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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#81: Candy Hearts

Ah, love. From the first spark of attraction to the soul-deep contentment of a long-established relationship, romantic love is a force that continues to mystify, enthrall, and surprise us.

And while there’s plenty to criticize about Valentine’s Day, it’s still a nice excuse for people in romantic relationships to stop and appreciate their partners for a day. Especially during lockdown, when quarters are tight and nerves are often frayed, it’s important to remember why we chose the person (or people) we coupled up with.

What better time for a writer to dive headfirst into romances? No matter how many times we tell a love story, each relationship is going to have its own unique joys and frustrations, and we want to feel them all. So feel free to let your sappy side out — this week we’re celebrating love!

This week's prompts

Write about two people reconnecting after a rough patch in their relationship.

Romance – 247 stories

Write a love story about an older couple who’ve been together since they were teenagers.

Romance – 168 stories

Write about a first date that surprises both people, but in different ways.

Romance – 161 stories

Start your story with one character setting up a romantic dinner, and end it with them looking at a framed wedding photo.

Romance – 181 stories

Write about someone asking out an old crush, only to realize their crush doesn’t remember they’ve ever met before.

Romance – 158 stories

Stories

“Family Ties” by Jessica Miller

Submitted to Contest #81

What am I doing here? he couldn’t help but think as he was waiting at the restaurant for Elizabeth to show up. He could not even believe she had called earlier in the week and asked to meet to discuss some things. I mean, it has been 5 years since she left, and I have not heard from her at all since then. I know we both made mistakes in our marriage, but I was willing to try and make things work. She wasn’t and gave up, took her 3 children that I had raised for the ten years we were together and even moved on with that stupid Casey gu...

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“I Promise it Will Be Different” by Toni-Jovanka Glenn

Submitted to Contest #81

I arrived half an hour before the time we agreed upon. At first, it was an attempt to snatch some control but when I got here, I realized I needed every minute. I hopped from table to table. Every chair felt too hard against my rear and every table had a spotlight. I finally settled on a table with a pair of chairs, at the back, nestled against the wall. From here, I will be able to see when he arrives. He won’t be able to see me though. Not until I stand. Gifting me with the time I need to conceal any joy he evokes. I look down at my lap an...

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“Empty Hands” by Sophie Mallette

Submitted to Contest #81

The first thing he noticed about her was her hands. The delicacy of them, the lines drawing creases across her palms with their worn histories and stories. He remembers sitting across from her for the first time, and how her two gold bracelets clinked gently as she smoothed her dress over her lap when she sat down. She had reached over the table and grasped his hand in hers firmly, offering a smile dripping in sweet gold that lit up her eyes. Despite her small frame, she had gripped his hand with a confidence that seemed to bleed through her...

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“Coming Home” by Julia W

Submitted to Contest #81

Months ago I’d let him go; let him go to serve in the army. To fight for what’s right. He’d been called to serve, to fight for our country, and I had no choice but to let him go. He had no choice but to go. And now, almost one and a half years later, he is still not home. I remember the day he’d gone. Jesse was leaving in 2 hours. I packed him a bag with clothes and the rationed food that we had, not knowing how long it would last him. We were spending every last second together, making the most of our shared time left. Soon the ...

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“Maybe Tomorrow” by Sofia M

Submitted to Contest #81

Note: Some graphic content Maybe Tomorrow On account of the rain, what should have been a five-minute affair turned into an hour. I had even left a note (that you missed) on the front door: Writing in shed. Everything’s in the box. Say hello to Mrs Sumner for me. And been especially mindful of the time and duration of your visit—though now, none of it matters because of the rain. At 2.15 pm, every Thursday, you would have just ended your meeting with Rupert in Marylebone. Since your own research partner was always in a hurry to l...

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“One Step Closer” by Katerina Casas

Submitted to Contest #81

He is right here. Finally, after four long years, we meet again under our beloved oak tree. He looks taller. Well, of course he would. Talking to your boyfriend for four years on your phone and computer really distorts his true height and image—almost to the point where he seems like a stranger. There are some things though that have not changed about him. He still has that little birthmark on his right hand. He has the same bright, hazel eyes; and the same messy side swept, black hair that looks soft to the touch…I want to touch it again, b...

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“the reunion” by Rachael Bruyette

Submitted to Contest #81

Every person that lived in the eerie,black house on maple street has died.The current resident called Chester and I, when we arrived,¨Wait,I recognize this house.¨ I said as she answered the door. ¨Mom?¨ I said cause I haven't seen her since I moved out .¨Hey sweetie,¨ she said ¨oh come in.¨ ¨Mom,Chester and I are paranormal investigators,which means we use special equipment like this,¨ I pulled out an EMF sensor ¨this will tell us if there is a ghost here.¨ The EMF sensor immediately spiked up to red,¨Woah,Soren we...

