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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#195: Sidekicks and Second Strings

Growing up, I was never a huge fan of superheroes. Maybe because I didn’t really identify with the grand, brave acts and main-character energy of the likes of Spider-Man, Batman, or even Sherlock Holmes. Instead, I was partial to the less flashy, secondary characters: the Watsons working quietly behind the scenes, the bassist in the band, or the defenders who quietly keep the team from conceding points, while the quarterback gets most of the credit.

This week, I want your stories to be an ode to the unsung heroes, the underdogs of storytelling, and the small acts that, collectively, can be just as heroic as catching the bad guy or defeating evil in one grand swoop.

This week's prompts

Set your story in a staff room of an essential profession that is often undervalued — nurses, cafeteria staff, sanitation workers, etc.

Character – 51 stories

Write a story from the point of view of a sidekick, or someone who is happy to stay away from the limelight.

Character – 87 stories

Write a story about someone who receives — or makes — a life-changing, anonymous donation.

Dramatic – 23 stories

Write a story that includes the phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Dialogue – 27 stories

Write about someone who is learning to recognize and take credit for their own achievements.

Character – 18 stories

Stories

“The big, white clock” by Corina P

Submitted to Contest #195

The big, white clock New York, USA 24 May 1924 2:00 p.m. I sit at the very end of the high-end table, taking long, dreaded sips of bootlegged gin. The table stretches out to a surfeit of pretend, intoxicated strangers, all talking and mingling as if they have anything else in common other than their own riches. I turn to look at the big, white clock. For a moment, it appears that we are both staring at each other with complete stillness. Both isolated, placed in a room of unknown dispositions and mindless conversations. I am the big, wh...

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“The invisible Fox of Mount Ash” by Cora Schlöglhofer

Submitted to Contest #195

The clock struck midnight, so naturally, Jonathan was out in the woods. He passed the lake, which at this hour, was a shard of black glass lying on the forest floor. It was completely even, its peace undisturbed. Tonight had been a calm night so far, so probably the lake would be granted another few hours of rest, before animals and fishermen and hikers would wake it in the early morning. Jonathan reached a clearing, which marked the end of his round. “All clear and peaceful in sector B. Over” he informed his colleague Millie. A moment later...

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“The Black Cylinder” by Mason Bufkin

Submitted to Contest #195

Okay, I know you’re never going to believe this, but it’s the truth. Our teacher dropped dead in the middle of class! It looked like just an accident, but it wasn’t. This was murder. I think I know how it happened. It was early on a Tuesday morning with a dreary–that’s a vocab word I think. Mr. Roberts liked vocabulary. It was a dreary sky with a lot of rain and cold coming in through the windows. I sat in my usual seat, about two-thirds back near the sink. It’s not that I was afraid of sitting up front, but I really hated being picked...

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“The Sidekick” by Jordan Collins

Submitted to Contest #195

The blinding light shielded her view of the two hundred greedy eyes watching her. The heat from the bulbs pulled sweat from her face as she danced to the music. Above the speakers, she thought she could hear the buzz of the spotlight, an electric fence trapping her onstage. Left hand, right hand, twist, wait, beat, spin, just like she had practiced with her mother. It all came naturally. With the climax, a jump, twirl, and landing, her routine ended with the final note of the song. It had been a good performance, and the crowd knew it. Hands...

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“Shadowboxing” by Brian Adams

Submitted to Contest #195

What happens in the shadows, stays in the shadows. Insomnia is a harsh mistress. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining, she suits my lifestyle. Vigilante work requires a certain amount of…anonymity, and not being able to sleep keeps me on my toes while I'm taking out the city's trash. Brent is my partner in crime. Brent Cassidy, Attorney at Law, according to his business card. What people don't realize is that he's just the charismatic face of our discreet operation. I do the heavy lifting; I get all the real action; I prefer to rem...

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“The Last Gratitude” by Andrew Spangler

Submitted to Contest #195

A mechanical voice sounds over the p.a. system: ALERT! BATTLE ACTIVITY IN SECTOR NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE! A strong voice follows after the announcement. "We have a battle ensuing in Riverside California, bring all displays of the area on screen, real time. Who's involved?" The young woman at the center console enters a sequence of keystrokes on her computer. The several large screens adorning the front wall of the command center switch to live footage of the event. "It appears to be the hero Tempered Sky facing off with the villain Severe...

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“A tribute to Ms Chang” by CHRISTINA GS

Submitted to Contest #195

Sara gazed thoughtfully at her parents while holding a letter. All her hard work and sacrifices had paid off. She was accepted to pursue the Electrical Engineering degree programme at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in Selangor. Being the eldest of 9 siblings, she knew that her family could not afford to pay the university entrance fees. Her father was only a settler in Felda Gunung Besout, working on a palm oil estate. Sara planned to decline the offer but decided to inform Ms Chang first regarding her decision. Ms Chang was her class...

