Robert Radcliff

“Past Imperfect” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #285

The hum was a low thrum in my bones, a vibration that resonated with the very fabric of reality. I gripped the worn leather of the temporal displacement device, a contraption I'd cobbled together from schematics found buried deep in my grandfather's attic. Tonight was the night. Tonight, I’d finally fix the biggest mistake of my life. 25 years ago, I'd let her go, and the ghost of that decision had haunted me ever since. There was hardly a day that went by that I did not consider my decision and regret it. The numbers on the device flickered...

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“Every Good Deed” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #274

From the moment I first encountered my niece Mary, I knew she was a special girl. Whilst now a teenager we have become close not only as relatives but as friends too. She usually phones or messages me at regular intervals. And she is the only child of my brother Peter and his wife Gill. They all live a short distance from me in West London, though because of all our work commitments we are prevented meeting that often.Yet just a short while ago I got a very distressing phone call on my mobile. "Hey Uncle Bob....your got to hel...

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“We all have secrets dear” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #267

It was impossible for Tom to hide his happiness.He would meet his date Sophie in just a few hours.Their initial point of contact was an introduction on the brand-new website "Secrets and Excitement."It was unique among dating apps in that it only paired users when one or both had secrets that could influence the course of their relationship. The website promised it would not share the secret with anybody else, and it was kept in total confidence. They paired the secret keeper with someone who would probably be cool with hearing the secret, ...

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“They Are Out to Get Me” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #252

Last night, I hardly got any sleep. It was earlier that day that I became aware that I was being observed as I was working out at my neighborhood gym club. Not watching me in a blatant manner. But in order to keep an eye on me, they are employing secretive tactics. A few fleeting glances in the wall mirrors looking at me. Sly looks at me when they believe I am unaware of what is happening. Yet they seem under the impression that I do not know of their surveillance about them checking my whereabouts. Haha, ha-ha, I am not someone wh...

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“Unspeakable” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #238

A tall and towering distinguished-looking man with hypnotic eyes stood on the stage of the Great Hall.He titled himself the Professor and his close colleagues often referred to him as 'The Prof'.It is after 3am in the morning but due to the urgency of events he has summoned his three closest assistants to learn about how he would soon reveal to all in this auditorium and to the world about a dreadful incident."My friends," he said, pausing to stress that the group's diverse political affiliations didn't matter because they were all now worki...

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“I Am What I Am” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #225

My apparel is sticking to my body as the sweat envelops me. Its late evening in the nightclub area of Bangkok as I say bye to the last of my work colleagues who had joined me for some drinks in the Silom area pub which I often go after work.I have decided to walk back to my apartment which is barely ten minutes away.Maybe the events of the last few hours will become less scary to me once I have ceased the alcohol intake.I go to the pub washroom and look in the mirror. My good-looking physique is overshadowed by signs of despair on ...

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“University Challenged” by Robert Radcliff

​Aston Delaware Galbraith is a student at a prominent British university, where he currently studies Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He has the appearance of a young adult, a nonbinary slender body type, and the intelligence of an Einstein. He has dedicated the vast majority of his waking life to learning about several different fields of study.From Algebra to Zoology, and everything in between.He is currently seated at a study table on the top level of his university library. The towering spires and Gothic arches of this massive struct...

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“Devil Doll” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #208

Ava died six months ago.She is my baby sister.Ava fell from her bedroom window on the third and top floor of our family house. She was only 10.At the time I was away at university, but I recall the dreadful event. I was summoned to return and stay with my folks at Grandma's. We soon returned home, but Mum and Dad locked Ava's bedroom door and boarded her window. It's remained that way ever since. The Court concluded it was an accident. And now my parents never mention it. Ava was "Daddy's girl" and even though he was our stepdad he love...

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“The Luckiest Man Alive” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #197

It is 4:45 a.m., according to my watch. The plane I'm on now is scheduled to be struck by lightning at precisely 5:55 a.m., at which point it will begin a downward spiral and spin out of control. And then it'll fall into the ocean, killing everyone on board.Because of my acceptance of my predicament, I am able to keep my emotions under control.Over the last month I have had recurring dreams about this happening, so I know it is inevitable. But it is only now in less than an hour, whilst I am on this plane that I can properly recall my fatefu...

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“Kats Are Us” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #193

Far, far away in the depths of space there is a highly developed planet.Featuring lush vegetation, clean air, with azure water and sky. This world has advanced technology and civilization compared to Earth.Vega is its name.The only occupants of this civilization are:Kats: clever feline-like beings, who have created what they consider to be a paradise. The Kats on Vega- in contrast to their diminutive Earthly counterparts -reach human heights and have kept their four-legged gait out of deliberate design.They communicate in a variety of w...

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“The Beauty of Sakura” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #191

The petals surround me. Falling from the sky in tickertape fashion. Pink, pale rose and white, mystic and mysterious.Strange but compelling and unforgettable.Cherry blossoms symbolize the ephemeral nature of life. Their loveliness although tinged with volatility represent mortality and destiny.An empathy towards things and the reality of life, yet at the same time it signifies hope, renewal and positive thought.The cherry blossom leaves swirl around and lift my existence as I float in a lightness of being.My memory is mostly gone with unknow...

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“Love is all there is” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #187

Where am I? Where is this? I am surrounded by cloud like fog.... or is it mist...upwards I see just density...no color... just dullness and space...I feel my body ...all seems ok...or is it?What is happening to me?Sometimes in our lives it can be difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy....so....Am I at the end of my life, or is this just a dream?Then from the bleakness I hear a sound ...coming from nearby:'Meow. Meow'... hey........ I am not alone!I look around.... in front of me on the ground there suddenly appears green e...

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“Saving Humanity” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #184

A graceful landing was made by the presidential jet.The plane personifying strength, power and importance touched down. Limos were waiting to transport the president and his party to their hideaway, which was only about an hour's drive away.Joseph Frank Killarney was every bit a leader. At 6 feet 2 inches tall with a muscular physique, sculpted good looks, and teeth and hair that looked like they were plucked from a glossy magazine, he was undeniably the ideal person for these perilous times. And he had not yet turned 40."JFK," as he wa...

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“Sticks and Stones” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #183

While in his neighborhood bar, Charlie Westworth-Brownlow admired himself in the restroom mirror.Physically robust and sturdy he thought his curly handlebar mustache made him look exceptionally distinguished. At age 60, he believed he was unquestionably handsome and charming.But with such an inflated ego he was in fact very delusional.He washed his hands before returning to the bar counter.After downing his gin and tonic in a single drink, the female bar attendant asked if he wanted another. "No, my beauty," Charlie said, "as much as I would...

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“Queer Eye for the Straight Girl” by Robert Radcliff

Submitted to Contest #179

Marie Jane Emmerson is about to make the most important personal decision of her life.She considers herself fortunate to have two wonderful suitors; one is Greg, a long-time friend, and Jerry, a fellow lawyer.But who will she decide to spend the rest of her life with?It's early Sunday morning, the day when most people prefer to sleep in.But instead of resting today, she planned to visit her Uncle Bob and seek his advice on this most important of decisions.Taking a look at herself in her room's mirror nobody could take her natural beauty away...

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