Trudy Jas

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Nov, 2023

Stories (82)

82 Stories

4891 karma pts

?

“Lunch Break” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #242

She slowly circles the room. Stopping to bend over a display case. Twisting her head to watch some facets catch the light, peering at inscriptions. Careful not to touch the glass, lest the guard who's watching her admonishes her again."Which one do you fancy?"Startled she straightens and looks at him. He's tall, his longish sun-bleached hair seems youthful compared to his somewhat weathered face. A sailor, maybe? Or someone used to spend time outdoors. His light blue eyes crinkle at the corners, giving the impression of mirth."That one." She...

Read story

“Paradise” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #241

I'm floating naked in an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Having just admired the sunset, I'm mesmerized by billions of stars blinking on overhead. A soft sea breeze moves the warm humid air. The wine is cold and crisp."What a lovely view." His voice is rich, soft and has a hint of a smile.I'm busted!But let me start at the beginning.Eight months ago, Alex took me out for lunch at a coffee shop near his office. We both had to be back at work, so lunch was going to be quick. He said since it was my birthday, he didn't want to wait ...

Read story

“You See,” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #241

You see, betrayal never comes from your enemy.An enemy is honest about their antipathy. An enemy will never pretend to be on your side.You see, betrayal comes from me.I'm the one who sits across from you, my elbows propped on the table, my hands clasped together, my chin resting on my fists. My eyes will be warm, full of understanding, my mouth pursed into a empathetic moue, the occasional tut-tut and tsk-tsk, a slight twitch of an eye, a narrowly missed frown, a barely perceptible nod or shake of my head.I will make the odd comment, using y...

Read story

“Words on the Wind” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #240

Steve, the weatherman on channel six, rudely interrupted Dr. Phil. to tell us that a tornado had touched down near Louisville and was traveling up the Ohio River. Everybody knows that these guys live for this stuff, like a self-respecting entomologist lives for the hatching of the seventeen-year cicadas. But really! Louisville? That was at least two and a half hours away, if you kept to the speed limits. I've lived here for thirty years and yet have to see one of these things. Come to think about it, that's a good thing.On second thought, I ...

Read story

“His Perfect Creation” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #239

Working this long, this close to the fire is grueling. Having already stripped down to his shorts and leather apron, he wipes his brow and guzzles water. One more time. With the white-hot flame ready, he rolls his pipe in the molten gather. Hoping, praying that this time he has the mixture right. A soft blow, a turn, a little more air, another turn. A slight cooling on the marver, more air, just a bit more, a slow turn. Pause to let a bubble float to the top, shaping on the bench, cool, just enough and blow. Turn, gather the ocher shot with ...

Read story

“Reddrozen” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #239

The land along the cliff is bleak, colorless and barren. I've hiked for a few hours; my backpack feels heavier with each step. The cliff is a sheer drop to the churning sea below. I'm beginning to think that I've been sent on a wild goose chase when I see a dirt path. Though woefully overgrown, it's the only thing that looks different from the hard rock and coarse patches of sea grass.With renewed excitement I adjust the load on my shoulders and follow the path toward the cliff. There it switches back and forth, descending gradually through ...

Read story

“The Devil's Choice” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #238

The summons comes at midnight."He demands your presence, Milady." With the door between us, Cedrik's voice is muffled."I will wait for my maid to bring my clothes. Tell him I will be there when I am properly attired.""Forgive me, Milady. He said for you to come at once.""Surely, he doesn't expect me to leave my chamber in my night clothes!" I protest."I apologize, Milady. I have orders to drag you there, if need be." I hear the distaste in his voice. Until two days ago, he had been one my guards, showing featly to me, taking orders from me.^...

Read story

“Smoke on the Water” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #238

It's only late summer but the air is cool this morning. The lake, still holding the summer warmth, allows the mist to drift like smoke over its surface, making it look ethereal and enchanted. Soon the sun will burn away the smoke and bring the lake in sharp focus. It won't be long before the trees will change to yellow and gold, russet and red.The summer people have left. They have closed their cottages and pulled their boats out of the water. Some may return for the odd weekend. Some may return for cross-country skiing; other will bring the...

