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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

“Tonto, A Faithful Kimosabe” by Edward J. McCoul

Submitted to Contest #195

"Tonto, A Faithful Kimosabe"Tonto rode alongside the Lone Ranger on their trusty horses, Silver and Scout. The sun beat down on the dusty terrain. Tonto was lost in thought until the sound of gunfire shattered the silence.The Lone Ranger spurred Silver into a gallop saying, “Hi HO, Silver!”, and Tonto followed close behind. As they rode towards the gunfire, they heard the screams of a young girl. They found her father, the sheriff, frantically looking for her."Please, you have to help me," he begged. "My daughter, Kate, has been kidnapp...

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“And By the Way, the Drummer is Dead” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #195

Taking off his rose-colored sunglasses, Booker Fortune exits the elevator, snapping his fingers as Traffic’s “Rock N’ Roll Stew” plays in his head. The percussive tune gives his feet a jolt, and he dances into his talent office, waving at his assistant, Hedy. Booker’s agency manages half a dozen successful rock acts, none bigger than Topsoil. During their seven-year existence, Topsoil has released five chart-topping, multi-diamond selling albums, won a dozen Grammys, and played hundreds of sold-out concerts. The Achilles heel of the group h...

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“Perpetual Sidekick” by Emory Pearson

Submitted to Contest #195

With only three minutes separating them from glory or despair, Hilda and Natasha raced off the center circle with the determination of Scorpios. They were after all, both Scorpios, solidifying their friendship and locking in B.F.F. status. The ball rocketed into the back of net, deflected with precision off the top of Natasha’s head. The keeper didn’t stand a chance. Hilda's cross landed exactly where she anticipated Natasha would run to. Her constant awareness of her teammates’ positions and an uncanny ability to predict their movements set...

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“The King in the Shadow ” by Chad Crocker

Submitted to Contest #195

1293 on the feast of our cardinal. I fear for the land of Brookshire as the court is reforming for its new king. Master Louis's condition leaves us no choice but to presume the worst. It was an elegant reign unlike any other, and now I fear for our golden age to collapse imminently. Prince Matthew is soon expecting to take his place as the heir. There has to be some other way; there is no world I could live in with that twat running my country. Two years Matthews younger, master Henry on the other hand, If only he were a little bit o...

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“Rrof and Me” by Jim Robison

Submitted to Contest #195

Rrof was my best friend; we knew each other all our lives. We might even be related because our moms were sort of related. As I understand it, my mom used to ride on Rrof’s mom. When Rrof’s mom found a nest of leaves under a dead log to give birth to her litter, my mom decided it was time to drop her eggs. And so Rrof was born, and I was hatched, right next to each other. How cool is that! Then when I was old enough for a riding partner, there was Rrof, ready and able. So I got on him and we became best fri...

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“BJ and The Mrs.” by Jodi Renee Thomas

Submitted to Contest #195

It is often said that “behind every great man stands an even greater woman.” Although this is a true statement, it is rarely discussed that many times, every fantastic woman has an incredible man for backup. That lucky guy is me. I’m the backup. Or sidekick, if you will. I never planned on being a superhero or even one’s second in command; the entire situation fell into my lap one day. I was going to be a psychiatrist, stockbroker, or something important that makes a butt load of money. But it seemed that there was another plan awaiting me. ...

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“The Carrier” by Ilma A

Submitted to Contest #195

Floodlights had been dimmed. The crisp air blew the sweat beads off my forehead, and I floated, weightlessly in a puffy, pink cloud, caressing soft supple skin, a little slimy but butter between my fingers. My heavy eyelids trying hard to focus on little curves gyrating to each rapid breath of the body, fluttered little teardrops. “Just for a little bit longer, please?” I begged the nurse. “We have cut the cord now; the mom is getting impatient. I am sorry,” the nurse said as she plucked my newborn, leaving my punctured arms in an empty pr...

