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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#116: Permission vs Forgiveness

As the old saying goes, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission.” It’s not a policy to adopt too often (if you want to keep your friends, that is). But there will probably be times when — whether out of expedience, impulsivity, or sheer laziness — you throw caution to the wind.

Whether your characters are seeking another’s blessing or begging their pardon, this week’s prompts focus on the complex dynamics between permission and forgiveness.

This week's prompts

Write about a character breaking a rule, but for good reason.

Teens – 38 stories

Write about a character seeking forgiveness for something that happened in the past.

Angst – 67 stories

Start your story with someone being forbidden from doing something.

Dark – 44 stories

Write about a character who is being asked for their blessing, but is reluctant to give it.

Angst – 14 stories

Write a story that centers around a parking permit.

Fluff – 11 stories

Stories

“Doggone” by Larry Kerr

Submitted to Contest #116

Doggone by Larry C. Kerr Butch was lying in his bed when he heard them coming, but it was too late to escape. Although his dog ears were much better than those appendages attached to human skulls, he was dozing and didn't clear his head in time. Most of the time he didn't mind when his owners visited him. As a matter of fact, he enjoyed it. However, now the man and woman had Mikey with them. Butch pushed his snout into the blanket in his bed and closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. Mikey was the reason Butch was now known as Oggi...

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“The Orphan” by Bettina Karpathian

Submitted to Contest #116

The flickering light of the coachman's lantern barely pierced the darkness as Janey clambered down from the carriage. The gusting wind snatched at her hood as she tried to cover up against the driving rain. As the coach rumbled off into the night, she was relieved to see a sliver of light in the dark bulk of the house in front of her. “Don’t just stand there on a nasty night like this,” said a voice. “Come in so I can shut the door.” Janey was yanked out ...

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“Please Don't Be Mad” by Elizabeth Chen

Submitted to Contest #116

CW: This story deals with references to terminal illness and death. “Alright, alright, I promise. I will never, ever, ever, ever go anywhere without telling you, as long as you do the same.” I made the promise between giggles as you laughed triumphantly, swaying your body back and forth to the rhythm of your own joy, enthusiastically nodding your mutual consent. The promise started as a joke, but that didn’t mean we stuck to it any less. Any party, any evening seminars, and when we moved in together, any late nights in the office, late ...

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“Into the River” by K.C. Younkin

Submitted to Contest #116

He sits on the ground at the top of the cliff above the whispering river waiting for the moon to show itself and the moment to arrive. When he sat here with her, the moon was full. Last night, two weeks since then, it was at a waning crescent and barely visible. He has told himself he will sit here every night of the moon cycle, of endless moon cycles, until he gets his wish. He looks into the fire he lights every evening and sees her face. Wild hair framing bright eyes and a wide smile. Her lips move as if she’s talking and he can see that...

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“The decision” by Nomsa Phiri

Submitted to Contest #116

He exhaled a shaky breath. His plan wasn’t going to how he had thought it would be go. He never thought he have to do this .He never thought he would be in this position. It is all because of her. Yes, that her. Tracking her down had been fairly easy. She wasn’t the kind to leave details of her life to the public but there are still enough people who knew where she might be. That’s the way she preferred it and he knew it too well about her. After few phone calls with friends, he had a location on where he could find her. After 5 y...

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“Waves” by Ray Van Der Veer

Submitted to Contest #116

I broke the surface and gasped, catching my breath and slowing it to easy pulls of air. A seagull flew past, and I bobbed for a moment in the water watching him head to the horizon. I turned and swam to shore. The water pushed against me, my own waves lost to the bigger tides, and I rode the current inward when I could. I walked up the beach and flopped down on the towel next to Lo. She was a quarter of the way through the novel she brought, some perfect-for-the-beach story of romance found and lost. No doubt some tragically profound ending ...

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“Being Forbidden Should Not be Taken Lightly” by Iain Archibald

Submitted to Contest #116

“Please, please tell me Father what is in the locked wardrobe in the basement”. George once again begging at his father more out of curiosity than anything else. George’s father Thomas 6ft 3 in height, average build, black curly hair with a few grey strands has said to his persistent son a couple times before more in a nicer tone but this time he was more angry though more pleading, “For the umpteenth and for the very last time and this time I am pleading with you that the wardrobe in the basement is locked for not only to protect you but al...

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“Mr. Branderschmidt's Basement” by Mason Bufkin

Submitted to Contest #116

Peter stood at the window and watched his dad’s silver Honda drive out of the cul-de-sac. His hand clenched the top loop of his backpack, heavy with books and homework. A finger tapped his shoulder, making Peter jump. Looming over him was the gaunt face of his caretaker for the day. Mr. Branderschmidt, the mysterious old man who lived across the street and wore a trench coat and a constant sneer. His skin was too tight over his bones, making him look li...

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“The Forest” by David Carter

Submitted to Contest #116

THE FOREST ‘Stop! You are never to go in there! Do you hear!’ My great aunt was screaming at me. I was visiting her and her husband for the summer holidays. She and my great uncle lived on a farm on the edge of a forest and I had not seen them for many years and only when they visited my parents in the city. Besides my parents they were my only living relatives. This summer my parents had decided to go overseas for a second honeymoon for a month and they hadn’t wanted to take me with them. My great aunt and uncle had reluctantly agre...

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$250

Prize money

174

Contest entries

112

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Oct 22, 2021 EST

Won by Story Time 🏆

Title: Straw, Sticks, and Brick

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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