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“Laceration of the Heart ” by Maddie Rs

Submitted to Contest #81

Have you ever wondered why I did that? When we ended it that night. Well, if you can just listen, I'll tell you everything. Then I swear you will understand, I'm not the one for you.It all started last year. The chill of the air was fresh and crisp. I was out in town, craving a coffee. Why? Why did you have to approach me? It was in that rustic looking shop. So why? You stood out so much there. I walked through the doors and there you were. Sitting in that corner. The way the light glowed on your pale face was truly an incredible sight. It w...

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“My Angel” by Lauren Shushi

Submitted to Contest #81

I search for an element of you in every person I have met, and every person I have yet to meet. If souls could connect, we collided. Your silhouette stains every shadow that reaps beneath my feet. Your scent bewitches my senses and sends me into a certain time. A time before our time ended. A time when all that surrounded us was faultless and sweet. Now, those memories leave a bitter taste on my tongue. That is all that we share anymore: memories. I cannot rid myself of the ever forsaken ache that lurks in my bones and goes rotten every time...

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“Committed” by Anne Calvert

Submitted to Contest #81

Pushing back from the table and jumping to his feet, Jeremy, tea dripping from his brown curls, could not believe her response. Well, maybe he is not quite as surprised considering the state their relationship has been in for almost a month now. He goes to the bathroom to get a towel and comes back rubbing it against his sugar-laden hair. “Why can I not do or say anything to please you anymore?” “Not the good towel mother bought me last Christmas! Where is your brain?” “Not where you want it to be so I’ll be leaving now. I’ll talk t...

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“Together Forever” by Jostar J.

Submitted to Contest #81

She sat alone, holding a cup of hot cocoa while watching the falling snow. Taking a sip from her warm mug, a pair of arms wrapped around her. "Come back to bed, it's early," the groggy voice said. "I will soon. I just want to watch the snow." "Honey it's freezing," he argued. "Yes, and I said I will soon." He kisses the back of her head. She never listens to him but he still loved her. He always has, the moment they met in high school. He could never take his eyes off of her. He rests his head on top of her head and pouts. "Still ...

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“Undying Love” by Shaneka's Intuitive

Submitted to Contest #81

Gary could not keep his eyes off of a Wilma as she walked in the hallway with her best friend. Wilma didn't even notice. She was so into the conversation that she was having with her best friend, Ashley. Gary always got mezmorized when he seen Wilma and he couldn't understand why it was her out of all girls that made him feel this way. They were only in the ninth grade and he had no idea how to pinpoint his feelings. He had never had a conversation with Wilma, ever. Little did Gary know, Wilma was a hopeless romantic and all he needed to do ...

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“Valentine s memories” by Christina Chapman

Submitted to Contest #81

Ninety-eight years old and dying, the second ending to a great love story. The real love story the first ending happened 23 years ago when Matt died. Abby was sitting in bed looking at their photo albums and remembering the past was how she wanted to go. Of course her 5 kids, 20 grandkids, 52 great grandkids and 5 great great grandkids so far were in and out checking on her and spending time with her but in the last few moments of her life she wanted to be with Matt even if it was just the memories of their life. She prefered to start at the...

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“Three Pinnis” by HARSSH SINGH

Submitted to Contest #81

Biji always tells the most amazing stories. Mostly they are reminiscences from the past and sometimes they are discursive anecdotes that ramble on a bit, and I have to control myself from rolling my eyes or using hand gestures to make her get to the point. But always delivered with a twinkle in her crinkled eyes, and end with her outstretched hug-demanding arms. And then you get enveloped in THAT hug. Her face buried in my chest and her arms surprisingly strong for her age, as she squeezes me around my waist or shoulders depending on how low...

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“Bus stop” by Supriya Choudary

Submitted to Contest #81

As I leaned over her forehead to kiss her good night, she held my hand tightly and smiled at me. Despite the grey hair, bi-focal glasses and a wrinkly mouth, her smile remained intact over all these years. To be precise, 55 years.I met my partner during our childhood. I was ten and she was nine. By the way, her name is Rina. She exuded confidence and was a lanky lass. So, was I. I felt a strange sense of happiness waiting for her at the bus stop. With little pear droplets on her ears, she would wave at me. We took the same bus and travelled ...

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$50

Prize money

915

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Feb 19, 2021 EST

Won by Molly Quinnell 🏆

Title: Golden Cheekbones and the Rising Sun

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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