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“The Man in the Station, the Lump in the Box, and the Woman in the Pine Tree's Shade” by Jarod Smith

Submitted to Contest #195

Lyle sat in the Thinker’s pose, brooding over the red lump before him.What brought you here? The question of who seemed less useful, really.The lump had yet to make a noise, eerily frozen in an expression that seemed to precipitate a sneeze. Yet the vitals were good, and any minute now the lump would be whisked away for professional care.In this strangest moment, Lyle was alone.*Outside, the day was warm for the snow on the ground. The weekend air was only occasionally disturbed by the slushy passage of cars. As the drip and trickle of iceme...

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“Paying it Forward” by Herbert Perez

Submitted to Contest #195

My feet are killing me and it’s only 8 O’ clock, I have four more hours left till I can go home and take a nice warm bubble bath with some melodic house mix by DJ Korolova. “Valentina, Valentina I need some more napkins over here please and some water get over here.” Oh man, this man is so annoying, he’s been a regular for the past few months and is a pain in my ass ever since I turned him down but that hasn’t deterred him coming since the food and ambiance of this place keeps bringing him and other regular customers back. I can’t say I blam...

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“The Donor” by Glenna Agnew

Submitted to Contest #195

THE DONOR #3 Kiera Rose lay in the hospital bed and watched the drip, drip, drip of the I.V. as it ran down the pole and into the back of her hand. She turned her head slowly and carefully to the right and noticed a huge bouquet on the table parked at the foot of the bed. Further to her right a window sill covered with multicoloured roses filled her view. A virtual bower of heady floral displays and dark leafy foliage. The scent was somehow overpowering, cloying and slightly nauseating. They were all roses, of course, her signa...

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“Choices” by Tammy Battaglia

Submitted to Contest #195

***This story contains sensitive content relating to abuse and teen pregnancy.***“I’m pregnant,” Tracy breathed, dropping her eyes to her hands, folded in her lap. The sound of basketballs bouncing and hitting the backboard seemed to add punctuation to her words.“Why do I care?” Ben sneered back then rolled his eyes.“Because it’s yours. You’re the only one I’ve been with.”“And I’m I supposed to believe that? I don’t know who you’ve been screwing around with. I only know I was first.”Tracy winced. She should have expected his response. He had...

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“The Tag Team Sidekick” by David Reynders

Submitted to Contest #195

I've been the sidekick for as long as I can remember. It's not that I'm not talented, but I prefer to stay away from the spotlight. That's why I was excited when I was approached by Jake "The Hammer" Johnson, a professional wrestler, who needed a tag team partner. Jake "The Hammer" Johnson, is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He's big, strong, and knows how to put on a show. I've watch him for years and I've seen him take down some of the toughest opponents out there. But as much as he loves the attention, I'm happy to stay in the ba...

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“Blending in” by Corneigh Hoff

Submitted to Contest #195

The limousine door opened, and a bombardment of flashlights struck the stooping figure emerging. One hand shielding his eyes, the other perfunctorily waved to the gathered journalists. “Thank you,” the man murmured as he rushed into the church. “Mr Foresta, one question, Mr Foresta…” But he was already inside. His name was Giovanni Foresta, the famous tenor. Well, Giovanni Foresta was a name given to him, not by his parents, but by his agent, ten years ago. His parents named him Jim Woods, but who remembered? When he was in h...

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“The Story of Hylas” by Zack Lynch

Submitted to Contest #195

Warning: This story mentions but does not describe sexual and physical violence. I had of course heard of Him. Like every boy in the world, I imagined myself being Him as I played games of adventures and quests. I remember one time when the local boys and I were out in the fields playing the Second Labor I had been chosen to be Him. With a broken branch as a stand in for His club I would swing with as much might as my young body could muster. Smashing death blows into the imaginary hydra, while leaving very real welts on the flesh of ...

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“Partners” by Ruth Patterson

Submitted to Contest #195

Partners I greet the morning with a long stretch and a big yawn. I pad over to the side of the bed where my partner is softly snoring. Just knowing everything is in order gives me satisfaction, and my inner smile is accompanied by a slight swoosh of my tail, which I can’t help. Quietly, I let myself out into the yard through the little door in the kitchen, just barely squeezing my big frame through. I do a quick recon of the yard, assessing any scents of possible intruders. Satisfied there had been no infractions on our property overnight, I...

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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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