John K Adams

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (260)

260 Stories

7878 karma pts

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“The Locked Door” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #130

TW: Emotional struggles. Meredith stared out the window while Trevor bustled about the kitchen preparing to leave. “More coffee?” he asked while refilling her cup. She didn’t respond. “I’m going now. I won’t be late. Anything else?” “What time?” “I’ll stop by the ‘Door’ and then I’ll be home.” She reached for her coffee. “The door… Bye…” Trevor left the apartment in silence. The Locked Door was an unassuming local bar frequented by a particular clientele. The black brick façade rendered the building almost invisible to anyone not famil...

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“High Tea for Tony” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #128

Becky slipped ‘Little Girl Etiquette,’ under her seat cushion. Last minute cribbing wouldn’t do. The chapter on tea parties taught her so much. This would be her first tea party. She planned for perfection. The white garden table, set with dainty cups and saucers, looked exactly like the picture in her book. Her mother provided fresh cookies and juice (pretend tea), for her guests to sip. She adjusted a napkin and placed the plastic spoon, just so. She only needed Antonia, Cindy and their companions to arrive. Becky’s favorite Barbie doll a...

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“Living Off-script ” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #127

Damien had done alright for himself. He toured his psychic show and most appearances sold out early. He had an entourage! How many psychics do this well? Of course, he wasn’t a real psychic. If real psychics exist, they eke a meagre living solving crimes for the police. They didn’t rule the stock market. Or win at the races. And they didn’t fill auditoriums with paying customers vying for attention. Not like Damien. He figured 'real psychics' huddle in basements, fretting over traffic, weather, or pandemics. A palm reader once told him lovi...

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“Out of Time, a Clock’s Last Tock” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #125

Winter inspected her sun room anticipating her sisters' arrival. Spring, Summer and Autumn were due for their annual planning session. Being the eldest, Winter wanted everything in perfect order. She dressed in traditional black. Her sisters preferred the graceful styles depicted in Arthur Rackham’s fantasy illustrations. But Winter dressed formally, especially when entertaining. Her style complemented her orderly home, decorated in white. Snow draped every surface. Her servants followed instructions. Every detail received its due. But fo...

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“Whirl Wind Romance” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #124

TW: Tornado aftermath and loss. Lyle awoke in a gloom and in pain. Damp earth made him shiver. Pressure pinned him down. Ragged plywood. Had he been buried alive? Their house come down on them? “Amy…? Hello?” It came out more of a croak. No response. He ached. Every joint cried for relief. His skin burned. Splinters tore at him. He couldn’t move. Cool air flowed. He called out, and coughed. Something pressed him into the ground. He groped at the damp earth, trying to gain room to maneuver. He dragged himself toward the brighter gloo...

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“Opening Night” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #123

Shelby Rappaport stood at center stage awaiting the curtain’s rise. He could hear the audience anticipation. What a delicious moment.He loved opening night. They gathered to see him. Yes, they came for a performance. His performance. No one came for the play, when he starred.A delectable variety of women would be on display on the curtain’s rise. Most, of course, would be escorted by husbands, or other men. But the women came for him. The men were place holders. He wagered with himself. How many women stared in adoration? And how many could ...

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“Threads” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #122

Mary walked from one gloomy room to another, feeling she had awakened from a deep sleep. ‘Is this how Sleeping Beauty felt after years of slumber?’ Still groggy, she struggled to understand. It felt like ages since she felt at peace with herself. Days and weeks passed without definition. ‘What season is this?’ What kept her imprisoned? Certainly not Edward. Despite his faults, he proved himself a caring and loyal husband. He wanted the best for her. He encouraged outings. ‘What, then?’ An unnamed fear haunted her. Sunshine seeped from behind...

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“Summoned” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #121

Tom said, “Thank you.” He shook his head. “No. Not sarcastic. How do I make it sincere…? I thank you!” He stamped his foot. “To what can I… Keep it simple. How can I thank you…? Too tentative. Mean it. I’m honored…” He hissed in frustration. “This is a one shot deal. Thank YOU. THANK you. THANK YOU… No! No!” He stopped walking and looked about. The road stretched for miles. Tom Legato couldn’t afford transportation. He walked alone. He was a simple cat. ‘Not a meerkat as some ignoramuses say.’ The occasional carriage rattled by, stirring u...

