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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

“Puppy Love” by Jessica-Marie Gervais

Submitted to Contest #116

How in the world can birds be so damn cheerful in the morning? The dialogue from a strange version of one of Nick’s co-workers echoed in the most surreal office building he had ever been in. The chirps gave way to the fire alarm, and he woke in a panic. It didn’t take him long to figure out where the noise came from; grabbing his phone with a frustrated sigh, he swiped his alarm off and muttered, “Oh yeah, it’s a workday.” He stood up and stretched, moving just the tiniest bit faster than a slug. Mornings had never been easy for Nick, ev...

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“Fate of the Indisposed” by Cat Attack

Submitted to Contest #116

“I just can’t.” Jerry Thallow, a five-year police officer in Elyria, Ohio, told his comrade. “It’s not what I signed up for.”“It’s exactly what you signed up for, and you know it!” Margaret Rune retorted back. “This is part of being in the police department!” Silence awaited them as they glared at each other. “And you can’t drop out now.” She told him, almost eerily, as he was about to speak. It worked, though, and he sealed his mouth shut, the truth holding back his snarky comments. Jerry had once before been able to slide by, not bein...

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“Girl's Lost Dog” by BRAXTON TOOMATH

Submitted to Contest #116

Sonya is a 12 year old girl, an only child white hair freckles on her face. She is five feet two inches tall. “That took forever,” I said, panting “where you were,” my mom said with a soft smile. “I... I was at the park”, I said trying not to smile “ok uh I gotta go do homework bye.” I rushed to my room leaving a dust trail behind me. I got in my room and locked the door phew, Tap Tap what was that? It was my snotty 6 year old neighbor Jackie. “what do you want! I said“opening my window “did you hear about the dog show?” ‘No and I don't want...

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“Dirt Is Dirt” by E. J. Wilhelm

Submitted to Contest #116

There is a dog barking. Not the sort of barking that demands play. Not the ‘Look at that! Look at that!’ sort of barking. Not angry barking. Cheyenne has never not had a dog. She knows what those all sound like, whether the dog is big or small, whether it barks like a plush toy or like its trying to shake down the moon. It’s the rapid, high-pitched, desperate yapping of a dog demanding help. She’s never heard it from her current dog, but it’s a sound that pulls at her sternum like a deep-set instinct. She stares at the bright yellow ‘PRI...

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“To Do What Is Right” by Michael McGee

Submitted to Contest #116

A foreign princess of different race, stood alone in the tower, no one dare approach her.A trophy of war for this kingdom, and a symbol of peace for her own, her marriage to this kingdom’s prince was the unification needed to bring about the end of a bloody war. As she neared the looming door, she could hear the roar of the crowd now gathered in the city square, many of whom had lost loved ones in the bitter fighting and wished to see her dead.As the huge door crashed open, a rush of searing hot air swept past her, almost sending her off her...

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“Ginny Dietrick and Her Brush with the Law in Gainesville, GA” by Wy Jung

Submitted to Contest #116

Way back in the 1940's, I vaguely recall getting a ticket for something that had to do with parking. It's been so long ago now that honestly, I've forgotten all other details regarding the incident except that my dear husband Saul (godresthissoul) thought it amusing that I'd gotten so out of sorts about the simple infraction. He'd paid it off immediately with no further comment, though I'd insisted we should contest it. Besides that one unfortunate ticket, in all my 91 years I've steered clear of any trouble with the law. ...until today...

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“How a Woman Forgives ” by Paola Figueroa

Submitted to Contest #116

What deceiving words to live by that violence does not solve problems. Violence has been the true instigator of change and that I know in my hear to be true. Fernando also knew this to be true, but some infectious pest has been making him weak of mind and blind to the lies of his so called council. Once an honorable friend and now a lifelong foe. Oh how he poisoned my heart and how I wish to poison him with my lips. His action endlessly tormenting me each minute in my bed chambers; a never ending spinning wheel of torture. But at last, ma...

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“Dr. Sickle Part 1” by Howard Seeley

Submitted to Contest #116

The roar of applause thundered through the auditorium, as I stepped on the stage. Staring past the glow of the spotlights, I scanned the faces of the crowd. Blind, I thought to myself. They know not who they cheer for.At that moment, the President Bush placed the Medal of Freedom around my neck, shook my hand and blared in the microphone, “Let’s give our congratulations to Dr. Sickle. He’s certainly earned it.”Applause and cheers echoed, as I was escorted to the podium. The din died down and the nameless faces waited for my speech.As I peere...

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“Germinating seeds of forgiveness .” by F.O. Morier

Submitted to Contest #116

There´s a part of me, who lies all the time, to tell myself a truth, I´m afraid to bear. That part of me has many names and none. It cries it howls, it is caged. It is sad and it is lonely. It wants to break free from its burden. It wants to wash. It wants to breathe. It wants forgiveness and to give absolution. It craves the light; it longs for warmth. It labors to forgive, to pardon! To break its chains and bathe in the sunlight. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn´t exist. &nbsp...

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“Today Tomorrow, and Forever” by Sam Seabolt

Submitted to Contest #116

Today, Tomorrow, and Forever Sentinel Park was chilly today. The light wind of late winter, early spring, tugged at his jacket like the soft hands of a child, he flipped up his collar, so the air didn’t go down the neck. Rolling along the empty paths he listened to the sounds aroun...

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“Cinderella” by Baby Grace

Submitted to Contest #116

Why does she keep coming back, I sigh with a mixture of grief and resentment. It's like I am suffocating and she is the one stealing my breath from me. My ability. This is devastating, I hate her, but I love her. How do you do this to me? It must be magic, maybe I should go see a witch doctor or something see if they can diagnose me or some shit! "You're joking right?" Bella exclaimed. Almost mocking my paranoia. Bella stared me down, "She didn't put a spell on you fuckin hypochondriac, You are a simp, and you let a gold digger fall in love...

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“The Un dead covid diaries” by Arabella Watson

Submitted to Contest #116

Creatures of the night rendered powerless in Covid 19 Melbourne Lockdown stage 4. Forbidden I have been forbidden to wander my beloved city streets. Melbourne has been a city shut down, the residents are suffering under the strictness of Stage 4. Many suffering severe mental health issues, unemployment, alcohol consumption s rapidly rising. Many people are feeling powerless at under siege by an enemy they cannot see. A virus that has sapped the life out of the city and its people. Once the world’s most liveable city ...

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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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“Forbidden Re-entry” by Perillai Perillai

Submitted to Contest #116

“You are forbidden from entering the atmosphere, Ekaterina!” the voice on the headset sounded grim.“But, I do not have anywhere else to go,” replied Ekaterina. Ekaterina was in her Crew Return Vehicle, waiting for approval from the Mission control center to return back to Earth. She was perspiring inside her spacesuit, trying to suck in as much oxygen as she could. “We have just now dealt with a pandemic and lost millions of lives. We do not want yet another pandemic. The cost of yet another pandemic would be in billions of dollars...

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“A Good Wife” by Emily Snyder

Submitted to Contest #116

CW: Violence, Addiction “We haven’t known him very long.” I poured a martini and sat next to my wife. She looked angry, but that was normal. “Do you really think it would stop her if you said ‘no’?” I flexed my jaw. Of course it should stop her. I’m her father, my opinion should count for something. I took a sip of the harsh liquid and glared at the door. “What makes you think he’s even going to ask?” Stacy rolled her eyes. “Because I know our daughter. Why else would he be taking you to dinner?” I shook my head. “In my day,...

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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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