John K Adams

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (119)

119 Stories

3540 karma pts

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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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“Reality Show” by John K Adams

“So, you want us going on this reality show… and claim we’re married?” “We’re together.” “For now? Only for the show?” Sheila nodded. He finally got it. Tom shimmied. “Sexy!” “You’ve got the wrong channel, bub.” He continued, “So, nothing else? Isn’t pretending the same as lying? I thought fraud is a crime…” “Things change. We can’t know the future.” “What about int...

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“Becoming” by John K Adams

Spindle, shuttle, weft. Warp, woof, shaft. It never stops, the relentless clacking clack of the shuttle sailing forth and back. Factory work. The never ending weaving of tapestries on loom after loom as far down the mill as eyes may see. Endlessly busy, we have job security with a bullet. We start early and work our way down the line. The beginners, the newbies, called worms, are at on...

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“Double, Double, Toil and Lip-gloss” by John K Adams

“I don’t trust her,” announced Glinda. The dull roar of the food court washed over them. Elizabeth frowned, “Why not?” “She’s a witch.” “Aren’t we all? I thought…” “Well, I’m just a wannabe.” “But we’re learning…” “And she’s weird.” “Comes with the territory, if you ask me.” “And too cute.” “Okay… Not that w...

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“What the Dead Want” by John K Adams

A small moth fluttered about Bobby’s lamp. Surrounded by many unpacked boxes from the recent move, his essentials were in place. His homework covered the westward expansion. The moth persisted. Bobby doubted it came in his stuff. ‘This house is old,’ he thought. ‘Generations ago, pioneer moths traveled across the land, seeking gold dust. They’re now home in this Victorian dump we moved to.’ ...

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“Goin' South” by John K Adams

Finch mumbled to himself as he inventoried items for the trip. Polly touched his arm and tilted her head in a question. He said, “Cooper said to get packed. Pack light, he says. This should be a quick trip. Plan to travel light. Half-way around the world? Pack light? Spackle? Pickle? Pecked?” Polly backed away. “Peck, peck, peck. Pecking is in order, sir.” “Why don’t you take a break?” She returned ...

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“The Curse” by John K Adams

Becky peeked at the crowd from behind the curtain. Full house. She spotted her parents and her Great Aunt Arana taking their seats. ‘Yes!’ A last minute flurry of activity swirled about. Kids in costume checked props. Techies tested the lights and sound system. The Director stood on stage, still and calm. She checked the last item on her clip-board and marched into the wings. Becky’s first ever act...

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“Sparky’s Farewell” by John K Adams

‘Get me outta here.’ “Mark! I’m so glad you made it.” Dora gave him a hug while back-kicking the door. She stood back, took him by the shoulders and gave him a little shake. “I was afraid you wouldn’t.” “Well I did, Aunt Dora. Surprised us all.” She masked a smile with her signature frown and gave him an affectionate punch on the arm. “Come on. Have a drink. There are peopl...

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“Apocalypse No” by John K Adams

Uncomprehending, Alex looked down the hazy street. Smoke drifted lazily from the storm drains and cracks in the street. People walked, as if in a dream. No one seemed to have a purpose. Did they await a sign? A flood of humanity vomited from the subway entrance into the bleak, mid-day sun. They walked aimlessly, reaching ground level and forgetting why they’d come. Their motivation appeared to come only from the ...

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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. Three stories of mine were recently included in the '2021 Indie Authors' Short Story Anthology.'