Write a story about someone getting lost, but discovering something they didn’t expect along the way.

Posted in Dramatic on Jul 28, 2023

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✍️ 34 stories

“Ayagom, the Resolute” by Lynel Black

Submitted to Contest #209

The afternoon was fresh and dry. A new smell of vitality and growth seeped from the forest around him. It was a very welcome change from the week of rain that Fred and Wylma had endured. A week of persistent drizzle that soaked to the bone and gave no chances to dry anything out. Everything he owned was in various states of saturation. Bitter experience had taught Fred to protect at all cost his sleeping bag, but it had also succumbed to the persistent rain and now felt clammy to the touch. Of course Wylma, his 2 wheeled companion, his accom...

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“On the trail” by Maximilian Gunnarsson

Submitted to Contest #209

In his late 20’s Eddie found out that his girlfriend was pregnant, and after weeks of fierce arguments with harsh words, threats, and begging, it was determined that the child was most likely not Eddie’s. At a little past midnight during a party at Eddie’s best friend Adam's apartment, he was sitting in Adam’s bedroom with Kitty and Adam opposite him. Despite the blur in his head caused by beer and liquor, Eddie was able to comprehend the affair the two of them told him about. After hitting both of them, Kitty on the cheek and Adam rig...

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“A Good Idea For A Movie?” by Penny Pepper

Submitted to Contest #209

This is so stupid. Why do we have to go to the stinkin’ library? “Look, you dad and I have some things to do here. Just sit over there and work on your project.” She was about to turn to the Library’s meeting room when she turned back around with a grin. “and I mean your school project. I’m not going to fall for your tricks again. Love you.” She smiled and walked off. “Love you too.” Okay. Maybe the library isn’t that bad. Besides I need to get that project done. My school one. Not the movie one. I sat down at one of the tables and pulled ou...

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“Lost in the Loop of Time” by J Rico

Submitted to Contest #209

The golden rays of the morning sun gently kissed the tranquil shores of Cancun as Marcus embarked on an adventurous road trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. Eager to escape the crowded tourist spots, he had rented a car to explore the hidden gems that lay beyond the glittering resorts. Armed with a map and a sense of wanderlust, Marcus set off on his journey, eager to make memories that would last a lifetime. The first few hours of the drive were enchanting. Marcus cruised along picturesque coastal roads, taking in the breathtaking views o...

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“The Compass” by Allen Wilkinson

Submitted to Contest #209

What the he...?Andy looked around, bewildered. He didn’t recognize anything. That wouldn’t be nearly as disconcerting if he hadn’t known exactly where he was two minutes before. He’d hunted, hiked, hell, slept, in these woods since he was a child. He knew them like he knew his own living room. He habitually carried a compass in his gear though he never remembered using it in this place, at least not since he played with it as a kid. He pulled it out now.He'd been going east when he jumped the little stream.&nbsp...

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“Just Rumours” by Muhammad Ryan Hassan

Submitted to Contest #209

1.Mark had always loved travelling. One day, his thirst for adventure led to a strange journey coming to his mind. He planned to voyage directly through the Bermuda Triangle during his summer holidays. He felt that the ‘strange occurrences’ associated with the Triangle were merely misguided rumours. When he shared his plan with his friends, they told him this was too dangerous an idea and that he was being crazy. They also told him there was no point in taking this journey, but their concerns only solidified Mark’s resolve. Hence, he organ...

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“Not All Who Are Lost Need to Wander” by Daniel James

Submitted to Contest #209

It was a beautiful day, the sun warm on my skin, mostly clear save for a few puffs of clouds here and there, the air clean and sharp like the intake of fresh mountain air away or the first true breath you’re able to breathe after coming up from underwater. Sand squeezed between my toes bringing back memories of childhood with each grain, trips out with family, the boy thought was my first love, the man who was, and all the ones in between. &nb...

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“The Ghost Orchid” by Lisa Climenson

Submitted to Contest #209

My story begins with me peeking into a forest to check out a popular trail in Humboldt County, Northern California. The entrance was hidden by a hedge of young redwood trees planted by park volunteers. When I found the opening I poked my head inside and I was surprised to see that the forest interior looked dark on this sunny day. I saw a wide path disappearing into the dim interior. The forest was hushed and seemed empty of visitors. I felt daunted. Would I be reckless to explore this dark trail by myself? Comsi, comsa—this was what ...

