Write a story that includes the line “Have we met before?”

Posted in Dramatic on Oct 4, 2024

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✍️ 141 stories

“I Am Not A Prostitute ” by Hadassah Nicole

Submitted to Contest #271

He’s been wanting to meet me in person for a little while now. I said no. I said no three times. “No!” “No.” “No...” Three and a half if you count the disconnected phone call. “N-” Truth be told, it’s never really been a choice for me. It’s never been a matter of whether or not we meet, if I cave, or when I became desperate enough. I was as desperate on the days I said no as I was on the day that I agreed. It was only ever a matter of weeks, a matter of time. He knew it too. He’s played the waiting game with me. A perfect gentleman—waiting...

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“Even in Death, He Screws Up My Life” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #271

Hearing the clicking of high heels, Raphael looks up from his drink, muttering, “Uh-oh.” Enthralled by the woman’s strikingly red hair, piercing green eyes, and dangerous curves, Happy Hopkins, Green Chimney’s bartender, lets out an admiring “Uh-huh” as she thunders toward Raphael. “How about a drink on the house for my future wife?” Happy asks. “How about a kick in the groin and a call to your present wife?” the woman responds. “I’ll take Tara’s drink,” Raphael slurs. “You’ve had enough. You know our systems can’t process alcohol.” Tara loo...

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“Between Stations” by Tempest Phoenix Smith

Submitted to Contest #271

"Never seen so many blooming sheep," the Londoner commented in a feeble attempt at a Yorkshire accent to his wife as the train rumbled onwards. "Must be more sheep up here than people." She provided the obligatory laugh, then both of them lapsed into silence for which I was grateful.Though tempted to tell them they should try travelling through Wales, I kept silent and stared out the window. Sheep and green hills here, of course, in Yr Hen Gogledd, the Old North, which had once, historians said, been part and parcel of Wales.Not that anybody...

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“Playing Mahjong” by Valery Rubin

Submitted to Contest #271

When I went into the bar in the evening, I was not at all surprised to see my old friend. He also seemed not surprised, but he didn't show it. A professional. It's clear that they are waiting for me here, and the conversation will take place one way or another. Running away from the courier is a waste of time; they will send someone else. These guys are serious; they don't waste time on trifles. Look for another bar where you can have a drink and sit. This will only show that you are afraid of something. The danger must be met face to face -...

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“A shadow from the past” by Moa Holmertz

Submitted to Contest #271

Scott grumbled disgruntledly once he realized the glass was empty. With little control over his limbs, he slammed it onto the bar and yelled:“Another!”“Doon’t think so, lad,”the old bartender said with his grating Scottish accent. “Ye’ve bin drinkin’ mair ‘an enough.”“Don’t tell me I've had enough, kilt wearin’ cunt,”Scott growled and pointed a meaty finger at McClain.McClain sighed, before putting down another glass in front of him. He had barely finished filling it, before Scott took the glass and downed the amber drink like a thirsty begg...

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“The Midnight Refrain” by Keren-Happuch Alfreda Dodoo

Submitted to Contest #271

The clock struck midnight, and the train lurched forward, breaking the eerie stillness that had settled over the platform. Pale, flickering lights hung overhead, casting long, warped shadows across the cracked pavement. Lucy sat by the window, her breath fogging the glass as she watched the bleak landscape slip into motion. She couldn’t remember boarding the train. One moment, she had been wandering through a city she didn’t recognize—its streets lined with buildings that loomed like silent sentinels, strange and unfamiliar—and now, here she...

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“When Paths Cross Again” by Jim TIM

Submitted to Contest #271

The warm glow of lamps filled the little café on Pine Street, making it feel like a snug retreat from the chilly autumn air outside. Soft music played in the background, and the smell of freshly baked cookies and coffee made the place cozy and inviting.Lily pushed open the door, the bell above jingling softly. She smiled as she stepped inside, feeling the warmth wrap around her. This was her favorite spot to relax after a long day at work."Hi, Lily!" the barista called out."Hi, Mia," Lily replied. "Just the usual, please.""One hot chocolate ...

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“The Obscure Tradition” by César Enoc Villanueva Contreras

Submitted to Contest #271

Every Six Years The night was dark and heavy over the small county of Hesse. The stars were hidden behind a veil of thick clouds, and the wind blew with a chill that cut to the bone. However, the ominous atmosphere did not diminish Vanessa’s excitement, a six-year-old girl for whom this day was one of the most special of her life. Her parents had promised her a surprise, one that, according to them, would change her life forever. The birthday party was held in the main room of the Müller house, decorated with balloons and streamers, though t...

