Menu
Prompts
Contests
Stories
Blog

Menu

✕
CONNECT
Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites
BLOG
Success Stories
APPS
TOOLS
Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships
ABOUT
About Reedsy Terms Privacy

CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

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

Posted in Dramatic on Oct 18, 2024

Submissions are closed

Sorry, we are not accepting submissions for this prompt as it is not part of an active contest. Make sure you don't miss our next contest by creating your free Reedsy Prompts account.

Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook

Or create a new Reedsy account:

Why not check out our active contest?

✍️ 113 stories

“The Violent Dream” by Kearstin Foshee

Submitted to Contest #273

Notes/Warnings: Thoughts of suicide, violence, gore, blood, mental health. I sank into the white, fluffy couch, its plush cushions nearly suffocating me with their warmth. My therapist sat across from me, her glasses falling along the bridge of her nose as she peered downward, her pen tapping in a relentless rhythm against her notebook.  “Mave,” she coaxed, “tell me more about your dream.” I swallowed hard, forcing down my rising bile.  The dream had not been one I wanted to relive again, but it had been tormenting me for mon...

2 comments 2
Read story

“THE CHILDREN'S HOUR” by Janet Lorimer

Submitted to Contest #273

THE CHILDREN’S HOUR By Janet Lorimer     The little girl was huddled next to a newspaper rack at the front of the store, her face smeared with tears. Benny knelt beside her. “Did you lose your mommy?” he asked gently.    The tot stopped crying, and stared at him in the curious, unblinking way of very young children.    “Don’t worry, she’s probably around here somewhere,” he said, reaching out to take her tiny hand. “Shall we—?”    “Oh, there you ar...

1 comment 1
Read story

“The Last Game” by Daron Thompson

Submitted to Contest #273

The Last Game Mike sat on the worn green bench under the old oak tree, his hands trembling slightly as he carefully set up his beloved chessboard. Each piece was placed with the same precision as always, the result of decades of practice and routine. The black and white squares of the board were scratched and faded, and the wooden pieces had lost some of their sheen, but Mike still treated them like treasures. He came to this spot every single day, rain or shine, hoping that someone would stop and play with him. Most days, no one did. People...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Waiting In the Dark” by Jade Lawson

Submitted to Contest #273

The house is empty. Dark now that the sun has set. I could turn on a light. But they give me headaches. Instead I move aside the curtain, letting in the orangey glow from a nearby street lamp. The driveway is still empty. I hate it when Jason is gone. It makes me feel like when you cut an avocado in half. Exposed, browning and rotting, holding my arms out for my other half to be returned. The curtain slips through my fingers as I turn back to the living room. In the dark, I maneuver around the shadowy shapes towards ...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Smoker” by Mark Mc Quown

Submitted to Contest #273

SmokerBy Mark Mc Quown Smoker was a Labrador Retriever who had spent many winters in the cabin that Smoker could see in front him but could not get to it. He smelled the smoke coming from the chimney, he smelled the fire inside and the food cooking, but he was stuck.  The day was clear with no snow in the air and this was helpful as Smoker watched the Fire Truck pull up to the cabin and the firemen racing out from all sides. There was no fire, they came for the dog.Smoker had jumped out the front door this morning, as soo...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Trick or traitor” by Paul Simpkin

Submitted to Contest #273

Monday 28 October “Hello Mr.Raven,” I said. He squawked back, looking round trying to find something to eat for his breakfast. Those ravens always notice me. It is my custom to go for my daily walk before 9am when things start to get busier round here. I saw one of the ravens sitting on a bench by the chapel and I said hello. Everyone else ignores me. The ravens don’t. I have lived here for a long time now. I don’t think I could live anywhere else in London. There is a great view of Tower Bridge. It is very handy for St Paul’s and for lots ...

4 comments 4
Read story

“The Secret Ingredient ” by Nina H

Submitted to Contest #273

(Jump to Recipe) [Link has been disabled] It’s getting close, my friends! The holiday season is closing in on us faster than my Aunt Trudy can say “fruitcake” and throw back a cocktail! So what does this mean for those of us doomed to put a smile on our faces while we welcome the in-laws, cousins, black sheep, and freeloaders? It means we scour the internet looking for the best recipes to impress even your mother-in-law, who is arguably more judgmental than an entire panel of Supreme Court Justices.  You may be wondering the secret of ...

6 comments 6
Read story

“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 ...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Hunger” by K.S. Byrd

Submitted to Contest #273

The fascinating thing about dreams? You never realize you’re in one—until you wake up.Kevin woke up to a chill. “What the hell happened?” he muttered, his voice hoarse. He placed his hand on the frosty ground, struggling to push himself up. It was a slow, painful process. He groaned and grabbed his pounding head. A wet, sticky substance greased his hair and stuck to his fingers. Inspecting his hand, his fear became a reality. “Blood.” Without thinking, he wiped his hand on his shirt.The last thing he remembered was speed walking along the tr...

2 comments 2
Read story

“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...

3 comments 3
Read story

“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 “...

2 comments 2
Read story

“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.          &...

0 comments 0
Read story

“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...

0 comments 0
Read story

“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...

2 comments 2
Read story

“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...

4 comments 4
Read story

🌟 Similar 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

Contest #273

Enter our weekly contest!

This week's theme: Locked Away

$250

Prize money

355

Contest entries

162

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Oct 25, 2024 EST

Won by Asia W 🏆

Title: Venus Buried

View details

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

NEW VIDEO COURSE 🎉

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months. Learn more →

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