Read story

“Dear John” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #237

Dear John,Can you believe it has been ten years already since you're gone? I'll stop by the cemetery later today and leave this letter and some flowers. Though maybe you'd rather have a beer, wouldn't you? Read it when you have some time.Well, that's silly. You have nothing but time, now. I bet the sun feels nice on your headstone. You can sit up when you read it. 'Cause it's kind-a had to read it in the dark, ain't it?I gues, I'm babbling again. I know you always said you hated it when I babble. You'd shake your head and grunt and then roll...

Read story

“For the Last Time” by Trudy Jas

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #237

Tuesday afternoon, she turns the key in the lock and opens the door. As she shrugs out of her coat, she shivers and adjusts the thermostat. Carrying the shopping bag through to the kitchen, she fills the kettle and sets it on the flame. She rinses the teapot with warm water and carefully measures the leaves. With a sigh, she pulls the tray from its storage space next to the fridge and sets out two cups and saucers. She cuts up a lemon and pours a little cream in the pitcher. She unwraps the raspberry tarts, his favorite.Just as the water com...

Read story

“The Railroad along the River.” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #236

Triggers of war, death, violence.Before the world falls apart, life in Kidiri is good. During the harvest, work on the sugar plantation is 'round the clock with long shifts. But the rest of the year, life is good. With a lovely wife, a one-year-old son, friends, tennis and plenty of G&T. And servants who take care of everything.After the bombing on Pearl Harbor, after the fall of Singapore, it is just a matter of days before the rag-tag reservists, who have few arms and even less ammunition, surrender. By Japanese standards and morals, s...

Read story

“She's leaving home” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #235

Wednesday morning5:00 o'clockShe is sitting on the edge of her bed. It has taken days to pack. A little bit at a time, carefully hiding it from her parents. Trying to decide what is important, what is fluff. How much is enough?Sitting still, being quiet, because she can't wake Mommy and Daddy, and still keeping herself awake is hard. She can hear Daddy snore through the thin wall. But Mommy says she's a light sleeper. Marjory doubts it. As often as she has come in late these past few months, Mommy never seems to have heard her.She frets. Doe...

Read story

“Run, Maggy. Run!” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #235

Tonight, Maggy finally gets her chance to run. Tonight, he passed out drunk again. But this time he forgot to lock up first. Tonight, she waits quietly, huddled out of sight. She waits till she hears his sloppy snores.She takes one of his shirts, the one she has been ironing. Knowing exactly which floorboard creaks, exactly where and how far she can push the screen door to keep it from squeaking, she slips out of the house. She tiptoes over the gravel and patchy front yard to the street.And runs."Let's run, Maggy!" With a shove, six-year-old...

Read story

“Winter Dream” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #234

Sparkling off the water, the late afternoon sun streams through the tall windows. Your silhouette is almost washed away in the bright light.You made good time.I nod. "Left a little earlier. Missed most of the traffic." As I bend over your chair for a kiss."I'll put the stuff away. There is plenty of time for a walk. Maybe put the boat in the water before supper."Sounds good. I feel your eyes on me as I moves about.The small dock at the bottom of the yard is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Watch the white clouds change to pink, peach, ...

Read story

“The End of the Drought” by Trudy Jas

Submitted to Contest #233

Implied nudity and consensual relationship. Enjoy.How to end a drought.Play the game.The warm-up.Each business trip is different, of course. Sometimes, she gets invited to dinner the evening before. Usually not. Sometimes she stays in her hotel room, feasting on room service selections and anything on the Hallmark Channel. Other times, she'll research where to eat, finding local specialties.When she's out by herself, invariably someone will ask if he can join her. Often, she will say yes and enjoy the conversation and light flirtation. Occas...

Read story

Author bio

Being single and retired left me with no one to talk to. So, I started telling myself stories. To keep from becoming (even more) eccentric, I decided to write them down. I find I kinda like doing this, and like the good little perfectionist I am, I want to become better. So, any constructive feedback, (and praise) is always welcome.

Shortlisted 5 stories ⭐️

Contest #255

Cheers, Mom. – read story

Contest #254

Whispers – read story

Contest #245

The Light at the Edges – read story

Contest #242

The Night Watchman – read story

Contest #237

For the Last Time – read story