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“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Wade Moe

Submitted to Contest #271

TRIGGER WARNING: Sensitive themes include substance abuse/drinking and driving, brief descriptions of blood/gore.--The sky was painted a beautiful dusty rose, bathing everything on the ground beneath it in a pretty pink glow as Clem parked his truck on the side of the dirt road leading up to the driveway of his wife’s new house. He sighed heavily as the comforting hum of the vehicle faded into the silence of the nearby country, staring blankly out the windshield like the swooping birds outside would give him some kind of clarity. They c...

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“Echoes of the Past” by SK Gill

Submitted to Contest #271

The fog hung low over the harbor, thickening the air around the swaying boats as their masts jostled gently against one another. Dimitri paced the worn wooden planks of the dock, his breath clouding in the cool morning air. The sun had yet to rise, gilding the horizon with shades of gold, a color he associated with hope—something that had eluded him for years. He’d come back to this town, the town he’d left behind a decade ago, in search of answers. Each step he took toward the old lighthouse felt heavier than the last. The lighthouse ...

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“In Life” by Sarah Moley

Submitted to Contest #271

“I think I’m lost in time.” We all sit in the movie theater. I don’t know how long I’ve been here. Everyone is rapt. This movie is not too long, although I can’t remember a time before the movie began. This movie is familiar; I know I’ve seen it before. This movie… “These are times when Diana truly loved.” Someone, a few rows ahead, shifted in their seat and turned to look at me. I meet his eyes. Looking at him—his eyes are wet—suddenly, the room tilts. I need to be near him. It’s not about anything else. Our eyes are magnets, and I am stepp...

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“A feeling” by Era Yera

Submitted to Contest #271

Central Park has never been more timid, gloomy, sad-- funny how I had elaborate it as if it's a human being who feels emotionsNever once had I walked down the path of this one and only park that I've been in hundreds of times with this kind disoriented energy.My head turns to all directions slowly without me realizing-- it must be desperation to know where this energy comes from. But when I look around there seems to be nothing wrong, I could still hear the crowd's laughter from the center of the park which I'm getting just close to. I could...

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“My Muse” by Marcell Maille

Submitted to Contest #271

Silence. Pure, blissful silence. My favorite part has always been the calm after the storm. I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, trying to ground myself back into reality. The strong iron scent around me fills my lungs sending signals to my brain. Those signals elicit a large smile across my face. I chuckle to myself remembering how I had a vastly different response after the first time. Now the stronger the scent, the more gratification I get because it means a job well done. I open my eyes to take in my newest work. Splatters, splash...

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“Poppyseed Bagel” by Julia Rock

Submitted to Contest #271

"Have we met before?" you ask.It's a surprisingly complicated question, for us. The short answer is no. The true answer is yes. I never liked lying to you, so I just smile."You seem so familiar," you say, still trying to put your finger on it."I have one of those faces," I say.I shouldn’t be here, in this bakery where you work, looking at you from across the counter, pretending I just want an everything bagel when really what I want is everything we had and lost. Everything we can never have again. “What can I get you?” you ask, pen poi...

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“Reflections of Me ” by Morgan O'Neal

Submitted to Contest #271

Today I sought solace in a stranger. She had kind eyes, but perhaps it was the familiar loneliness behind them which drew me to her. The last few years of my life have been nothing short of mundane— seemingly filled with empty conversations, nameless people, and forgettable interactions. I was once a woman who was loved so fiercely I thought I would break, and now I’m stuck in a meaningless existence. No one informs you about this part of life. I am without a husband, with kids who refuse to visit me, in a city where no one knows my name, wi...

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Write a story that includes the line “Have we met before?”

Submissions are closed

✍️ 141 stories

“I Am Not A Prostitute ” by Hadassah Nicole

“Even in Death, He Screws Up My Life” by Michael Jefferson

“Between Stations” by Tempest Phoenix Smith

“Playing Mahjong” by Valery Rubin

“A shadow from the past” by Moa Holmertz

“The Midnight Refrain” by Keren-Happuch Alfreda Dodoo

“When Paths Cross Again” by Jim TIM

“The Obscure Tradition” by César Enoc Villanueva Contreras

“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Wade Moe

“Echoes of the Past” by SK Gill

“In Life” by Sarah Moley

“A feeling” by Era Yera

“My Muse” by Marcell Maille

“Poppyseed Bagel” by Julia Rock

“Reflections of Me ” by Morgan O'Neal

🌟 Similar prompts

A character crosses paths with a stranger who looks eerily familiar.

A chance encounter brings together two old friends who have changed in surprising or strange ways.

Two strangers discover they have a hidden connection that alters their understanding of each other and themselves.

A character finds a clue or object linking them to a stranger.

Contest #271

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

389

Contest entries

137

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: