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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#273: Locked Away

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReedsySecrets to share your stories (and potentially be featured on our social accounts)!

Ah, secrets. What is it about the unknown that’s so alluring? Do you relish the implicit power of knowing confidential information? Do you love the feeling of connection and exclusivity that being told a secret brings? Or do you enjoy dissecting other people in your head after you’ve discovered their deepest, darkest secrets?

This week, let’s write some stories that unravel long-buried truths — and maybe even a character’s entire life in the process.

This week's prompts

Write a story in the form of diary/journal entries about a secret or confession.

Short Story – 69 stories

Begin your story with someone either being followed or following someone else.

Dramatic – 53 stories

Write a story with the line “Don’t tell anyone.”

Angst – 80 stories

Your character is invited to a secret meeting. Who invited them, and what do they encounter?

Short Story – 40 stories

Write a story that hides something from the reader until the end.

Dramatic – 113 stories

Stories

“Somerville, Massachussets” by Zen Tremaine

Submitted to Contest #273

Age 9, LiamPercy sat on the highest platform of the playground, legs stuck under the railing so they could swing in open air. He hung onto the bars while his eyes followed Liam, who was running in circles around the swing set to annoy Jake.“Stop it, Liam! I’m going to get Mr. Davis!”“He won’t do anything; I’m not even touching you! How about you stop being a baby?”Percy laughed and called out, “Yeah, Jake! You’re a baby!”Liam looked up towards Percy and smiled.“God, leave me alone and go hang out with your boyfriend or whatever!” Jake whined...

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“A Volitional Act” by Alyssa Terese

Submitted to Contest #273

TW: self harm, cannibalism, bad therapist, blood, smoking, mentions of drugs. Anna: I didn’t mean to. It just happened. I glanced at the time, aware of the night ticking away slowly. My job should be over, I should be glued to the couch, letting the lovely jingle of some brain-dead television knock the stress from my bones. I should be away from this desk, but I had a duty, I went to school for this, I got licensed for this. My laptop pinged again; the darkening screen lit back up– my pupils dilated. Anna: It's habitual now, I th...

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“Don't Tell” by Tirzah Young-Miles

Submitted to Contest #273

Due to signing a non-disclosure agreement, the names in the story you're about to read have been changed. Any similarities are purely coincidental. We’ll call the central figure here Captain Casanova, or just Cap for short.During the first semester of my freshman year at a university I’m not allowed to name, I enrolled in a creative writing course taught by Captain Casanova, himself. One October morning, he invited me into his office after class to tell me how much potential he saw in me. Adjusting to life hundreds of miles away from home ha...

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“Solitude behind glasses.” by Atan Solp

Submitted to Contest #273

Twilight spilled across the sky with dark ink, gradually plunging the city into darkness. The work day was over and the residents of the metropolis rushed to take seats in their cars and mass transit to quickly get to their homes, where a well-deserved dinner and rest in front of the TV awaited them. Many people were stealthily glancing at this guy. Some with condemnation, some with casual interest. But without any wonderment - no one can be shocked by pink hair sticking out in all directions and black glasses worn over his eyes, despite the...

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“Atanase” by David Pampu

Submitted to Contest #273

When I was a boy, Mother told me, “All mirrors reveal beauty and shadow. Like the god Narcissus, fools focus only on the former and ignore the latter.” “Why would anyone want to look at the darkness, Mother?” I was vain and self-obsessed, even at a young age. “The mirror reveals my beauty—the most important thing. I don’t understand.” “One day, Atanase,” she said, “you will.” Years later, as a young man, I gazed into the mirror and was pleased to find the shadows exposed no wrinkles on my face. I turned my head to admire my profile and froze...

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“Lunch At The Blue Peacock” by Kathy Hayes

Submitted to Contest #273

Lunch At The Blue PeacockAnother Blue Peacock Short StoryBy Kathy HayesEllen looked at the invitation that had arrived in the mail. Plain envelope, no return address, no clues. Inside was a simple message. Please join me for lunch at The Blue Peacock, Thursday 1PM. No signature.Ellen dropped the invitation on the counter and put up her groceries. She laid out the ingredients for dinner in the fridge, double checking all the ingredients. Ellen felt some anxiety about going to a luncheon when she did not kno...

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“Property Management” by Marcia Calhoun Forecki

Submitted to Contest #273

Property Management “Is this the property management office?” I asked. “That’s what the sign says,” the woman behind the cluttered desk answered. She continued rummaging through a mountain-slide pile of file folders. “I’m Woodson Donnelly,” I said, thinking she might be searching for my file. &...

