John K Adams

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (158)

158 Stories

4813 karma pts

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“Farewell to Knuckle Falls ” by John K Adams

The rock and roll star, Croesus Skye (birth name Albert), earned his nickname for his string of gold records. His music speaks to almost everyone. Critics take the perspective that if his music is popular, how good can it be? What could millions of fans know that the critics don’t? What are his bonafides? Even Mozart had formal training. Where is this guy from? Are idiot savants a real thing? Fans are not ...

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“Eat What You Kill” by John K Adams

Eugene sat on the dock and watched mayflies dance across the calm water’s surface. He’d never seen anything like it. They looked like fairytale figures, only real. ‘How fun to float so lightly. Not even a ripple.’ A disturbance from beneath and a mayfly vanished. It shocked Eugene. ‘Who knows what lurks down there?’ Of course, being seven, Eugene thought in emotions more than in car...

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“Can’t Rush a Cake” by John K Adams

“Diane! Let’s go. We can’t be late.” She fussed with her hair one last time. “About ready, Byron… Want to make a good impression on… who are we meeting, again?” “My boss. You know Sean. Said he has news for me.” Diane pulled on her jacket, did a turn in the mirror and met Byron at the door. “I have news too.” “What’s up?” “This dress. I need to change.” “What are you talk...

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“A Fugitive Doubts” by John K Adams

‘How could he? After everything…’ Before dawn, the fugitive known as Thomas sat in a dark room, alone. He waited with his friends in their hidden place. He smelled cooking and heard low voices. ‘How is this even possible? After all his promises… It shouldn’t be like this. Our great future is forever receding. He allowed it to fall apart. The Master failed us. We were to be princes, not cowering...

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“The Oasis” by John K Adams

“There! See it?” The dozen riders pulled their horses up and followed Jesse’s gaze. The lone building shimmered in the distance. Jesse said, “The Oasis.” “Sure it’s not a mirage?” Andy said, “It’s not Vegas, Jack.” Everyone laughed. The deep drought affected everyone. Crops failed. Herds of livestock struggled and died. With no harvest to sell, money became scarce. Survival stopped bein...

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“Little Things Lead” by John K Adams

“We’re gonna do big things,” said Graham as he shook hands with James, the shop-keeper. James smiled, but did not look happy. Martin watched them talk. You could hear the wheels turning in his head. James glanced at Martin with anxious eyes. Martin said, “Graham’s my point man, Jim. I’ll be traveling more. Graham will always be accessible.” James nodded. “Safe travels, Marty.” Martin ...

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“Blowing Smoke” by John K Adams

Eva had a plan. On her break, she exited the Garden, and walked toward the Sycamore tree at the far end of the parking lot. The tree was the designated smoker’s area for guests of the Garden. At a staff meeting, she heard Garden founder, Dr. Elmwood, discuss the virtues and benefits of socializing over a smoke. Eva never smoked, but she carried a pack of cigarettes. Recently hired, she hoped to get acquainted wit...

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“Cute Bike” by John K Adams

“Your bike is so cute!” To Maya, everything was ‘cute.’ Kat thought, ‘It’s like she knows seven words and four of them are ‘cute.’’ “Maya, is there anything that isn’t cute? Bugs are cute. Babies are cute. Puppies are cute. Dimples. Shoes. Band-Aids. Rats. Anything?” Kat knew Maya had mastered the back-handed compliment. Calling something ‘cute’ didn’t mean she valued it. Maya’s us...

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“Stirring the Dust” by John K Adams

A wet bar towel hit Josh in the back of the head. He turned to see the bartender point at the door. “I know who you are. Get out.” Josh looked at the full buffet table. Quiches, quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps and more, displayed for the taking. So much food, hardly touched. He’d never seen such a spread. Customers watched with vague curiosity. Josh said, “Happy hour’s almost over. I thought…”...

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“Gingerbread Mafia” by John K Adams

Many folk tales describe hapless children marking their paths with stones, to not get lost. Now, it’s become a thing. Once humble hiking trails have transformed into gleaming, shimmering paths to a fantasyland. Or to the dark lair of a witch. Trends, fads and fashions prove spontaneous generation. Like ‘love locks’ on a bridge. Who expects the weight of so many padlocks to threaten its structural integrity? What ...

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“The Miraculous Fish” by John K Adams

I died. For real. It wasn’t my first time. Like many others from the village, the Shaman brought me back to continue my life. He told us we had a purpose. No one gets sick here. They only die when their ancestors call them. That is how it’s always been. People from everywhere came to Shaman for healing. He even made house calls. We took his presence for granted. It was typical. People thrived. <...

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“If the Shoe Fits” by John K Adams

People often described Noah as a trouble-maker. Or at least a problem. No one disputed his fierce independence. He held high standards for himself. To quote Winston Churchill, “There were things, up with which he would not put.” His exacting standards often confused those offering assistance. His curt responses to such offers earned him a variety of nick-names. Noah felt such names reflected more upon thos...

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“The Key” by John K Adams

“I like to work with my hands, but don't like getting my fingernails dirty.” – Recruitment ad for Control Data Corporation, 1970 “I’ll rest when I’m dead.” Roger didn’t blink. He didn’t glance up from his monitor. When programming, nothing distracted him. Eager to type, his fingers tapped the desk. Roger’s wife, Stephanie, winced. “Don’t say that, Rog. Don’t die. It’s three A.M. It’ll keep...

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“Try to Keep Up” by John K Adams

Wade turned into his parking place and screeched to a halt. The neighboring car, straddling the line, sat half in his spot. ‘How can people be so lame?’ Fuming, he backed out and parked down the block. Knowing who owned the car, he knocked on her apartment door. No answer. Hours passed, watching for her return. He worked. He ate. He practiced routines on his silent drum pads.

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“Tight Market” by John K Adams

"Norah's from my group. I trust her. She'll find us something." Olivia nodded to herself. Ethan stopped at the light. He smiled. "You think being in your group recommends her?" She rolled her eyes. "Of course. She works in real estate. She's not only in my group. She's a friend." Noah accelerated. He scanned the apartment buildings they passed. "From the look of these, the rule is, 'get the be...

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Author bio

I enjoy seeing how words and memory wrestle with reality. Please check out my podcast interview with Deidra Lovegren, and Russell Norman on Read lots Write Lots: https://www.readlotswritelots.com/wp/podcast/episode-21-john-k-adams/ Three stories of mine were recently included in the '2021 Indie Authors' Short Story Anthology.' 'Summoned' and 'Good to the Last Drop' are two recent favorites. 'Midnight Hunger' and 'Hobos and Stuff' are loosely autobiographical. I have two grown children and a beautiful, loving wife. Please read and comment, even if you don't like.