Webb Johnson

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2021

Stories (24)

24 Stories

529 karma pts

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“The winged dragon and the forest bird” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #185

Let me dispel the rumors. There’s only one winged dragon, not “a dozen or more” as some lazy and irresponsible news media have reported. The creature apparently arrived from The Land Where Stories Begin when it flew (or was blown) off course, possibly because of anomalies in the ocean and wind currents due to global warming or some other glitch.   Zoologists confirmed that the winged dragon is of the Asian, non-fire-breathing genus (Volans Draco) and very unlikely to distress damsels, or anyone else. Additionally, the dragon mimics hum...

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“Sam Tings Family Restaurant” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #162

Sam Ting’s Family Restaurant I told my daughter I didn’t want to cause any awkward moments at the family Christmas dinner so I’d booked a week in Hawaii for the holidays. It’s better to be lonely in Waikiki than in my newly rented, snow-bound bachelor apartment in Denver. During the drive to International Airport, Haley and I avoided discussing the looming divorce. I wanted to explain what was going on, but how could I? Ever since she and my son, Jack, Jr. went off to college their mom, Darlene, and I had been just two people with nothing...

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“Team Building” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #146

Team Building Bob, find Lew before you leave. An hour after I got the worrisome email I sat in front of Lew Cook’s neat desk while he informed me that the selection committee recommended Clara North for Regional Sales Coordinator. “They decided she’s better at team building.” I felt my face turn red as I tried to form a thanks-for-even-considering-me smile. “I know you feel lousy, Bob, but people skills are acquired. You’ll have other chances.” He walked me to the door with a hand on my shoulder then dashed back to a humming phone wh...

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“Fine Dining at Speedy Mart” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #131

Fine Dining at Speedy Mart I parked my car and was walking in when I realized I couldn’t avoid a scruffy guy hitting up the Speedy-Mart customers. Just to keep him from having to ask, I handed over three one-dollar bills from my breast pocket while I pulled open the glass entry door and walked in. Inside, the well-kept store was hectic with working stiffs grabbing beer, soft drinks, sandwiches, candy bars, and other fast food that could be munched on the run. Rolling papers, cigarettes, lotto tickets, hot pizza slices, and chicken wings had...

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“Team Building” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #119

Team Building“The purpose of team building is to increase trust, improve communication, expand collaboration, and broaden, or maintain motivation.” Unknown The office memo had a worrying tone: “Bob, find Lew before you leave.” An hour later I sat in front of Lew Cook’s neat desk─so neat there was nothing on it while he informed me that the selection committee had recommended Clara North for Regional Sales Coordinator because they felt she’s better at team building. I felt my face turn red as I tried to form a thanks-for-even-considerin...

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“Fine Dining At 7-11” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #116

Fine Dining at Speedy MartI pulled my new Porsche 911 into a parking stall and was on my way toward the 7-11 Speedy Mart when it became obvious to me that I couldn’t steer clear of a scruffy, homeless, guy who was standing on the sidewalk hitting up customers for a hand-out. To spare both of us the discomfiture that comes with begging, I reached into the zippered pocket of my leather flight jacket and found three one-dollar bills which I handed to him while I pulled open the glass entry door and walked in.Inside, the convenience store was he...

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“Emma's Gift” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #114

Emma’s Gift I had no believable excuse for saying no, so I agreed to teach a summer school class for high school freshmen. The announcement came out in the Spring/Summer issue of the City Civic Arts Newsletter:   ’Scapes: Land and Sea. Learn to draw the world around us. For young artists interested in taking their drawing to a higher level. Explore a variety of subjects, developing an understanding of form, composition, line, light/shadow, perspective, and color. Tuition: $20 + $15 supply fee due at first class. Starts July 5...

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“Dinah's Roadside Diner” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #110

Dinah’s Roadside Diner: A Fishy Tale I pulled off the Pacific Coast Highway about twenty miles south of Half Moon Bay and parked my car under a tall sign that read Dinah’s Diner. When I walked through the entry door I got a welcoming hello from a bartender whose name tag read Tom. When I asked if the restaurant was open yet he said, “Twenty minutes,” so I slid onto a barstool and ordered a beer to pass the short wait. As Tom pulled the tap handle I said hello to the only other customer; a guy with a short, white, beard who told me his nam...

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“Going Together” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #104

“Going Together” I take lunch breaks at Starbucks Coffee Shop where I can relax for forty-five minutes with the newspaper or magazine before returning to another four-hour grind at the Computer Store. Today, I saw my favorite barista behind the counter. I don’t know her name, but I feel like I know her. I ordered a cinnamon scone and coffee; smiling eye to eye. She has no idea what a major star she’s been my nighttime fantasies. In addition to the San Francisco Chronicle, I had a book that Cynthia gave me. Having to handle the coffee the ...

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Author bio

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Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #228
Pheasant Under Glass – read story