Karen Hope

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2024

Stories (20)

20 Stories

816 karma pts

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“Missing Mary” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #269

“I can’t believe you’re moving to Denver, Aunt Mary”. Jasmine felt such a strong connection to her aunt and relied on her guidance when it came to raising her three children.  But Mary was a widow now, and she was ready to start a new phase of life. “Not seeing you and watching your beautiful children grow up is one of the things I’m going to miss the most, but I have to do this. One day I hope you’ll understand.” “We’ll talk on the phone all the time, right?” Jasmine asked. “And I’ll share pictures of everything the kids are doing...

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“A Letter to my Younger Self” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #268

Dear younger me,It’s hard to believe we’re almost eligible for Medicare. It seems like just yesterday we were starting out in this world. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not done yet. I’m hoping we have at least 20 or 30 good years ahead of us. But I thought now was a good time to reflect on some of the regrettable things we did when we were that energetic young woman, that idealistic but not as wise version of the person we are today.I realize you’re not responsible for anything we did before we were 18. The brain isn’t fully developed then, so I...

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“A New Chapter” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #266

Working in politics is hardly a profession people seek out to feel anonymous, but that’s because people don’t think about jobs like mine. I’m not the candidate, or one of their close aides. I’m not the spokesperson or the policy expert. I serve as the campaign communications person and speech writer, and I work behind-the-scenes from my home office.I’m not someone who seeks the spotlight, and I wasn’t looking for a job when this part time position practically fell into my lap. I had experience volunteering in politics, but I was already...

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“Hello, sweetheart!” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #265

I stuffed an extra sweatshirt into my backpack, flattening it down so I could close the zipper top. Scanning my to-do list, I saw ‘turn off oven’ was still not crossed off. I hadn’t used the oven in days, but the thought of travelling across the country made me want to hit the off button three or four more times. As if that would ensure everything would turn out okay.  At 7:10 AM, I dealt with the last two items, ‘turn off lights’ and ‘lock the door,’ before I lugged my oversized suitcase onto my small front porch and waited for th...

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“Jumbo shrimp and Premium vodka” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #264

It was the first day of college when Brian and I made a silent agreement to always be there for each other. That was the day we met, and 10 years later we are still keeping that promise.I was terrified as I said goodbye to my parents and began my life at Boston University. I held back tears as I unpacked my stacks of clothing and books and wrapped my head around the reality that I was no longer living at home. I would now be immersed in a new world, one with a 24-hour a day social life. When would I close the door and find some privacy and r...

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“The Deep Dive” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #263

Sarah wasn’t sure when she had become such a big worrier. She had always been cautious, but as she approached 30 she had to push herself harder to do anything outside of her comfort zone. It was much easier to stay home and work in the small backyard garden of her townhouse or delve into one of her many crochet projects than to put to herself out there. Sure, she went to parties and events, but not without a million doubts and hesitations running through her head first. She was usually emotionally exhausted before she even left the hous...

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“The Heart of the Matter” by Karen Hope

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #261

She adjusts herself in the stiff chair, trying to get comfortable. It seems each time she shifts, it’s not long before she needs to squirm around again, looking for that sweet spot. But then she reminds herself she’s in a hospital, watching her husband sleep soundly after his surgery. It’s not about her comfort. It’s about his. A baseball game is playing on the TV, the volume so low she can only hear a steady buzzing from the small bedside speaker. Her fingers ache to gingerly grab the remote from beside her husband and turn on her favorite ...

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“Dangerous Article” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #260

This story contains references to cybercrimes and kidnapping. “Okay, team, here’s what we’ve got for this week.” Marcus Simpson, Editor of  The Scoop, an online gossip magazine with over 3 million readers, took the cigarette out of his mouth and blew the smoke out slowly. His reporters sat with note pads and phones in hand, waiting to jot down their new assignments. Nobody moved as they each waited and hoped for a big story. Most of them would be disappointed. “Maya,” he said. She raised her hand meekly. “We got a guy who...

