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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

“Salvus” by Noelle Trost

Submitted to Contest #195

“Don’t pick a favorite spell.” This is the wisdom they give to young aspiring mages. At mage academy, the professors notice early on that their pupils like to pick a favorite and stick to it. There are so many to learn, thousands upon thousands. Young mages get frustrated, they flub their spells, they try to set a target ablaze with flammas but hurl dung in their faces with fimus instead. So they start forming a bad habit of sticking to one spell. The professors have to work hard to break it.Stories are the best way to get those mages to bre...

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“Strangers Like Us” by Bri LeFae

Submitted to Contest #195

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Tearing away from the quizzical brown eyes that peered into mine as their gaze soon traveled to my lips; breathing out a rumbling sound as if it were a natural response when met with that newly formed seductive grin. My bottom lip became a fixture right between my teeth, trying to keep the memories of the kiss there before logic could set it. And when it did, I ceased all actions as my brow returned to a furrow. None of this made sense, ESPECIALLY the glaring red flags that were screaming “strange...

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“The Barista” by Heather Crawford

Submitted to Contest #195

Ambry’s cheeks were already tired from faux smiling today, and it was only 10am. She stood in the walk-in letting the below freezing air caress her skin between her anxious sobs and emotional bites of cookie dough, that she’d have to comp later. She deeply inhaled the cool gusts created from the vault weighted door being opened and shut behind her. The drive thru buzzer beeps non stop, almost metronome-esque, over the kitchen speakers muffled by the weighted door, and through the intercom system that had previously been attached ...

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“Intuicut, by Flenz” by Derrick M Domican

Submitted to Contest #195

“Welcome to ‘Intuicut, by Flenz! Leave your worries at the door, stimulate positive vibes, happy auras beget exquisite style and your aura today is quite…”She was going to say ‘violet’, which was not the calmest colour for an aura, but then the Fernalian Princess with the ivy-covered, bark-like skin and impressive head of thorny, blossom-filled foliage thrust the hat she’d removed at her chest, cutting her off.“Loni, are you sure this is a good idea?” said the tree-being in the gossamer dress, speaking to the mushroom-like female in the smar...

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“One Unread Message” by John Werner

Submitted to Contest #195

"Why did you bring him here? Why did you bring him to me?" He said, dropping the phone upon the desk.Valid questions. I have to admit that there is never a good time to show up with a body close to death and a hope that it be ushered back to life."Who is this? Why didn't you let the professionals handle it?"More valid questions."I need you to restore this boy.""He obviously needs help. But, there are people who do this. I am not one of them. This is not what I do.""Yet.""What?""This is not what you do yet.""What the hell am I supposed to do?...

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“The Body Man” by Halle Giannelli

Submitted to Contest #195

If digging graves was easy, then everybody would do it. It wasn’t the first time the thought had crossed his mind, and certainly wouldn’t be the last. If he were a brave man, he’d stand up to his mother and tell her just that. Jack was no coward, but he’d known better men who’d gone toe to toe with Nettie Sims. Their only consolation had been divorce papers and a bus ticket out of dodge. Instead, he solemnly took the lasagna pan, from her gloved hands, rinsing the remaining bubbles and a stray bit of burnt noodle down the drain. Jack’s mothe...

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“Whispers of the Night Watchman: A Silent Hero's Journey” by Charlie Wisz

Submitted to Contest #195

In the hushed darkness of the night, James's rhythmic footsteps resonated through the shadowy passageways of the museum. The gentle patter of his shoes against the frigid, gleaming floor provided the sole accompaniment to his lonely vigil. For years, James had served as a night security guard at the museum, finding comfort in the quietude and the layers of history that embraced him. Though recognition for his diligent work eluded him, he was at peace with his job. The invaluable artifacts he safeguarded every night, and the serene stillness ...

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“Mousee” by Patricia Merewether

Submitted to Contest #195

Amanda's body shook as she bolted the cabin door, then stared at her bloody body and clothing. She checked on Lily, her infant daughter, who'd cried herself to sleep. Amanda washed the blood from her body, then soaked her clothes in the washtub. She pulled on some of Jame's clothes. She wondered what her family would think of her now. Several years earlier, Amanda's nickname, in Boston, was 'mouse' - she hated that. She'd been a small, shy, timid child and the victim of bullying. Her own brother started calling her, Mousee' and the name...

