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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#174: Evolution

On November 25th, 1859, Charles Darwin published his groundbreaking book, On the Origin of Species. The idea of evolution was controversial; to claim that the world wasn’t unchanging and had not always been the same chafed against human ideals of perfection. But as we well know, nothing in life is truly static.

In the spirit of this anniversary, this week we want to explore evolution and new discoveries; because sometimes change can be terrifying, but it can also be freeing.

This week's prompts

Write a story where someone says, “Everything is changing.”

Dramatic – 59 stories

Write about two old friends meeting for the first time in years.

Adults – 60 stories

Write a story about someone coming to terms with how different they are from their younger self.

Angst – 49 stories

Write about someone whose desire to constantly improve something borders on obsessive.

Dramatic – 25 stories

Write a story about a brilliant scientist making a startling discovery.

Science Fiction – 45 stories

Stories

“Validation” by Teresa Wing

Submitted to Contest #174

Char went to the tanning booth. Trying to improve herself because she thought the better, she looked, the more validation she would get from the people she wanted attention from most. She thought if I just looked a little better, they would not choose the next person for sure, or if I am the chosen one, surely getting my hair dyed would keep my partner from leaving because at least it was not frizzy like hers. When she realized that her efforts were thwarted, she focused on how she did not tan enough or how the hairdresser most certai...

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“Staring at a Phone.” by Julie Grenness

Submitted to Contest #174

Daniel was his name, a retired scientist, a dreamer. He was getting older. His hypertension was a concern. It was a challenge, but Daniel was uniting with his trusted doctor in regular check-ups and increases in his medication. It was like a tune up for his physical health. So far, so good. Daniel presented to the receptionist at the medical center right on time. He sat down, as he had a 9 am appointment. First cab off the rank. The good doctor was nowhere in sight, so Daniel stared at his phone. Browsing, browsing, browsing. Half an hour w...

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“Perpetual Motion ” by Gill James

Submitted to Contest #174

Thomas Adler grinned as he watched the full-sized vehicle make its way along the track. It accelerated quickly and was soon going at a steady ninety kilometres per hour. No emissions whatsoever. It was getting its energy in three ways: directly from the sunlight, from the saved-up energy in its battery, charged from the movement of the wheels, and from wind power, all successfully stored in a second battery which was turned on and off by a gyroscope. The small model had performed successfully; he was gratified to see the full-sale one doing ...

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“The ghostly hero.” by Jonathan Escobedo

Submitted to Contest #174

The invisible hero By: Jonathan Escobedo It was a sunny day, the date was 6/14/2042. Today, Jacob and his fellow classmates were going to be presenting their projects for science class. Jacob was a 16-year-old like no other, he was considered a genius for his age, and his project happened to be first. Jacob’s project was an invisibility potion. He tested it on one of his old toys in front of the whole class and his project worked! Right before everyone’s eyes, the toy simply became invisible. Jacob then picked it up and...

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“Separation” by L.J Sunwing

Submitted to Contest #174

I’d never beheld the sun as it was. The cast of gold that bathed the pier and the reds that spread out on the edge of the sea were vibrant and dance-like. My white tennis shoes pitted down the sidewalk as the crash of the wave could be heard loudly. The beach descended from the railing beside me and my companion. “C’mon,” a large hand gripped me with a gentle touch. Gazing at me were two large brown eyes that peered through shaggy bangs. The smile he wore on his face looked slightly worn, and different than the one I had seen on him in the...

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“Full Circle” by Myah J

Submitted to Contest #174

Sensitive Content: Mention of suicide, murder, and crime.The red leaves spring from the trees towering above the busy streets of Burlington, Vermont, and sway side to side, falling into the wind currents that push and pull them in every direction. The trees emerge into a blend of vibrant colors, the foggy air is crisp, and stores all over town are selling their best autumn-themed products. Soon enough, the harsh winter comes along once again.And everything dies.For the rest of the year, I hated living in Vermont, the harsh cycle of natu...

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“EVOLUTION” by John Galton

Submitted to Contest #174

J. Galton. 11/29/22 2274 words EVOLUTION The back door banged open. Cleo stormed in. Dropped her bag, kicked it. Head down she surged toward the stairs. “Sissy, dear” even as I said it, I knew the pet name was a mistake. “Close the door. You don't live in” “I'm not sissy. I'm not dear.” Cleo's voice sounded close to tears. “And,” big sniff, “It smells like a barn.” Almost finished with the spread sheet which was due at noon, I did not have time for this, any of it. Our preteen d...