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“Westerberg Ghost Town” by Guiton Blackburn

Submitted to Contest #209

Westerberg This is the story of Westerberg, an abandoned small mining town close to the banks of the Orange River, situated between the towns of Prisca and Groblershoop in South Africa. we happened unexpectedly upon Westerberg during the Lion Lager Orange River Challenge. The first inflatable boat river race held in our country. An interesting event that attracted a sizable entry of about eighteen different teams, each team consisting of three or four people as boat crew in their own inflatable boat with an outboard motor. A back-up c...

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“Lost in the Forbidden Graveyard” by Zach Martz

Submitted to Contest #209

Ricky Smart was a young explorer and had never visited the Cackaricko Catacombs before. But he knew of the legends surrounding the mysterious burial grounds and all that they supposedly contained. So, despite his wariness of the undead, he was quite eager to accompany the elders of the Castle of Smart when they elected to take him with them to the Catacombs to visit the tomb of the Smart ancestor who had recently passed away. The two Elders, the matriarch named Street and the patriarch known as Book, marched in front of Ricky up the paved ...

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“The Challenge” by A Inge

Submitted to Contest #209

Mariapusa stroked the gold locket and took a deep breath of frigid air. It curled over her frozen cheeks like fingers, icing them into porcelain. Chestnut curls swirled, obscuring her view of the blue and white forest. She took a step. Mathias had dared her to go. And she was not a coward. Especially not when her brother were watching. “Snow, shadows, and fading sun make the weary traveler run and run. Though he travels deep and across, he remains lost.” She took the first step. Alive and watching, the wind howled. Hesitating, her single f...

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“My Viva In Vermont” by Donald Wilson

Submitted to Contest #209

“Dammit, Gene, you gave me the wrong socket head, I need a 13mm, c'mon, man, I've got oil dripping on me.” So you're leaving tomorrow? Gene said, handing me the 13mm. “Yep … there, got it ... finito, mi amigo!” I slid out from under my re-built '57 Buick Special. “Our auditing job for State is done … I'll just owe you more poker and gin rummy money if I stick around.” “You're going to miss the last four days at the track ...” he said. “Yeah. Right. I bet the favorite to show and I still lose money.” We stood there looking at the car that was...

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“The View” by Sarah Guy

Submitted to Contest #209

The View Nothing. That was the view for miles. Of course, there were yellowing fields beating in the winds of the brutal heat, but besides that, a stray decaying fence or a tree defying the heat by living; there was nothing. Markus was driving, his dark hair clung to his forehead. Jonesy had rolled her window down in a desperate attempt to feel any sort of breeze, but all she gained was a warm breeze. “Roll the window up, Jonesy. If anything, you’re just giving us false hope,” I said. Markus laughed. “...

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“Black Paw” by Scott White

Submitted to Contest #209

Some crisp evening air, an open bedroom window, and a comfortable bed can rejuvenate anyone’s tired old sole come morning. Many moons have passed since I woke up so refreshed and man does it feel good. Rolling right outta bed I head towards the window to catch more of the morning air. “SQUEAK!” I jump as something scurries across the windowsill, probably just a chipmunk. Looking through the screen to scope out the yard as a gentle breeze rustle leaves on the trees and stirs up fresh lilac through the window. Giving a quick scratch here and t...

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“Finding balance in a grilled cheese” by Michael Joslin

Submitted to Contest #209

The bumps in the road were getting worse and he was feeling every hit through the shoddy seat suspension of his truck. How could he be so lost? He looked up the directions online and followed them precisely, as far as he could tell. The end of summer food truck festival was tomorrow, and he needed to be there and checked in by 10 tonight to be able to compete. He poured all his time and resources into this venture and neglected too many other responsibilities to miss this now. After his short engineering career, 3 years before he burned out,...

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Write a story about someone getting lost, but discovering something they didn’t expect along the way.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 34 stories

“Ayagom, the Resolute” by Lynel Black

“On the trail” by Maximilian Gunnarsson

“A Good Idea For A Movie?” by Penny Pepper

“Lost in the Loop of Time” by J Rico

“The Compass” by Allen Wilkinson

“Just Rumours” by Muhammad Ryan Hassan

“Not All Who Are Lost Need to Wander” by Daniel James

“The Ghost Orchid” by Lisa Climenson

“Westerberg Ghost Town” by Guiton Blackburn

“Lost in the Forbidden Graveyard” by Zach Martz

“The Challenge” by A Inge

“My Viva In Vermont” by Donald Wilson

“The View” by Sarah Guy

“Black Paw” by Scott White

“Finding balance in a grilled cheese” by Michael Joslin

🌟 Similar prompts

Set your entire story in a car.

Write about two strangers who are both heading to the same destination and agree to do a long distance drive together.

Write a story about someone going on a life-changing journey.

Start your story with someone walking into a gas station.

Contest #209

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

271

Contest entries

154

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: