Karla S. Bryant

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2022

Stories (5)

5 Stories

220 karma pts

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“The Wind in the Willows” by Karla S. Bryant

Submitted to Contest #248

April is a fickle month in Philadelphia. Cherry trees and dogwoods burst open into an unknown future, not sure if their fragile pink blooms will flourish in the warming sun or wither under the shock of an unseasonable freeze. Still, every year they open their petals in colorful optimism. Spring is the season of promises that may or may not be met. Laura was not feeling optimism as she waited for the 8:15 train to Center City. She’d uncharacteristically slept past the alarm on her phone and rushed through her morning routine. That feeling tha...

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“Kodachrome” by Karla S. Bryant

Submitted to Contest #244

Ian had put it off long enough. His mother, Lillian, had passed two months ago. Lillian’s clothing, fashion jewelry, and vast collection of expensive handbags had been given away or were for sale at St. Paul’s Consignment Shop. His older sister, Sofie, had done that part.Now Ian stood in the middle of his mother’s study and looked around. Stacks of boxes surrounded him. Tax records and greeting cards with faded writing, financial statements and old photographs, sentimental letters that smelled musty and utility bills
 where to start? This wa...

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“"Step Up"” by Karla S. Bryant

Submitted to Contest #242

Next week will make it a year since I became a security guard, more politely called a “gallery attendant”, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I’d lived in Philly my entire life, but when I got the position and reported for training, it was the first time I’d ever entered the building. I grew up in Roxborough and in the ‘90s would have perfectly fit the description of a Roxy Chick. Big hair, small clothes, and make-up that rocked. Just like in the Bruce Springsteen song, our glory days were in high school. After that, most of the girls got ma...

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“Stitch By Stitch” by Karla S. Bryant

Submitted to Contest #241

“Stitch By Stitch”by Karla S. Bryant When a room is in total silence, you can hear the pull of thread through muslin held taut in an embroidery frame. I focus on the sound and for a moment, roll the needle pressed between my thumb and forefinger back and forth. The open fireplace to the left is darkened with soot, but a fine fire keeps our sewing group warm. It’s unseasonably cool for September, and I’d worn my wool cloak when I went to the market earlier at Head House. Now I can hear thread pull through fabric from every woman seated in th...

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“Penn's Landing” by Karla S. Bryant

Submitted to Contest #240

A breeze brushes against my face and it’s not until now that I realize my cheek is wet. Strands of hair stick to my hand as I wipe the tears away. Now my fingertips are cold. I predicted the meeting would be filled with emotion but hadn’t thought I’d actually cry. Especially not at this point. I wasn’t even at Penn’s Landing yet.The toe of my shoe catches on a loose Belgian block in the street and a young man rushes to hold my elbow.“Are you okay?” His expression is kind and I try not to be distracted by his pierced cheeks. “Yes, thanks, jus...

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Author bio

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