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“Hidden Miracle ” by Tamara Page

Submitted to Contest #195

"I'm lost, Trevor. I don't know what we're going to do! How are we ever going to find a donor in time for my transplant?" Sharon asks in hopes of a miracle. "I know this is easier said than done, Sharon. You need to relax and stay calm for your health as we wait for a donor. When a donor comes along and the doctor says they're a match, you'll be on your way to getting a new kidney. We just got to have faith, honey." Trevor, Sharon's husband responded with reassurance. "I just hope it all happens before my kidney decides to give up on me...

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“Daniel and Thomas” by Catherine Hudson

Submitted to Contest #195

“Thomas, James! We are almost there!” I called to the boys in the back of the wagon. The boys popped their head out of the wagon eager to see the “light dirt” called “sand.” James stared at it in wonder and Thomas hollered that he wanted to go play in it. The tall grass by the seaside was swaying in the breeze like it had something to say. The sky was a bright blue, so different than the grey of the city which only had patches of blue here and there to remind you of what color the sky really is. The sand dunes were piled high everywhere y...

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“ILLUSION” by V. Adriane (RIN)

Submitted to Contest #195

'Hey, babe! Are we on for tonight?' Abigail texted Molly. When she received her best friend's text, Molly was busy cooking prawns and pasta for lunch. She then asked Siri to call Abigail's number quickly. 'Call Abigail,' she requested Siri. Siri is one of the reasons why Apple phones are perceived as superior to Android phones. If you don't know Siri in 2023, what do you know? 'Hello… babe! I was just about to double-text you. I was happy to see you calling.' 'Ha-ha, I've missed you too, Abby.' 'So we're on, right? I can't wait for you t...

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“Melissa's Last Words” by Ann Espuelas

Submitted to Contest #195

Shane kicked at the front tire of the wheelbarrow. Hard enough that it fell right over, sending up a tiny cloud of dust. “Dang, Shane, coulda seen that one coming,” he said out loud to no one. He stood in his scrubby piece-of-shit backyard, where his parents and most of all his sister Lois never came. It was ages since the wheelbarrow had been used. No flowers, no lawn, just a patch of land you’d find literally anywhere in the world, Shane imagined. It was where he paced.It was the most peaceful place for miles. But today there was no p...

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“Cupid’s Restitution” by Crissie Dittrich

Submitted to Contest #195

I watched her hand slip into his as they walked the perimeter of the park. It was a gorgeous summer night. Among the beautiful blooms and quieting birdsong, they slowly made their way along the path. I could feel the love coming off of them, the comfort and the support. I did that. I made that happen. As I lost sight of them rounding the water’s edge I decided to stay where I was behind the trunk of the tree that was most likely a century older than myself. I took solace in that. As this tree would...

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“Every Picture Tells a Story” by Linda Casson

Submitted to Contest #195

Bud and I had been on the brink of divorce for at least ten years. The finale came with his affair with the second wife of his long-time tennis partner. Her name was Katrina. I’d met her a few times and because she was blond and athletic I probably should have known something would happen with Bud sooner or later. According to my husband, the attraction didn’t last long. When he made his confession, there wasn’t much to tell. It was over before it began, he said with obvious regret. In any event, he felt it necessary to explain to me...

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“Seasoned like Chili Paddy” by Yenty Yenty

Submitted to Contest #195

Growing up in Indonesia, I was surrounded by the rich and diverse flavors of the local cuisine. From sweet to savory, spicy to mild, the food here is a true reflection of the country's culture and history. Amongst the many flavors that I have come to appreciate over the years, one of my favorites is the unique taste of the Chili Paddy pepper.The Chili Paddy is a fruit and plant belonging to the genus Capsicum, which is commonly found in Indonesia. The fruit grows facing upwards and can be recognized by its green color when it is young, and i...

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“What does a nurse do?” by Derionne Arné

Submitted to Contest #195

This is the first time it’s ever been so quiet in here. Everyone is seated around the table with tense, agitated expressions on their face. One of the senior doctors at the hospital has went to the board to complain so much about the nurses, we had to have a mandatory meeting. “I’m not getting the respect I’ve earned as a doctor. The nurses are here to assist us doctors in whatever we need to help these people. These nurses here are much too opinionated, stubborn, and immature. They’d rather stand around and socialize than make sure thei...

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$250

Prize money

206

Contest entries

92

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Apr 28, 2023 EST

Won by Geir Westrul 🏆

Title: Untold

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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