Janet Thorley

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2021

Stories (7)

7 Stories

134 karma pts

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“It Isn't Daisy's Fault... I See That Now.” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #105

ROSIE: I see nothing’s changed. Mum is still ensuring the world revolves around darling Daisy, whilst I’m an itch she can’t scratch. “Did you hear, Marjory? Daisy starts at Oxford in the autumn. Two A*s and an A, eh? A child of mine, off to read Chemistry at Oxford,” she says. No mention of the eldest daughter studying paramedic science at Teesside University, but her lack of pride is no surprise. Middlesbrough is not as prestigious. Besides, it’s me. “We visited a few weeks ago,” Daisy states. “Truly amazing and the halls of residen...

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“Another A-star for topping the trogladyte list” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #104

“Are you coming tonight?” says Alice, placing the coffee cup on the desk.“Tonight?” Mary feverishly racks her brain. Nope, nothing springs to mind.“It’s Bob’s leaving-do, remember, and as the boss, you’re obliged to attend.”“Damn!” she mumbles. A sudden onset of heat invades her insides. “I need the bathroom.”The chair scrapes over the floor as she rushes to seek solace, but John, the photocopy guy, provides the office with a beautiful paper confetti shower after invading her space. She ignores the protocol of apologising and disappears, lea...

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“Empty Shells” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #103

There it is, the old shoe box, exactly where her mum stores it, in the under-stairs cupboard, on the shelf behind the toolbox. The lid falls as Lucy reaches over, so she extracts the black-and-white picture that smiles up at her. She peers closely, needing a double-take to clarify the occupants. Regular comments about her being the spitting image of her mum always interspersed conversations as she grew up, and here she is with the proof. There is the same straight, boring, brown shoulder length hair (although now streaks of grey are filterin...

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“A Lone Angel” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #102

He stares into her eyes without smiling. When his sturdy gaze doesn’t flinch, she sucks in the air and waits, aware that when they call you to the hospital in the middle of the night, the outlook is poor. The deluge has left her soaked and she allows the drips to pour down her face; a veil to disguise the tears. “Please, Olivia, take a seat,” the doctor says, obviously conversant in the delivery of bad news. “I’m sorry but your father passed away… Would you like to see him?” How she ends up in the waiting room, she doesn’t remember. Nor ...

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“Lifes Lines” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #101

Maggie pauses as the cleansing pad skims the side of her face. Once thin lines had sucked in the life-changing events and expanded. Her finger touches the grooves, and she’s grateful her world is on the mend. Any extra additions and bags would be needed for storage. “Damn!” she says and flips the mirror. “That’s better.” Now those lines are back to being the ornate anchors holding her skin in check, keeping her eyes open and allowing the mess that occurred to remain visible. The permanent reminder of the betrayal endured propels her. A...

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“A New Dawn” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #99

After opening the door to the camper van, Dawn pops the deckchair out before retreating back inside to grab a blanket and her coffee. The distant crowing rouses the sun, sending out its reminder that it’s time to throw the covers off and stir. Wrapped up, her gaze drifts and she watches as the reddish-orange haze begins its ascent above the horizon and notices the aroma of citrus wafting across the field. The green grass glistens when the light rays catch the blades and, after days of continual rain, it is a welcome sight. Although the summe...

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“What Lies inside?” by Janet Thorley

Submitted to Contest #92

The car shuddered to a halt and Paul pulled up the handbrake before turning and tapping her, ‘Clara, we’ve broken down.’ he said. She shoved his hand away and shifted in the seat, needing to relieve the ache in her back. ‘Clara...’ He switched on the interior light. ‘What…’ Now, upright, she flung her arm across her eyes to block out the glow. ‘What the hell?’ she grumbled. ‘We’ve broken down.’ he repeated. ‘Where are we?’ she peered through the glass and greeted her reflection. ‘Shit! Tell me you didn’t?’ ‘I’m sorry, I did.’ he ...

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Author bio

I am an unpublished writer with 2 manuscripts in the last stages, hopefully published in 2022. I am a prolific short story writer and share them on https://vocal.media/ Pop in my name on the search bar and they will magically appear. I love to write and my short stories are a challenge to myself to see if I can expand beyond the romance genre. I also have a blog on my website https://jauthorley.co.uk/blog/ and can be found on twitter under @authorJAThorley.