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“Good to the Last Drop” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #120

TW: Abandonment issues.I used to envy people bragging on their family trees and illustrious histories. So many royals, battles, and mansions on the hill. Named for a general? Cool. The conversation always stalled when I asked, ‘And what great things have you done?’ Blank stares and heated debate about the Dodgers’ stats followed.Go ahead, blame sour grapes. Lacking estate, I’m descended from a dumpster in an alley behind a liquor store, on a hill. Have you heard of it? Found sired by a dumpster, blue from desperate crying. How long must one ...

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“The Legend of the Canair Bells” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #119

“Listen… I’ve discerned a pattern.” A small group stood in the shadow of the church, at Canair, listening to James, the caretaker. “I first heard the bird’s call the morning of the baby Aiden’s christening.” The widow, called Mad Agnes, spoke. “The bird didn’t bring the Christening.” Several moaned, “Oh, I pray not an omen…” “Of course not. Father Ambrose says a healthy baby is from God. No one disputes that. After many difficult months, that bright faced baby, truly is a gift. The bird heralded that.” That calmed them. “But I didn’t heed it...

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“Expect No Less” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #118

Hardly spilling any of her mimosa, Alice spread her arms. “Where’s the magic? Countless fairytale princesses were wooed and won by their shining knights… Why won’t the universe…?” Mary and Jen made sad faces at Alice’s frustration. “My priest said ‘the universe doesn’t give a…’” “I know what your priest said, Mary. I can’t believe a priest would say that in church.” “He was just making a point…” Mary nudged Jen who stifled a giggle. Each sipping a mimosa, Alice, Mary and Jen slipped out of the lakeside restaurant. They strolled the rough p...

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“Shifting Gears” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #118

“Today’s the day I change,” said Alex. His friends told him he had the perfect job. Being a valet at a beach front restaurant was so cool. The tips were better than in town. Seeing the Glitterati come and go provided entertainment. Less appreciated is the fresh air and daily exercise. Any valet gets those, but somehow, it all felt better in Malibu. No bus exhaust and sidewalk deposits by the homeless. You know. But Alex wanted more. No one grew up wanting to be a valet when they got big. Should he strive to own a valet franchise on some re...

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“Employee of the Year” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #117

When two police detectives entered the accounting department, everyone looked up. They quickly returned to work.Head of accounting, Cynthia, bid Penelope Grass into her office.Once inside, Penelope said, “I want a lawyer.”The cops looked at each other. Cynthia stared at her desk, shaking her head.Detective Stiles said, “We have a few questions, Ms. Grass. No one’s making accusations.”“Talk to Shelly, in HR. She deserves a grilling.”The detective’s talk with Shelly had led them to Penelope. Shelly described Penelope’s histrionics at Chad’s pr...

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“New Born Spirit” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #117

“Here. Take some before it’s gone.” Don shoved the flask into Greg’s ribs. “I’m good.” He gently pushed the bottle away and continued walking along Bayshore Boulevard overlooking Hillsborough Bay. Don held the bottle up and announced, “Everclear… Highly recommended by nine out of ten Neanderthals…” He guffawed and took another swig. “This stuff kicks ass!” He shook the pint bottle in Bill’s face. The clear liquid danced in the light from street lamps lining the water front. Bill took little notice. He spent his energy staying upright, and ...

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“Driven” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #116

Adeline snuggled into Avery’s hug as they watched the perfect sunset. She loved the graceful lines and gentle curves shining off rows of cars, like waves rolling toward a beach. An orange haze softened the sun as it hovered over the gentle hills. “This is our paradise.” “Yes it is,” said Avery. “What more could you want?” Avery’s question hit home. What did she want? They held the perfect jobs. She’d been born to drive Leon Pabbas’ cars. To remain in top condition, any car needs driving. Adeline loved putting a car through its paces at any ...

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Author bio

I enjoy seeing how words and memory wrestle with reality. Locked within the cage of language, I like rattling the bars. Please read and comment, even if you don't like. Ramond Gorringe has read my story 'Haunted' aloud on his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azY66UEfocs Copyright © 2021 John K. Adams - All Rights Reserved. Using content for commercial gain without written permission is prohibited.

Shortlisted 2 stories ⭐️

Contest #208

Behind the Door – read story

Contest #198

DMV in Retrograde – read story