#166: Game, set, match
Lately, my sporting news feed has been taken over by the retirement of two legendary tennis players — Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Whenever sports stars end their careers, it leaves me wondering what it must feel like to start something new after dedicating so much time and effort into performing at top level.
Of course, retiring, quitting, or changing careers are life-changing events whether you’re a professional athlete or not, and the prompts this week are inspired by the bevy of emotions this can bring to the surface — from trepidation to excitement, to regret or even nostalgia.
This week's prompts
Start your story with someone saying “I quit!”
Adults – 55 stories
Write about a rivalry between two coworkers that has unforeseen consequences.
Adults – 26 stories
Set your story at a retirement or leaving party.
Adults – 19 stories
Stories
“Second Thoughts” by Dawn Kaltenbaugh
Submitted to Contest #166
“One Last Entry” by Carolina Garcia
Submitted to Contest #166
“Alison and Shannon” by L.J Sunwing
Submitted to Contest #166
“A Game of Chance” by Richard Ford
Submitted to Contest #166
“Herb Goes Out In A Huff” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Retirement Package” by Jerald Larson
Submitted to Contest #166
“Are Those Eye Contacts?” by Emily Grace
Submitted to Contest #166
“It’s Time” by Sydney Delissaint
Submitted to Contest #166
“Lunch Hour” by Kathryn Minicozzi
Submitted to Contest #166
“I'm Out of the Band” by Sophia Beauclair
Submitted to Contest #166
“Velo's cough” by Scott Dutkus
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Secret Room ” by Diana Sanchez
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Final Volley” by Bob Faszczewski
Submitted to Contest #166
“JEALOUSY” by Melinda Madrigal
Submitted to Contest #166
“Time to Retire” by Jonathan Morris
Submitted to Contest #166
$250
Prize money
180
Contest entries
73
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Oct 07, 2022 EST
Won by Rebecca Miles 🏆
Title: Letting go
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.
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