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#188: But There's a Catch

In life, there’s almost always a catch. The beautiful new shoes cause blisters. The exciting promotion at work leaves you feeling out of your depth. The free upgrade to first class comes with a screaming kid for a neighbor. If something seems too good to be true, maybe it is!

We might call these drawbacks ‘the fly in the ointment’; the little things that spoil what would otherwise be wonderful. With this week’s prompts, we’re encouraging you to lean into those frustrations, big and small. Will your characters be able to find a workaround, or is this as good as it gets?

🥇 Winner

“The First Idol” by Tom Bombadil

🏆 Winner of Contest #188

“Stop daydreaming Mr. Delano.” In a moment, Mrs. Frampton, subjecting the tender wallflower of my affection to the grotesque spotlight of her own indifference, made cease the contemplation of my life’s own end, the one theme of my existence: Andrea Taylor. It’s the Spring of 2005; I am a 7th grader at Fort Sumter Middle School, home of the Trojans. Andrea sits enthroned one row ahead, three columns to my right. I have mixed feelings about this, for while it affords me an almost uninterrupted view of her during second and fifth period, it...

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⭐️ Shortlisted

“Near and Far” by Laurel Hanson

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

A bagful of popcorn kernels, three ripe tomatoes, three wire coat hangers, and six marbles. That’s all it’s going to take for me to be able to see without glasses. I am super nearsighted and have to wear these really thick glasses that I hate. I’ve been wearing them since I was eight and thought the bright pink frames were awesome. But now I’m eleven and they are not even remotely awesome. My folks can’t afford new frames, or better yet, contacts, so I have to take this chance.I know it is completely ridiculous, but right now, I don’t c...

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“Bridge Bargain” by V. S. Rose

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

Agor unfurled the crinkled yellow parchment and grinned at the deed in his hands. For a troll, securing the most trafficked bridge in Rhodinia was a life’s ambition. It had cost him, but even the depleted coin purse tucked into his loincloth couldn’t have dampened his spirits today. For the first time, Agor gazed upon Krakow Bridge. Stretching across the rumbling Tibeth River, the bridge was comprised of four arches, divided by three piers of interlocking stone. The parapets were the tallest he had ever seen, perfect for concealing his ...

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“A Forever Home” by Rebecca Brothers

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

(TW: death, allusion to death of a child) “So, what’s the catch?” Margaret Foster wasn’t about to be had. She knew that a house in the Grove Hills neighborhood shouldn’t be on the market for any less than half a million dollars. Not in this economy. Each street was lined with giant hemlocks and oaks, slow-growth trees that spoke of real history, not nouveau riche water maples or Bradford pears. This neighborhood had a real Frank Lloyd Wright desig...

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“SIX LETTERS TO ILLUMINATION” by Kajsa Ohman

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

SIX LETTERS OF ILLUMINATION I didn’t really think much about happiness until I had the opportunity, in a Scrabble game, of adding ‘piness’ to the existent ‘hap’. Indeed, the act of putting ‘piness’ on the board would have brought happiness to almost anyone, and it certainly made my opponent’s day, my opponent being my fifteen-year-old nephew. “Piness! Ha ha ha!” The very fact of my playing Scrabble at all is an indicator of the indescribable ennui in which I normally wallow; though most people play—at least claim to play—Scrabble fo...

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“A Raw Deal with the Devil” by Augustine Maddox

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

(Story contains allusions to torture, but no actual depictions of it) “So, what’s the catch?” The demon hesitated. The sulfurous smoke billowing from his form dissipated slightly as his concentration wavered. His wings drooped. The arm he had been holding out lowered; the contract in hand, written in red ink on shining golden paper, dimmed. “The…catch?” He rumbled, bemused. “I thought I had explained it well enough. At the hour of your departure from the earthly realm, you willingly forfeit your soul. Thenceforth it will be entrusted to...

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“Kintsugi” by Olivia Lake

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

It was going to be a good day. It had to. Lily knew the perfect way to start the day: cinnamon sugar doughnuts and coffee. When she got to the cafe, though, the barista was locking the doors. “Are you closed already?” she asked. The barista shook his head. “Something with the plumbing. They have to shut off the water.” “Oh…” she trailed off. She checked her watch. Is there another cafe nearby? Or a bakery? There’s a place on Randolph Street - no, that’s a Starbucks…they don’t have the right doughnuts. Do I have time to look? She ...

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“You have to be my Child for a day.” by Hope Linter

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

“So what’s the catch?” I asked, thumbing through my paperback book, happy to hear my daughter Lillianne’s glee, instead of her moping, after finding Bubby, her birthday rabbit, lying in his cage, dead. Of all the stupid things for her seventh birthday, I’d surprised her with a fragile, mortal creature, when her mother, my wife, had passed away a year ago. I put my book down. She clapped her hands. “You have to be my child for a day.” “And if I am, what will I get?” I wondered where this was going. “Daddy,” she said in exaggera...

