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Mari Swindley

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2021

Stories (3)

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3 Stories

55 karma pts

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Self-defeating Prophecy

Submitted to Contest #110

'We have plenty of time' is one of those phrases that really should not be uttered. For in the uttering it becomes a self-defeating prophecy. In this case, young Daniel spoke the thought out as his mother banged on his bedroom door for the third time that morning. "We will have plenty of time, if we are on the road in the next five minutes, young man." Sheila sighed. "It's not like you didn't know this was happening. Now come on! Even your dad is ready before you!" "Alright, alright. Keep your hair on Mum. I'll be down in a sec." They ...

6 likes

One Lane Bridge

Submitted to Contest #99

"One lane bridge" the carload of us sang out in unison. Since we'd made it round to the West Coast, here on New Zealand's South Island, we'd encountered these bridges with increasing frequency. Along with gravel roads. More than once the two went together, and we'd bounce across the bridge, the tyres of my uncle's Holden station wagon doing its best to maintain grip on the dodgy road surface. This time, we pulled to a stop over to the left, waiting our turn. A large vehicle, towing a caravan, made its way towards us. Uncle raised his hand as...

6 likes

The Blue Room

Submitted to Contest #96

She stood in the doorway, her hand drifting back to her side as the car drove out of sight. Eventually she shook her head, realised the sun was higher in the sky now, and retreated into the hallway. Evie had at last - at long last - left home. Why do we say it like that? Maddy wondered. Evie had found a new home, she wasn't homeless! Though not the youngest, Evie had taken some time to 'find herself', and was the last one to fly the nest. Maddy walked through to the kitchen, checked there was enough water in the kettle and switched it ...

10 likes