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“The Bizarre Case of Randolph Berger” by Bernie Rhodes

Submitted to Contest #195

Randolph was possessed with delusions of grandeur since he was a young teen when a voice in his head promised he was destined for greatness. The voice vows to speak to Randolph periodically but he must be patient until the time is right to receive prominence. Then he would begin basking in the joys of his rightful place in the world and be superior to all humans. He was currently in a mental institution as he had been most of his adult life. He was sometimes placed in a padded cell and wore a straightjacket when suffering on...

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“WHAT'S DUNG IS DUNG” by Susan Catucci

Submitted to Contest #195

As the portal opens, a figure takes a tentative step inside. He looks around, eyes enlarged and exclamation points popping around his large pink head. On a desktop sits Tinkerbell, glowing, the receptionist, so identified by the name plate she sits upon, cross-legged, filing her fairy nails.He spies Tinkerbell and quickly puts to the task of checking in. Once that’s accomplished, he looks for a vacant seat.“Mi-mi-mind if I sit here?”“Help yourself.”“Have you be-be-been wa-wa-waiting long?”“Equivalent of half an episode, I...

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“The Front Man” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #195

‘Here we go,’ thought Angel, standing outside the rear entrance of Joaquin’s. About to start his shift as busboy, he wondered, ‘Should I go in? I never felt like this.’ He weighed his options. ‘Why should I quit? It’s not my problem. Let them sort it out. Why should I start over?’ The door burst open. Pretending graciousness, waiters, Diego and Cisco offered each other the door. Then jostling, they squeezed through together. Diego pointed a finger in the other waiter’s face. “Not cool, Cisco. You don’t poach customers.” He scoffed. “You’re ...

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“Politic” by Jed Cope

Submitted to Contest #195

They tell me I run the universe. I tell them to bugger off and leave me alone. They say that no one can ever know about the power that I wield. I tell them that I wield no such power. They nod and seem happy with this. Then I tell them to bugger off again. The problem is that they don’t bugger off, not until I listen to the puzzle they have brought with them. Then they linger until I state the bleeding obvious to them. They leave in a hurry, barely supressing their excitement, and I watch them go, wondering not for the first time...

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“Children Aren't Raised in a Day” by Emma Otto

Submitted to Contest #195

When Charles was born, I heard the strength in his cry. The way he gasped deep breaths and tightened his fists, he was strong. I knew he was going to be a fighter from the moment I heard his first scream. What I didn't know is how much he would have to fight. Within seconds of his birth, Charles was whisked away by the nurses. They carried my baby down the hall and reassured me he'd be taken care of to the best of their abilities. I did not feel comforted. My baby was diagnosed at birth with Trisomy 21. His heart needed surgery within what f...

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“A Nurse Remembers” by Frances Gaudiano

Submitted to Contest #195

A Nurse Remembers The receptionist put the box of biscuits on the staff room table and picked up the card taped to the box. “It’s from the Wakefields.” She proceeded to read out the card to the nurses collapsed on the sofa, nursing their cups of tea. “Many thanks to the wonderful vet Helen, who took care of our dog Ruby her whole life. Helen helped us with Ruby through all the years – her accident, her heart trouble and her final passing. We will be forever grateful.” The receptionist let the card fall on to the table. “Do you think Helen ...

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“A cape, a sword and a batmobile ” by Amy May

Submitted to Contest #195

Sigrid opened one blood shot eye and glanced wearily at her monochrome wrist watch. Its small hand tick tick ticking like a time bomb, threatening to detonate her into an explosion of rushed chaos. "Four am, half an hour longer of break time" she thought wearily as she then gazed apprehensively at her turkey and cranberry sandwich she had purchased from the staff room vending machine. Usually she would have demolished it by now, yet this particular early morning she had face planted the staff room table as soon as her aching backside had fal...

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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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