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This week's prompts

Write a story that starts with the line “So, what’s the catch?”

Dialogue – 96 stories

Write about a character who would have complete happiness, if it weren’t for that one thing.

Character – 63 stories

Write a story about someone who is determined to not have their day spoiled — but the universe is trying their patience.

Funny – 48 stories

Write about someone who thinks they just got a great deal on something, only for them to realize…

Mystery – 32 stories

Write about a character who’s attending a dinner thrown in their honor, but deeply embarrasses themself during their speech.

Funny – 19 stories

Stories

“The First Idol” by Tom Bombadil

🏆 Winner of Contest #188

“Stop daydreaming Mr. Delano.” In a moment, Mrs. Frampton, subjecting the tender wallflower of my affection to the grotesque spotlight of her own indifference, made cease the contemplation of my life’s own end, the one theme of my existence: Andrea Taylor. It’s the Spring of 2005; I am a 7th grader at Fort Sumter Middle School, home of the Trojans. Andrea sits enthroned one row ahead, three columns to my right. I have mixed feelings about this, for while it affords me an almost uninterrupted view of her during second and fifth period, it...

123 comments 123

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“Tenacious Day” by Wendy Kaminski

Submitted to Contest #188

It’s my birthday today – The Big 3-0! – and all I want to do is stay in my cozy room and have someone bring me milkshakes all day… but the sun is out, my alarm’s going off, and it’s time to get to the office, I suppose. At least there's something to look forward to: a few friends are dropping by to have a little celebration in my honor after work tonight. Note to self: need to pick up some booze and apps! As I don my favorite white outfit in the early morning chill, I wonder how it is that Covid somehow gave everyone but me a pass on ha...

141 comments 141

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“Retirement Planning” by Michał Przywara

Submitted to Contest #188

“So, what’s the catch?” asked Wilbur, his mouth quivering in anticipation of the answer. He fiddled with his glasses with his left hand, and his wife Enid squeezed his right hand and beamed at the nice young lady sitting across the bureau. Karen stopped typing, looked up from her PC, and blinked a couple times. “Um,” she said, blinking again. “Well, you’ll go to Hell.” “Uh-huh,” Wilbur said. “What’s that look like?” “Uh,” Karen drew out, and she glanced at the script on her monitor again. “Just a sec.” A couple clicks. “There. Okay, so what ...

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“Listen” by Daniel Fernandes

Submitted to Contest #188

Language Warning: A few expletives. Listen with your heart not your head. Understand these words like the lyrics of an artist that's dead. Ain't asking for much just forgiveness that ain’t ever said. Exposing thoughts as I tolerate empathy with lead. Read this out loud like a presentation. Evaluate the pain like a burning sensation. I was your radio, but you changed the station. Regardless of what was said you never paid attention. Kept you on me like a phone, but you faded. Adjusting feelings that can't be calibrated. Interrupted by...

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“Coming Out” by Thom With An H

Submitted to Contest #188

So, what’s the catch? Now there’s a question. It’s actually a secret. Wait, I don’t mean I can’t tell you. I mean that the catch is I have a secret, and that’s a problem. The odd thing is that my secret shouldn't really be a secret at all. This is 2023, not 1923. We’ve had an African American president, an orange president, and for good measure a female vice president as well. It’s the era of #MeToo and rainbows and non-binary acceptance. Why then, is revealing my secret so hard? Wait, don’t answer. I’ll tell you.&nb...

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“Near and Far” by Laurel Hanson

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

A bagful of popcorn kernels, three ripe tomatoes, three wire coat hangers, and six marbles. That’s all it’s going to take for me to be able to see without glasses. I am super nearsighted and have to wear these really thick glasses that I hate. I’ve been wearing them since I was eight and thought the bright pink frames were awesome. But now I’m eleven and they are not even remotely awesome. My folks can’t afford new frames, or better yet, contacts, so I have to take this chance.I know it is completely ridiculous, but right now, I don’t c...

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“The Point of No Return” by Chris Campbell

Submitted to Contest #188

“I’d like to return this TV, please.” Herbert Whistlebottum - a middle-aged man with the appearance of a college professor, had waited patiently for his chance in the Returns line at one of London’s top electronics stores. The January sales were in full swing with shoppers looking for bargains, spending gift certificates received in their Christmas stockings, and some, like Herbert, were trying to return unwanted items. “Certainly sir,” the young casually dressed shop assistant replied. “Have you brought your receipt with you?” Fumbling thr...