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“The End or the Beginning” by Kiryn Bell

Submitted to Contest #174

The TV was playing a movie they had watched a thousand times before, but unlike all those times before, I wasn’t really watching it or singing along. My eyes were focused on my closest friends, just trying to soak them all in. Cleo was laughing at something Jared had said while she was casually leaning up against Jason in the loveseat. I couldn’t tell if Jason was even paying attention to their conversation as his eyes were glued to Cleo. The two of them had taken forever to finally get together. No matter how many times Atasha or I had tri...

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“changing” by James Mckinley

Submitted to Contest #174

The Alarm clock won't stop. I put my pillow back over my head but I can still hear it. I roll over and hit the snooze button. I then look at the time and panic, but then it hits me, I don't have to get up this morning. It is 7am and for the first time in years I am not on a tightrope schedule. I pull the covers back over my head but then my bladder hits me, I shouldn't have drunk so much water last night before bed, but my diet says stay hydrated. So, I pull the covers back and roll off of my futon and slide across the floor in my wool socks...

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“Learning way of life of pets from past ” by Jordan Bassett

Submitted to Contest #174

Hamster are easy to take care of but wait now I relazie big disposable thing to do very therapeutic before I thought they take up no room ha now wow they do sense I'm older now even a crowd would know that they are very energetic that's the truth they put out times of enjoyment Hamsters need a clean I remember now so wowed also gotta clean there cage for days it takes time learn don't gotta be to firm with them they gotta live in lots food and water and also regular exercise look after them is a mature thing wouldn't be bad to hum or sing qu...

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“Godly Conversations” by Bhanu Vedantam

Submitted to Contest #174

A miasma rested over the village, reeking of rot and decay, ominous in its permeability. Upon Wolder's broad set shoulders, responsibility weighed down heavily. He was to anticipate the most terrifying of possibilities as he stared into the mist over the sea. A civilization of mundane peace, generations who had never seen war, men who hadn't touched a blade their entire lives; now they all looked to him for protection. "Chief." Damian had walked in behind him. In the distance, a conch sounded its wailing cry, announcing blood and death. Fl...

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“Heirloom” by Meagan Khatthaname

Submitted to Contest #174

The darkness is gone and suddenly I’m alive. The wipe of the towel on my eyes and face reveal the sunshine. A man wearing a hat is finishing up polishing my painted metal body. My brothers and sisters are ahead of me and behind me. Each one with a golden pole standing them upright ready for the endless race. When does it start? I wonder.There is a lot of waiting and quiet. Suddenly organ music plays and my pole pulls me up then down as the world spins around me. We’re off! Exhilaration fills my heart. This is what I was made for.It...

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“Tiny Differences” by Es Bee

Submitted to Contest #174

The only person Malorie could think of as she walked down the halls made of tiny tile was Oskar Gillion Best. Just the thought of her teenage flame brought goosebumps to the surface of her skin. What changed? Was he married? This tiny fixation might seem like obsession, but to Malorie, it was simply nostalgic excitement. Who didn’t ask these questions when they came face to face with people from the past? All the trophy cases were in the same places. The glass was barely holding together after decades of quick fixing. Everything looked smal...

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“So, We Meet Again” by Bob Faszczewski

Submitted to Contest #174

Jarod hurried to answer the door, although he in no way looked forward to what stood behind it-–the cleaning service delivery person bringing back the blue blazer he hadn’t worn for decades. No reason for a blue blazer, or any formal attire for that matter, when you spent your entire existence piloting a fishing boat or contemplating the Atlantic Ocean off the back deck of your luxury condo. The blazer, however, now made its appe...

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“Promises” by Rama Shaar

Submitted to Contest #174

I’ve always loved airports. Airports are where emotions peak. There’s the euphoria of coming home– to a country or a someone-and there’s the grief of leaving home–a country or a someone. I guess this makes the arrivals area my favourite place at any airport no matter how big or small or fancy.Arrivals are promises. Promises of coming back, meeting again, fulfilled. Promises of new beginnings, life changes, new energies born from the collision of two or more souls reuniting… or simply uniting, meeting for the first time.Arrivals are big bouqu...

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$250

Prize money

238

Contest entries

96

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Dec 02, 2022 EST

Won by Sam Porter 🏆

Title: Playing God

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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