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Write a story that begins with an apology.

Posted in Dramatic on Dec 20, 2024

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✍️ 78 stories

Worst Job Ever

Submitted to Contest #282

Hey, Olly, I’m really sorry to say this. This is the worst job I’ve ever had to do. I know you won’t begrudge me. Then again, there are things you won’t…. you can’t…Oh, I don’t want to think about it.I find it hard, though. How can I not notice you sprawled out on the dove grey bed sheets you’ve inhabited for almost a year now instead of barrelling down the stairs with your favourite fire engine red skis, the ones you’ve christened Pepper? The freshly fallen snow taps away an invitation to hibernal enchantment on your windowpane, but yo...

41 likes 48 comments 48
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To Judge a King

Submitted to Contest #282

"Sorry, my king." Flajore fell to one knee, saluting with head bowed. "The northern wall is breached.""Don't hang your head, General. I'm proud of you - of all your men. You held out longer than believed possible."I am the one who should be ashamed. It's my pride and ambition that breached the wall. Father always said I was too reckless and arrogant."We will hold the keep. All is not lost."Their battering ram echoed through the hall. Each swing shook the dust from the rafters."Always an optimist, but we both know it won't be long.""Then I wi...

37 likes 20 comments 20
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Five Stages of Reflection

Shortlisted for Contest #282 ⭐️

DENIAL“I’m so sorry you came home to this nasty surprise. It’ll be wrong anyway – I’ll read it again in a minute, it’ll be wrong.”Bold eyes glare back at me as I sigh before them. They've had a long day and are almost as dark a blue as the tunic uniform in my wash basket. Will those eyes accept anything I say?“It was definitely addressed to me. How can it be wrong?”I let out a low sigh and drop my head.“It makes no sense. I haven’t done anything to cause this for decades. Why would they write to me about it now?”Decades. Entire decades. I've...

36 likes 44 comments 44
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Regrets? Yeah, I've Had a Few.

Submitted to Contest #282

Regrets? Yeah, I’ve Had a Few.                                                                 “Regrets are the natural property of grey hairs.”             ...

31 likes 16 comments 16
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Two-Cute Koolridges

Submitted to Contest #282

“I'm sorry, Honey.”“Chrissy, what do you have to be sorry for?”“The Christmas gifts I got for you. I'm still confined to minimum activity until my Cesarean scar heals more so I could only shop online. The Carhartt vest is too tight on you. Even though I love to cuddle with you I didn't realize how big your chest really is. And then I ordered that lame meat and cracker assortment. How original is that?”“If I recall, you recently presented me with the greatest gifts any woman can give a man. Two bundles of joy. Bouncing twin boys! My world is ...

26 likes 24 comments 24
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Premature Apologies

Submitted to Contest #282

(Story contains sensitive themes)The ChoiceGabe closed his eyes, imploring the universe to forgive him. “Oh my God, I am so sorry,” the words trembled from his lips.He suspected his wife had discovered his secret. It was the look she steadied him with before leaving for work. He heard the side door slam, her way of saying goodbye. Sarah had always been reticent, one to reserve her truest feelings, and he sensed that she was privy to his act of betrayal. He let himself reminisce about the first time he saw Sarah juxtaposed against t...

20 likes 8 comments 8
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Christmas Lights

Submitted to Contest #282

Bill struggles down the attic stairs carring an oblong box with a picture of a pine tree on its side. Holding the box on his shoulder, he shouts, “Which corner do you want me to put the tree in, Mom?” His mother, Dolores, is following behind, hauling a plastic tub with an ill-fitting green lid.  Written on its side in black magic marker are the words “Xmas lights.”Dolores smiles wickedly as she declares, “Let’s put it in the corner behind your father’s chair.” Oscar jumps up, sputtering and snarling. H...

18 likes 3 comments 3
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Out Of The Darkness

Submitted to Contest #282

Life in darkness is filled with terror. An unseen itch could be a piece of sand, or a rat chewing on skin. In the dark, when I jolt upright, I hear vermin skitter away. As sleep is impossible, I live in an interminable nightmare.A factor that might explain the downward course of my life is my father’s uncanny ability (if that’s what it’s called) to get into arguments with everyone he came into contact with in our hometown. They assumed the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and took it out on me. Guilt by association. They say children sh...

