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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

“A Really Truly Valentine's Story” by Joan Harris

Submitted to Contest #81

A REALLY TRULY VALENTINE'S STORY BY JOAN HARRIS They have been married five times. FIVE TIMES? you say. Yup. Five times - but always to each other. The first was in December, 1959. She was still a teenager, he not much more, the second was on the event of their twenty-fifth anniversary. The third took place in the remarkable setting of the Vatican where their son was to be married the following day. The priest asked the couple, "Would you like to repeat your vows in this remarkable...

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“Raspberry Chocolates and Cheesy Cards” by M L

Submitted to Contest #81

It’s a chilly evening; cold to the point I can see my own breath rising in the dim light of the street lights. The wind nips at the unprotected skin on the nape of my neck, prompting me to shift uncomfortably to try and conserve some warmth. There’s ice spread thinly on the sidewalk and I’m walking carefully, making sure not to slip and risk having to go to the hospital. My steps falter for a moment before I shake my head and huff a bit, a small smile on my face. I really am more cautious now, huh? I pull my jacket a little tighter around ...

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“The Old Man and the Rose” by Tanyut Sharma

Submitted to Contest #81

The old man stood and wondered where they kept the red roses. He brushed his head. A pinch of snow settled on his nose and he patted it off.The sidewalk of a city is a good home to many charming delinquents and other strange creatures of the street, but the old man was still out of place. He stood pressed to an antique lamp-post, hands as limp as his back was stiff. Only the snow did not part for him.His feet shuffled forward, guided by the will of Lady Chance.The city for him had long lost its boyish charm, but for the fresh visitor, many s...

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“The Cherry Blossoms” by Yvette Francaise

Submitted to Contest #81

There sat an older couple on the grey weathered bench. Their silver hair glinted in the bright sunlight. His grey suit made him look sharp, and her black dress made her look extra beautiful. Pink cherry blossoms floated around them. Their pale skin showed the wars of life, the wrinkles earned by living. His blue eyes twinkled with joy as he looked at her. Her sweet smile lit up her face as she held out her wrinkled hand. His fingers curled in between her twisted hands. With the lack of grace, I fell down in front of them, scraping my...

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“Geriatric Penguins, and Why I Give a Shit About Them” by CB Pinky

Submitted to Contest #81

Rockhopper penguins typically die 10-15 years after they hatch, usually at the mouth of a sea lion, entangled in a human’s net, or from avian cholera. However, Wellington and Drake are pushing 34 this December, and the twilight of their prolonged life spent under the roof of Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, I find it only appropriate to reflect on their journey inside these walls. Here is a not-so-brief timeline:December 1987: Wellington and Drake are hatched at a SeaWorld. March 1991: Wellington and Drake arrive at the Shedd Aquarium a m...

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“Old Doves” by Luna Juarez

Submitted to Contest #81

I looked at my spouse with a wrinkled grin. Almost 70 years together. Together, we had four children and seven grandchildren. I got up from my chair and grabbed my photo album of us. There was one photo from us when we just started dating. We sat in my father's diner and snapped a photo of us, sharing a milkshake. I remember we were seventeen when they said yes. I took them to get a burger with me. "Thank you, dad." I thanked. My dad nodded and handed me the photo, walking away to help a customer. My date looked at me. "You promise we'll...

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“Dancing Through Life” by Mary Burns

Submitted to Contest #81

I sat at the table at my niece’s wedding and watched with love and tenderness but also with amazement. My aunt and uncle were dancing. A special request had been made to the DJ on their behalf to play their wedding song, “For Sentimental Reasons” by Nat King Cole. A wedding song from seventy-five years ago. Yes, they have been married for seventy-five years. Watching them and seeing them look at each with such tenderness and love as they danced brought tears to my eyes. How have they done what so many people can’t do today including myself...

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“It was the best of times it was the worst of times.” by Jessie Andrews

Submitted to Contest #81

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. I could feel the Sweat as the beads ran down the back of my spine. The bright glare from overhead, the hands on the bank clock, said it was time to go. His suit was just in from the cleaners, not a Wrinkle insight. His shoes were polished to a bright shine. His hair done-up just so, a cut and a shave. Everyone thought I look like a million bucks. The car shined in the afternoon sun as I drove up to the big house on the left of 5th Avenue. I gathered all my courage. Flowers in ha...

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“New Year's Sunrise” by Alex Hosh

Submitted to Contest #81

The seventy-eighth new year’s sunrise of my life has begun. Cheerfully bright yellow rays escaped through the rocky drapes of the distant landscape and cast their beams upon the little viewing area where my wife and I were seated along with other fellow romantic gazers, casting long shadows soon to fade with the tick of the clock. The stars above, one by one, withdrew from the brightening sky as their purple sea faded into streaks of pink and yellow. Even the chilly vibes of the previous year’s final night has shifted. Do not ask me how, but...

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“The Letter” by April Moore

Submitted to Contest #81

“Thank you for coming.” Rachel said as she walked the last two guests to the door.“We wouldn’t have missed it. Your mother was a saint. I can’t believe she’s gone. What will I do without her…” Tears started to flood her Aunt’s already red eyes. Rachel knew she had to get them out fast otherwise she would be comforting her Aunt all night. Luckily her Uncle knew this too.“Let’s go Lorianne.” He said as he gently half guided half pushed his wife out the door. Before he closed the door he looked back at Rachel. “Take car...

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“Always and Forever” by Star 123

Submitted to Contest #81

"It's a long story, my dear." "That's okay Grandma, I've got time." I curl up on the couch as Grandma puts the kettle on. "Well your Grandfather asked me out in high school but really our story started way before that. The first time we met was the summer before middle school at the park. I threw a stone at him," She laughs fondly at the memory. "I saw him standing over my little brother, who lay on the ground with blood dripping down his grazed knee. I've always been protective of my little brother and when...

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“Love me to the end.” by Olive Njoki

Submitted to Contest #81

Love me to the end.“My back needs a rub. Oh, how I long for a swim!” Said Diana. Her husband Petero chuckled. They were lying on their lawn under a short, evergreen mango tree. Petero turned towards her and began massaging her slowly with his wrinkled but ever strong hands.“Like this?” he asked teasingly.“Oh yes, that feels nice.” Diana resp...

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“The Date” by Shweta R

Submitted to Contest #81

Mona’s cell phone rang as she waited for the traffic lights to turn green. It was John on the other end.“Hi, where are you?”“Hi, sorry I am stuck in traffic. Will be there in like five minutes.”“Oh sure… no problem at all.”Mona and John met at the dating app Finder and were meeting personally for the first time. It wasn’t the first time for Mona since she had already had the experience of rendezvous with prospective dates through the app whom she found appealing.As she continued to curse the traffic for making her late, the lights turned gre...

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“Love, a bemusing reality” by Ezel Warsi

Submitted to Contest #81

“That’s too much for something as plain as this. $180 is the final amount”, argued Serena with the shop owner and hopped in to the taxi. She was impatiently checking the frantic packing of her gift for Liam while he was looking at his wrist watch, a bit skeptical about her arrival. “We’re here miss”, said the cab driver. It was a calm, star-studded sky compl opposite to their hearts. As Liam finished his 3rd glass of wine he thought to himself that he ought to go out and wait for her. Just when he got up there she was right in front of him. ...

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“Getting to know you, getting to know all ...” by Michael Young

Submitted to Contest #81

Noah checked his phone for the tenth time in as many minutes. Between that and rubbing the indentation left by his wedding ring, he was building up quite a collection of fidgety habits. He already felt conspicuous standing outside the café, but he didn’t want to miss Hannah. He had arrived early and hung around, picking the Drury café because of the location, familiarity, and relaxed friendly atmosphere. Best of all it was near a tube station which meant that if the date went well, they had an option to go on somewhere and if it didn’t’, wel...

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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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