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“Keep Your Eyes Open” by Aeris Walker

Submitted to Contest #188

Walk along the walls where the floors don’t creak. Get your bag and take just what you need. Don’t turn the lights on. Don’t use the toilet. Pad the stairs, silent as shadow. Look in the mirror; get a good look. Memorize your face: the cut above your brow, your swollen eyes, the gash on your lip.Now slip into Julia’s room. Fill a bag with diapers, pajamas, her favorite bunny—whatever fits. Scoop her from the crib. Take the blanket too. Rock and sway as you leave. Don’t trip over the blocks on the living room floor—the ones you didn’t get the...

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“The Day the Music Died” by Rebecca Miles

Submitted to Contest #188

Have you heard the rumor? The one going round town? About a no-hope kid, his luck just going down. Rumor has his number,Rumor's splashing it around;Rumor shouts: run, kid, your luck just hit the ground.Gnawing the stub of pencil, I look back at the lyrics. Not quite Bob Dylan, but the words sing my story; the ballad of the howlin’ no-hoper: Mitch Malarkey. It’s a freezing Monday in March and the wind tugs at the paper like it wants to snatch it away. Yet another thief, trying to up and run with the last of my possessions: a fe...

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“The Chipmunk” by Story Time

Submitted to Contest #188

Harriet Bowson would have had the perfect yard if it hadn’t been for the chipmunk.She had taken great pains in creating a wonderland for nature. Native plants and flowers sprouted throughout her little, fenced-in paradise. Consultants had been brought in when she first purchased the house to advise her on how to construct a sanctuary for both herself and whatever miniature wildlife might grace her with their presence.As the yard was taking shape, she found herself dreaming of butterflies. Monarchs and swallowtails, luna moths and red admiral...

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“Gateways and Doorkeepers” by Suma Jayachandar

Submitted to Contest #188

Akhila slid through the grate. Into what used to be a storm drain. Before the big outbreak. A musty dampness enveloped her. She flicked her headlamp on. If she were lucky, she could harvest enough contraband to get Neel and herself real food till the next full moon. She didn’t count herself among the lucky though. Lucky were those who had fortified themselves across the River just after the big outbreak. Or the families that had perished together. She hobbled through a pile of rubble. She might be the first one to be there in a while. She h...

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“Bridge Bargain” by V. S. Rose

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188

Agor unfurled the crinkled yellow parchment and grinned at the deed in his hands. For a troll, securing the most trafficked bridge in Rhodinia was a life’s ambition. It had cost him, but even the depleted coin purse tucked into his loincloth couldn’t have dampened his spirits today. For the first time, Agor gazed upon Krakow Bridge. Stretching across the rumbling Tibeth River, the bridge was comprised of four arches, divided by three piers of interlocking stone. The parapets were the tallest he had ever seen, perfect for concealing his ...

Read story

“Gabriel's Horn” by Jack Kimball

Submitted to Contest #188

The old man knocked tobacco out of his long-stem pipe. “I would like you to solve the mystery of happiness,” he said, pointing his white eyebrows at me.The only thing I hoped to solve was finding my way out through the labyrinth of corridors in my uncle’s estate. Hell, I barely graduated from State three months ago. And the only thing my Creative Writing major did was land me a waiter gig at The Ram’s Head Steakhouse in town. Solve the mystery of happiness? I knew Uncle Clarence was some industry titan—but really?He kept right at it though. ...

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“The Lightness of Heavy Objects” by Delbert Griffith

Submitted to Contest #188

“If it weren’t for cilantro, I’d be completely happy,” Lenny said.The other members of the HOOD (Helping Others Overcome Depression) therapy group stared at Lenny. Some had looks of amazement on their faces, some nodded knowingly. Dr. Angstrom cleared his throat and popped an Altoids into his mouth.“That’s some bullshit, Lenny. Nothin’ wrong with cilantro,” Rudy stated.“Shut up, Rudy.” Belinda glared at Rudy after she spoke. She didn’t like Rudy; he was a pudgy, sweaty splodge of a man who always arrived at the HOOD meetings with alcohol on ...

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“I Do?” by Amanda Lieser

Submitted to Contest #188

CW: cursing, infidelity January 3rd, 2017 “So, what’s the catch,” Piper asked. She reached for some Goldfish crackers in the top of her pantry, vaguely feeling her phone as it started to slip from her shoulder-cheek grip. “No catch,” Alex said. Her voice was brimming over with happiness and Piper knew she was staring at that giant diamond ring on her finger as she added, “He’s perfect.” “No man is perfect,” asserted Piper. “No human is,” she corrected her statement while pouring out Genevie’s snack. “Genevieve is,” Alex breat...

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$250

Prize money

258

Contest entries

133

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Mar 10, 2023 EST

Won by Tom Bombadil 🏆

Title: The First Idol

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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