17 likes 8 comments 8
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The writer’s journey home.

Submitted to Contest #282

I’m sorry, dear self, for abandoning the one thing that brought me solace, for neglecting the fire that once burned within me, for chasing the wrong dreams and prioritizing the opinions of others over the whispers of my own heart.As I spoke these words aloud, my voice trembled with regret. I slumped against the wall, surrounded by the shadows of my past. The dimly lit room seemed to be closing in on me, suffocating me with the weight of my mistakes and wrong choices over the years.I thought back to the child I once was, full of life and pass...

16 likes 6 comments 6
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Beloved Daughter

Submitted to Contest #282

My Dearest Daughter,I am sorry that you feel this way. Truly, I am. It pains me to think that you believe I have abandoned you or that we have wronged you. Please understand, this decision was never meant to hurt you. Your father and I only want what’s best for you. We thought it would provide you with a future, with stability, even if it seems hard to see that right now.I know it must feel overwhelming, and perhaps you feel alone, but this is just part of growing up. You must learn that life is not always what we wish it to be, and sometime...

15 likes 4 comments 4
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The Fire Within

Submitted to Contest #282

The Fire Within "I'm really sorry," Emily said the moment Michael opened the door. Her large brown eyes shimmered with unshed tears against the backdrop of her golden locks.Michael hesitated, his jaw tightening as he stared at her. "Can we talk?" she asked, her voice soft and pleading.Still hurting from the breakup, Michael stepped aside and invited her in. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, mirroring the turmoil in her heart. She sat across from Michael, their eyes locked in an unspoken battle of hurt and longing. Emil...

12 likes 8 comments 8
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The Apology

Submitted to Contest #282

“Sorry, Dad.” He glances at his son and almost says what? His face a picture of puzzlement, more so as he sees the big grin on Gerrie’s face. A grin that has no business accompanying an apology. Then it hits him. And it hits him hard. “Oh!” he cries, “you smelly beggar! Oh wow! Where did that come from!?” He opens the car window beside him, and then decides it would be a good idea to open the window next to the stink-bomb boy beside him. A boy who is looking very pleased with himself as he offers an explanation or an excuse. His father ...

12 likes 4 comments 4
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A Messy Apology

Submitted to Contest #282

I’ve earned a reputation, I guess, and it’s not a good one. First thing you need to know about me is I’m no good—a bad seed, if you will. I’ve still got my looks, sandy brown hair and big brown eyes, and that still gets me out of trouble occasionally. I know what you’re thinking. Oh, I’m sure you’re not that bad. But, I am. If I told you the things I’d done, your hair would stand on end. I’m sitting outside, head down, wondering how she’s gonna find it in her heart to forgive me again. How many more times until someone you love fin...

10 likes 7 comments 7
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The Apology that Wasn't

Submitted to Contest #282

"Vi? I'm sorry," my dad said. I knew why he was calling as soon as I saw his name come up on my caller ID. "What did I do?" he asked. "Well, Dad, you called me an embarrassment in front of our family and everyone else at Maggie's for Thanksgiving," I said acidly, and I knew I didn't sound forgiving or like someone accepting an apology because I didn't want to accept the apology. "Why would I say that?" he asked. "Because you were being a petulant child who didn't get his way," I responded flatly. "Why didn't I get my way?" And this was the ...

10 likes 4 comments 4
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The Plea

Submitted to Contest #282

I cannot begin to tell you just how sorry I am. I grieve deeply every time I remember the event that removed my friend from the face of this planet. I fully understand that the situation was avoidable, but those involved would not let it be; you pushed and pushed, and finally, you killed my friend.Your honor. Thank you for allowing me to address the court before sentencing. I hope my words make an impression on those listening. Sadie lived through some horrific events in her life. Bone cancer, amputation, and the recent loss of both her pare...

10 likes 4 comments 4
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