John k Adams

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (82)

82 Stories

2103 karma pts

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“LDNOOBW” by John k Adams

Chad said, “Noob, think of emotions as salad dressing. Some favor one or another, or each depending on their mood. But they’re all kind of cheesy. The salad itself doesn’t change much.” “Which dressing do you use?” “I don’t use dressing. I like my salads dry.” “I struggle with analogies to things about which I have no reference. Since I’ll never have a salad, this is not helpful. My world is already ...

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“Before the Shift” by John k Adams

Jessie sighed and gave Shelly a call. Past time. They hadn’t talked for ages. Seemed like… could it actually be years? Get it done before work. Of course, he could text. ‘One of the great innovations of the new century,’ he thought. ‘Poor communication with the illusion of efficiency.’ His fingers fumbled with the number pad. Holding a ‘cell’ instead of a wall mounted pho...

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“Princess Elvis” by John k Adams

Let me tell you how my nickname came about. My sister gave it to me. It doesn’t make any sense, as you’ll see. But it stuck. I was only a girl. So, forgive my not having all the times and dates. You can look it up. You may dispute some details but I’ll never forget that day. I was there. Daddy brought us, Mama, me and my sister, Charlotte, to the city to see the Reverend, Dr. King. It was a big deal. You’d...

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“Are You There?” by John k Adams

“Norman, are you in there?” ‘Oh for a moment of privacy. But no…’ The shards of a dream slipped through my fingers. “Of course Mother. Do you see me?” “No.” “Is the door shut?” “Yes…” “If it were open you’d be in here with me.” “Yes…” ‘How many times have we read this script?’...

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“Pyramid Schematics” by John k Adams

“So tell me more about this pyramid scheme, Ted.” Joe didn’t get it. “Again, it’s not a scheme nor a scam. It’s a convention of the latest pyramid technology.” Joe and Ted walked through the jammed parking lot. The convention center loomed in the distance. “So, why are we here again?” “I thought I might run into someone.” “You remember where we parked, right?“ “Of course. Just b...

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“Suicide Hill” by John k Adams

The clouds parted to reveal a vast snow covered landscape. Eddie squinted as the sun shone on the brilliant snow clad plains. He had mixed feelings about snow. ‘Beautiful to look at, but it might kill you.’ The jet began its descent. ‘I’m almost there,’ he thought. It had been decades. He wondered if he would surprise his sister, Michelle. The plane landed without incident. Eddie retrieved hi...

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“Leaf Blower Cantata” by John k Adams

Sammy sat in the back booth of his regular café in West L. A. He read the sports page while awaiting his friends, Ben and David. They’d met here for breakfast every week for years. He looked at his watch. Late again. Ben entered and spotted Sammy in ‘their’ booth in the back. Sammy had returned to the newspaper. Ben approached. “You won't believe it. I am so fed up to here.” ...

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“I Don’t Love You Too” by John k Adams

Amy looked into Charlie’s eyes and spoke, “Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast!” Charlie looked at his script and said, “Oh, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?” Giving him a mischievous look, “What satisfaction canst thou have to-night?” “The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.” “I giv...

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“Point of No Return ” by John k Adams

They hadn’t really spoken in years beyond the neutral, ‘Pass the butter?’ or ‘Seen the remote?’ You know, just the facts, Ma’am. Remote indeed. Imagined slights had met stern challenges and the marriage slid downhill from there. The smoldering tangle of ancient wounds and recriminations defied restoration to simple civility. An un-squelched, unashamed sharing of thoughts and opin...

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“Merry Mary, Marry Me?” by John k Adams

‘I never expected that…’ Mary thought to herself, ‘How odd…’ Balancing the tray of home-baked cookies on her lap, she pondered the day while riding in the back seat of the Uber. Her neighbor, Sally, asked her to watch her eight year-old son, George. They helped each other out. Today, Sally needed last minute items for her New Year’s party. George challenged her to play some board g...

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“No Good-bye” by John k Adams

“But that’s absurd,” Mary said. “Who would expect such a thing?” “He would,” said Gil. “Well he can’t. I forbid it.” “It isn’t up to you, dear. Or us.” Mary and Gil looked at Charlie, their son. He remained silent. He scanned the ceiling high shelves filled with books. ‘Like in the movies,’ he thought. ‘Does anyone actually read these? Or are they props every lawyer gets? ...

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“A Devil's Dozen” by John k Adams

Meg called the class room to order and waited for everyone to take their seats. “Please thank your parents for the wonderful cookies they sent. After everyone has sampled them, we’ll vote for the best cookie.” The young students murmured approval of the sweet feast in which they were about to indulge. Meg continued, “You can vote for three favorites. Or you can cast three votes for one special cook...

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“Kind of Embarrassing” by John k Adams

“Maybe it’s a WITSEC family,” said Kevin, Jimmy’s friend from two doors down.Jimmy shook his head. “A wit what?”“You know. Witness protection? Run by the government? You haven’t seen the movies?”“Movies?”“The one with Steve Martin is fuh-nee! Maybe he’s in there.” Kevin pointed at the house in question. They watched from the curb across the street, leaning on the fire plug. Jimmy pulled his hood over his knit cap.“I don’t think Steve Martin... Why would he need…?”“He played a guy the mob was after...

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“Send in the Clowns” by John k Adams

“I expect everyone will be there.” Emmett drove south on the 41. “I’m with you. Stick to your guns, Emmett.” “Yeah, that means a lot, Grace. It wouldn’t be a holiday without some kind of verbal fisticuffs. I just can’t pretend anymore.” “You shouldn’t. It’s your life. ” Grace took in the sights as they drove through Sarasota, Emmett’s home town. He hadn’t been back since he left for college. H...

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“The Bridge to Now ” by John k Adams

The sun announced its pending arrival early, with fanfare and pageantry. A symphony of clouds shone with growing intensity. The overture, a dusky red, shifted magically to fleecy white. Lit by the sky, the shimmering river found its way between dark, tree-lined shores. Grant and Jill watched it all. Their long night studying, debating and consuming gallons of coffee had run out of steam. ...

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Author bio

Am told I drive like Mr. Toad and park like Robert Blake. I enjoy seeing how words and memory wrestle with reality. I have two grown children and a beautiful, loving wife. Yay!