John K Adams

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Aug, 2019

Stories (260)

260 Stories

7878 karma pts

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“A Fugitive Doubts” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #161

‘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 dogs. Now he’s dead. Death freed him. But we will pay.’ Commotion in the outer room drew his attention. Stifled shouts. Urgent words exchanged. Two ...

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“The Oasis” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #160

“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 being a theoretical challenge. There seemed no end to it. Jesse and his men rode for days in relentless heat. They adapted to travel only in the cooler, morning ...

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“Little Things Lead” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #159

“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 guided Graham toward the door. “Come on. We’ve got things to do.” Graham spoke over his shoulder. “I’ll come in. Update your paperwork. Answer your questions...

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“Blowing Smoke” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #158

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 with the clients. Despite lacking experience, she knew befriending clients was no option. But, by way of gaining trust, a smoke brea...

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“Cute Bike” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #157

“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 use of ‘cute’ was nuanced. Maya assessed Kat’s response. She had deflected from the ‘cute bike’ to the use of ‘cute’ itself. She parried. “What I mean Kat, it’s ...

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“Stirring the Dust” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #156

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…” “I didn’t see you come in. That’s for customers…” Josh hesitated. “I said, ‘clear out.’ No dogs allowed.” Patrons laughed. The bartender tipped an ima...

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“Gingerbread Mafia” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #153

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 captures the popular imagination? Always innovating, the fad had outliers. A flock of birds reportedly swarmed a man tossing morse...

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“The Miraculous Fish” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #152

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. He told me, “You were asleep, Cricket.” “But this was not ordinary sleep…” Shaman nodded and continued hanging forest herbs to dry. I watched as he ...

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“If the Shoe Fits” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #151

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 those naming him, than upon himself. In short, Noah didn’t respect people giving orders, or those offering a ‘helping hand.’ Even when for ‘...

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“The Key” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #150

“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 ‘til tomorrow. You’re not a machine. Rest.” She set her jaw. No point talking to him. She believed he worked 24/7, even away from his computer. “I need ...

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“Try to Keep Up” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #149

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. He looked out and saw her at the car. Sprinting to the garage, he arrived as she sat behind the wheel. “Hi! Can you move your car? You’re blocking my spot.” She acte...

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“Tight Market” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #148

"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 best place in a bad neighborhood...'" She touched his arm. "Give her a chance, okay? She knows the market." "I'll be good. I'm playing." "She said it's g...

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“Billy Jack to the Rescue” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #147

There she stood. How many thoughts crossed Kyle’s mind, in that moment? Daphne. He loved her. Everyone knew it. Their off and on friendship, over years, never kindled as he hoped. He gave up. Had it been a year since? Her complicated life wouldn’t accommodate him. He couldn’t bear her indecision. Not a stalker, he never expected to see her in the big box electronics store named Fries. They sold neither make-up, nor clothing. Why would Daphne go there? Kyle went in, grabbed the needed computer part, and meant to get on with his life. Go in....

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“The 'Best'” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #147

The 'Best' Stewart Schneider entered Schneider Productions' outer office and everyone burst into applause. Nonplussed, he thought they were joking. He raised his arms like Rocky and danced in a circle. He didn't get it. He hadn't heard. Jill, his secretary, rushed up. "You got nominated!" "I did? For what?" "Best Producer, silly." She hugged him. "Our show, 'Shadow Banning, Private Eye.'" Stewart called out to the staff. "Thank you! Thank you! You all know, I couldn't do it without you." Cheers joined the applause. Jill followed him into h...

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“Get Well Soon” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #146

Dylan lay in the hospital bed, semi-conscious and in pain. The memory of the purse with a brass clasp hurtling into his face kept flashing in his mind’s eye. ‘Brick? No brick? You decide…’ He still had his teeth. They would release him today. A nurse came to check his vitals. She handed him an envelope from the bedside tray. “This is yours.” “What is it?” “A get well card?” ‘Purse…’ He flipped the envelope onto his lap. ‘Just what I need, badly rhymed platitudes.’ The nurse said, “We’re releasing you. Do you have someone to drive you?” “I’...

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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