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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#154: The Right Timing

It has come to our attention that Backstreet Boys (you know, the famous boy band from the 90s) recently announced that they'll be releasing a Christmas album. Naturally, this week's prompts are all about timing.

In a rapidly changing world, it can be hard to keep up sometimes. The newest TikTok is old almost as soon as it has gone viral, and trends come and go quicker than the seasons. And yet, some things are timeless classics. Taking inspiration from the ebb and flow of time, here are this week’s prompts:

This week's prompts

Start your story with someone saying, “We’re running out of time.”

Middle School – 77 stories

Write a story about someone who feels increasingly irrelevant.

Sad – 57 stories

Write a story — romantic or not — about two characters who can’t find the right timing.

Romance – 32 stories

Write a story about an object that has been around for centuries or passed down generations.

Kids – 46 stories

Write a story featuring an element of time-travel or anachronism.

Science Fiction – 68 stories

Stories

“Witch Craft” by Nicole Clem

Submitted to Contest #154

We are running out of time, I yelled upstairs to Anna. We need to hurry, there is only five more minutes until I leave without you. Anna being her perfect self, always must look her best when she leaves home. Like whom is she trying to impress? She already has the perfect slim body, long golden blonde hair, long beautiful eye lashes and bright baby blue eyes. Standing tall at 5-foot 5 inches and maybe 130 pounds. Never works out, eats whatever she wants. I hate to admit it and I would never tell her to her face how jealous of her I am. ...

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“Wrongfully accused” by Angelia Grey

Submitted to Contest #154

We’re running out of time” Sky said grabbing her best friend/ PI partner by the hand to force her to run faster through the vineyard which was muddy and slippery. “We need to get this evidence into the police before they arrest the wrong man” Sky was saying pulling her partners hand, not realising she was causing her to become off balance. Next thing she knows she is being pulled down to the ground. “What the hell si!” Sky yelled as she went splat onto muddy grounds. She looked at Si to growl her for slipping and dragging her down too,...

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“Time Flies” by Xiomatli Diaz

Submitted to Contest #154

"We're running out of time!" "Yes, you've been saying that quite frequently for the past twenty minutes." Vinny was speaking through clenched teeth, trying not to think about what her hands were doing while at the same time very focused on her task. She had barely any concept of time in her current position. "Are you sure Finx even ate a bird today?" Vinny huffed again. While she was trying not to let the concept of lost time burden her search, she could feel her nervous itch beginning at the tip of her nose. The urge to scratch it was...

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“Time” by Suni Nelson

Submitted to Contest #154

TIME “We’re running out of time” “What do you mean?” “You have a decision to make.” “I understand that part, I think. But you said ….we.” “Does my decision affect you somehow?” “Of course, it does. I’m your guardian Angel. I go where you go. Either here, ……or there.” “So, your not just a temporary assignment for me?” “No.” “ Do you always have to follow me?” “Yes.” She tried to decern his tone. That Suttle lilt that could convey information unintended. Yet, he gave away nothing. In all the time they had spent communicating, whether it was ve...

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“A Question of Time” by Jed Cope

Submitted to Contest #154

“We’re running out of time.” I say that under my breath as I read the latest news, a plume of steam billows out from my pursed lips and into the cold city air. I stand there and watch it rise and dissipate, just like my chances of making this work. If anyone hears me, they are too savvy to acknowledge my words. I’m on my own and I think I always will be. I slump into the seat of my car and slam the door shut, even then it doesn’t sit right. Nothing sits right, but that’s fine by me, or if it isn’t then I don’t care, not anymore. ...

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“Dear daughter” by D A

Submitted to Contest #154

Dear daughter, You are now six years old. You are sitting on the floor next to me, listening to endless Russian skazki and drawing exquisite sketches of princesses. The remoteness and solitude of the place we live in trigger a unique combo of sadness and self-reflection. I will use the second as my main ingredient and the first as a grain of salt. I believe this to be a perfect recipe for a healthy piece of motherly life advice that I want to share. Today I want to tell you about the importance of daring. When I was a six-year old,...

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“The Story of Shawn and Josie” by Johanna L

Submitted to Contest #154

** This story might be difficult for those who have struggled with family planning challenges ** “We’re running out of time.” Josie’s voice broke as she sat in a therapists’ office with her husband, Shawn. Josie and Shawn have been married for almost seven years. Their marriage had its ups and downs, but they have stuck by each other through it all. Josie and Shawn fit together like puzzle pieces. Josie thought that this was why they have managed to endure all of the hardships of their marriage. Josie was a strong woman who supported he...