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“Weekend in Maine” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #259

“Who’s picking us up from dance, your dad or my mom,” Jillian asked.Riley put her tap shoes into her dance bag and zipped it up. “I think it’s my dad. Didn’t your mom have a work meeting tonight?“Yeah, that’s right. Do you think your dad will take us out for pizza?”“It’s Thursday night, so probably yes. But it won’t be as good as your mom’s homemade veggie lasagna or turkey chili,” Riley said.“I know, but who doesn’t love going out for pizza.” “Someone who eats pizza every Thursday.” Riley grumbled.Jillian shrugged. “I guess it’s differ...

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“A Life Well Lived” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #258

Sophie had moved many times during her life: as a child, twice as a young adult, as a newlywed, and later as a new mother purchasing a forever home with her husband and young family. But there was no such thing as forever, and she was now making what would certainly be her final move. They called it an adult living community, with classes and activities and a cozy apartment that was clean and bright and perfect for one person. But it was attached to what they called a skilled nursing facility, and Sophie was keenly aware that this move was t...

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“Top of the Class” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #257

Marcia looks at her watch for the 10th time that morning. The carpool will be here soon, and Josh wasn’t anywhere near ready for school. So typical. That boy lives in his own world. Janie, her pride and joy, Sat eating her fruit and yogurt at the kitchen table as she reviewed the notes for her history exam.“You ready for your test?” Marcia doesn’t even need to ask. Janie is always prepared, and consistently earns straight A’s .“I think so,” she sighs. “This class has been really hard.”She walks over and squeezes her daughter’s shoulder. Jani...

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“The Good Dancer” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #255

“I understand”, I say as I watch my boyfriend get up from the table where we’ve just shared our favorite Italian take out. “I know you have a lot of work to do.” He blows a kiss before disappearing into his office. When we signed the lease on this apartment 17 months ago, it was supposed to be our office, but Will is the one who sits there just about every night, usually while I watch TV or scroll mindlessly on my phone. I know being a lawyer is a lot of work, but if you already work 12 hours a day, how much more work can there be?  I l...

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“A Liar and a Cheat” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #254

“I can’t believe he’s here.” My back stiffens and I whisper into my husband’s ear as we walk into the party, onion dip in hand.“Just relax Mary,” Jim says. His hand slides up my arm and moves over to my back. He rubs in slow circles, pulling me close. I resist his gentle touch, but then try to relax. I need a distraction from the philanderer who is standing on the other side of the room. How dare he come to our neighborhood potluck after what I just learned about him.  I smile over at Jim, feeling grateful that I’m not married to a liar...

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“Stop and Smell the Roses” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #253

Kate turned from her comfy spot on the couch and looked at the rain falling in sheets outside her living room window. What a perfect night to stay inside. She popped a few kernels of popcorn into her mouth before picking up her glass of wine and taking a sip. The liquid seemed to go straight from her throat to her head and she relaxed back into the cushion. All day she had rushed around, first to finish a project at work, then to run errands and finally to get her son ready for his late sports practice. All she could think about was enjoying...

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“A Walk in the Park” by Karen Hope

Submitted to Contest #240

I tie the laces on my sneakers, making double knots and pulling hard to secure them. I reach up and grab my fleece jacket, zipping it halfway up and reaching up the sleeves to pull down the shirt sleeves underneath. I grab my keys off the hall table, open the front door. I take the step down onto my front porch, turn around and lock the door,  placing the key securely in the pocket of my jeans. I take the next three steps down to my driveway and then begin to count. It’s 26 steps to the end of my driveway, where I turn right and ta...

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Author bio

I work in Massachusetts politics, primarily as a communications and campaign person. Over the years, I’ve drafted several young adult novels, and taken more writing courses than I can count. I love the Reedsy writing community!

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #261
The Heart of the Matter – read story