #189

The limbs of every tree were whipping. As his eyes grazed the leaves above, he wondered if each leaf stood threatened, wondering when the gust would pull it to the hardened ground. A spiral into clutches, a knock into oblivion. A new start, but a long death. It was cold, and it was misting. His skin felt coarse in this weather. When the sun was warming, it was almost as if he, himself, lay dormant. Ready to feel, and ready to become. When the flowers bloomed, and the sky shone in the utmost blue, he was lost. It took a good freeze, and a s...

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“A Cry in the Dark” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #52

Death comes swiftly. It's that moment you dread for your entire life. You spend minutes a day thinking of how you will go, worrying about the pain. Asking the universe how much time you have left. But when it comes, you aren't prepared. It's that breath you take before the car crashes into the light pole. It's that laugh you share with a loved one before your heart stops, and they dance holding their drink for another five minutes before they realize you aren't there anymore. It's that natural disaster that stops you from finishing the dishe...

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“A Lament of Innocence” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #51

Julianne, my love......When we met, I was one and twenty. You were eighteen. Your lovely lockes of golden hair fell over your shoulder like a waterfall. I could get lost in your orbs of sumptuous green. You would look to the earth, your eyelashes brushing your skin as you smiled so sweetly and looked up into my eyes. How I fought myself not to take you then, into my arms and even further into my heart. We would walk hand-in-hand, your silky palm causing mine to sweat, so. I had hoped that you would never feel my fear. The nerves that ca...

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“I Am So Sorry” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #50

When she beat me this morning, I was prepared. I felt no pain. Well...not physically. I dressed myself in somber fashion, allowing the red leotard to slip onto my form easily. Ballet...oh, Mother, how you live through me.  I am 12. Twelve. Yes, I compare the numbers and the letters. I like to play with puppies. Cats are fun, too. I once had two hermit crabs. 2. They weren't hard for you to kill. I watched you. You told me the next morning that hermit crabs don't live long. Usually, you see me. I guess I am getting better at hiding.&...

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“You Always Leave Me Waiting” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #49

"Sorry, babe." Lena looked up from her phone to see Gavin running up, briefcase in hand, trench-coat in the other. The coat was brown, and it was well-worn, but for some reason, Gavin believed that it made him look distinguished. His dark hair bounced against his forehead, despite maximum-strength LA Looks gel. He breathed out deeply as he came to a stop. "Gavin!" Lena shoved her cell deep into her purse and instinctively wrapped her arms around her longtime boyfriend's corded neck. He had, during their seven years together, been meticulous...

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“The Red Cape” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #35

"This dance blows", Ray said. His punch raised dangerously close to the edge of the flimsy paper cup he held as he tossed his bushy red curls in a show of contempt. I shrugged my shoulders before realizing my fingers were tugging at the hem of my dress again. Why did we even agree to come to this stupid thing?I felt a hand slap lazily against my arm as Ray's energy suddenly lit up. "Hey, she's here!" My eyes darted toward the door. Yep, there she was, alright. Kandi Waterhouse breezed through the open double doors of the school gym wearing t...

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“Alone” by Janelle Curtis

Submitted to Contest #34

Margeret looked out of the balcony window/door. The glass was smudged, reminding her that time was of the essence to clean. Somehow, though, the thought of getting up and getting to work pulled at her body, and she felt her fatigue. She sat down. The year was supposed to be something special. Margeret had just succeeded in saving for the trip to Italy, the one that she and her mother had spoken of taking together for years. But then the virus happened. The panic happened. And then she was gone. This was supposed to be for you, Mom....

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Author bio

I live in the mountains of East Tennessee. I am a meat popsicle.