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“Borrowed Time” by Carrie R

Submitted to Contest #273

"I want to know why you never told me.” “How could I have told you, Sheila?” I expected this, I suppose. I must have known a time would come. I guess I borrowed time, anyway. “This changes everything. How could it not?” “No, I don’t think there is a way it couldn’t.” She was still there, in the silence. “You have a right to this, Sheila. I can’t decide for you if this one thing is what you will remember me for. It would be tough to blame you if it were. I can tell you I have paid every day. “You paid? I don’t understand how you could do that...

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“Walk in the Park” by Roger Schumacher

Submitted to Contest #273

WALK IN THE PARKByR L Schumacher “Ha, I get it. Jack and Jill.” The old park ranger realized. Dressed in a dark green uniform and a tan brimmed hat. The badge on his jacket displayed the state park logo along with a name plate that read ‘Jackson.’ Grey hair stuck out from under his hat while he cracked a smile resembling a Cheshire cat that gleamed back at the young couple standing in front of him.The thirty something man snickered along the old ranger while his female counter part held her tongue behind a plastic grin as they stood under...

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“Secret Expectations” by Jill Piantedosi

Submitted to Contest #273

Gazing into the silent corners of his bookshelf, Howard sat anchored to his armchair. His parlor resembled a bookstore café with its walls of books and newsprint strewn across the mahogany table. The rows of books, lined up like soldiers, quieted his mind. He took pleasure in their company; the titles leaping out at him, consuming his thoughts. He felt refreshed and expanded as he arranged and rearranged each classic in his mind. He was like an old sail endowed with life, waiting patiently for Sam to arrive. Howard aspired to ...

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“Unspoken” by Holly Bot

Submitted to Contest #273

You know, I’ve always enjoyed moments like these—when it’s just the two of us, talking. Do you remember when we first met? I’ll never forget it. I think you were a little scared of me at first, am I right? You can tell me. I know there are lots of rumors about me, ugly gossip. Everyone talks about me. I’m sure Sally, you know Sally in the front office? Sally has talked about me a lot. That’s what happens when a person like Sally moves to the big city from a place like Iowa (she did you know) – to her everything seems gossip-worthy. I’m glad ...

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“Fairy Tales Can Come True” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #273

A well-dressed man with chiseled features carrying a leather briefcase eases into the lobby of the Collinwood Building. Flashing a business card, he smiles congenially at Lon Lynch, the husky security guard quaffing a Big Mac at the front desk. “Hmm. Falstaff Advertising. I’ve heard of being a good employee, but you’re going the extra mile,” Lon jokes. “Your office won’t be open for another two months. In fact, none of the offices are open yet.” The man sets his briefcase down next to the desk and asks, in a refined tone, “How many people ar...

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“The Doctor” by Shalanei Streaker

Submitted to Contest #273

***Trigger warning: Contains scene about death/dying in hospital*** The Doctor“What do you think Doc?” Charlene looked over at her colleague. Paul was an older gentleman, his hair was thinning but you could still see he was a redhead. His cheeks sagged and he had wrinkle lines in between his eyebrows. “Well,” he gruffed. “Bed 1 most likely has appendicitis, but we can’t confirm that till after his scan is done.” Charlene nodded. It was another busy day in the emergency room. She had been working here for about two years now, still feeling “...

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“THE PERFECT ROSE” by Sandra Lord

Submitted to Contest #273

Maddy and Don Mitchell chose Valentine’s Day for their wedding because anniversaries would be easy to remember. Every year, Maddy gave Don a single red carnation in memory of the first anniversary when they had been too poor for roses. Every year, Don picked up a dozen red roses at the florist’s shop on his way home. And every year, they went someplace special for dinner and dancing. “Are you getting a dozen red roses for Maddy aga...

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“Screens” by Renata Paschoal

Submitted to Contest #273

Her neck arteries hammered in her throat as panic rose. She was sure she had been followed. But by whom? She was an average Jane—plump, with brown hair and eyes. Maybe she had lost it for good. Probably, it was all in her head. As soon as the garage door closed, her pulse began to rebalance. Phew! “I’ll watch Succession,” she mumbled. Brian Cox’s acting was so mesmerizing that she couldn’t think or do anything else. Her body barely changed positions in the comfort of her recliner. Like every Wednesday morning, the bell rang, and the ca...

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$250

Prize money

355

Contest entries

162

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Oct 25, 2024 EST

Won by Asia W 🏆

Title: Venus Buried

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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