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“After Time is Gone” by Trinity Kjelden

Submitted to Contest #154

"We're running out of time!" I felt the lights glare down on me but I can't open my eyes. The blur of voices- what was going on? A pulse surged through my body. Again. Again. A long beep stilled the room. "I'm here! It's okay!" I shouted. Why didn't they hear me? I sat up and my eyes opened. The white wall and the bright lights stung my eyes. Strangers stood around me; some had their eyes closed while others just looked at the floor. My heart broke as I saw my lover sobbing on the floor. I threw the sheet off me- only it didn't move. The air...

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“NEWS - MISSING: 19-Year-Old Comp Sci Undergrad” by Audrey K

Submitted to Contest #154

“We’re running out of time.” I nudged Johnny with my foot. The heat of the sun had been drumming delirium into the back of my head for the past - very expensive - three hours, and the strength of my kick came out so poorly calculated that Johnny almost teetered off his feet. Johnny squatted next to the casket in front of us. A green goo was oozing from it, pooling around his boots. He shielded his eyes from the sun to stare up at me, then thrusted up an arm, “buy more.” I heaved an exasperated sigh, about to hit him with a mo...

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“Storm Runners” by Cassie Varney

Submitted to Contest #154

"We're running out of time!" Giana said, as she hurriedly packed what little belongings we had into our backpacks.Ever since they started changing the weather things have been different. The storms grow stronger everytime they come and don't stop for days. They bring tornados and floods. At first, everyone thought they were normal. We were happy to have rain where there was usually droughts, sun where it was usually cold. It was supposed to be a good thing. They promised our world would be great, no hunger because crops could grow bigger tha...

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“Decisions ” by Hope Froh

Submitted to Contest #154

“We are running out of time. You need to make a decision. Are you in, or are you out?” How did I find myself here? Standing in the pouring rain under a flickering streetlight staring into the very face I had asked to help me so many years ago. His arm is outstretched with the hand I shook again reaching out for me. The car door is open and he is half leaning from its depths. I can see the determined expression on his face even with my eyes closed. This question I have been running from for the past ten years. This very question is where my...

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“A Sorrowful, Precious Second Chance ” by Bernadette Beauchamp

Submitted to Contest #154

“We’re running out of time.” Crystal barely heard the declaration even though Brian was right next to her. She was too absorbed in the decorations to be completely present. Balloons made to look like bubbles were strewn around the gymnasium, green streamers hung from the ceiling, and purple and blue lighting glided around the floor making it look like it was meant for dancing that night. Is “Under the Sea” still a popular theme, Crystal wondered. Maybe it was just easy and hence, still popular. “Out of time? No one arrives at parties when th...

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“The Sins of the Malum Purpura ” by Ellzita Rochè

Submitted to Contest #154

“We’re running out of time.” Shirley gasped, her hands trembling as she clutched a crystal close to her chest. The once brilliant colours a mere shimmer of faded hues. Kevin’s eyes flashed to Shirley in the rear-view mirror, too scared to mention that her once vibrant red hair is now a dull copper grey. Shirley lifts her hands and with a flick of her wrist the car lurches to a higher speed, Kevin grips the steering wheel. “You’re not going to help the situation if you get us killed before the time” he snaps through clenched teeth.Shirl...

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“HOLDING ON” by AR Benjamin

Submitted to Contest #154

“HOLDING ON” I couldn’t see that death had already eloped with my auntie’s body. * When my stepdad would come home at night, I’d usually be worried about him stepping into my room, while my mother slept. This evening, my fears fell like rain over an Indian summer sky. He headed straight for his bed where my mother remained watching the tv. Speaking in a hushed voice that you would only hear offered to babies, he said: “It’s going to be okay…Yes, on a bench, in Pimlico.” “By herself?” my mother asked. “Speaking to herself, alone.”...

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“Figure In the Field” by Fernando Sosa

Submitted to Contest #154

She called to me through my window. It seemed nice outside, peaceful. The rain came down softly and quietly, her voice cut easily through the sounds of droplets on puddles. I met her gaze and she called to me again. Though I didn't see her mouth move, I heard her voice. On nights like these, I sometimes wonder if she will show up. The first time I heard her call was some time ago, and I ignored it. I allowed the static in my head and the beating of my heart to drown her out, and slithered into bed to enjoy another sleepless night. On ...

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$250

Prize money

280

Contest entries

112

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jul 15, 2022 EST

Won by Suma Jayachandar 🏆

Title: Moonlight and Madness

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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