Write about a character who is trying to leave something or someone behind — only to realize they carry it with them.

Posted in Sad on Nov 4, 2022

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✍️ 72 stories

“Igneous Rock ” by Matcha Latte

Submitted to Contest #171

I met Claire when we were seniors in high school. I played football, but I wasn’t very good at it. If I’m being honest- something I’m working on- I started playing to try to be more popular at parties and stuff. The crazy thing is that it actually worked. I spent the majority of my season on the bench at games and making out with hot women after. Bench, booze, boobs, repeat. No one seemed to mind that I wasn’t actually playing football. Or that I was getting seriously drunk most nights. One time Katie O'Connell said I could do somersaults do...

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“Greener Grass” by David Ader

Submitted to Contest #171

The realtor hadn’t yet removed the white post from the front lawn when she hooked on a new ‘for sale sign’ to the arm. Another commission on this house was on her mind, two in as many years and the price had risen 10% since she’d last sold it. She didn’t question the seller’s motivation; it wasn’t her business. She was, however, curious as to why Marvin Kaminsky would want to sell it. “So soon?” she commented when he called her. She’d expected some insight. &n...

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“Delusions of Grandeur” by TJ Felegie

Submitted to Contest #171

I shouldn’t be doing this… “I think I want to go with them…” Bertramus choked on the words as he said it. The acrid smoke from his father-in-law’s mahogany pipe scratched its way into Bertramus’ nostrils and clawed at his throat. He kept his gaze at the half-eaten plate in front of him, but he could still feel Gisella’s icy gaze from across the table. The crackling fire in the hearth behind her did nothing to warm his wife’s stare. Her father spoke first. “No. You don’t.” Puffs of smoke billowed out after every word. “You will stay here. B...

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“A Chance to Love” by Nicole Cindric

Submitted to Contest #171

I held onto her with the only strength that did not abandon my worn limbs. It wasn’t my fault. I know it wasn’t my fault. But…how could it be anyone else’s? Her voice was as relaxing as the waves, carrying memories and happiness to all who listened. The smile always plastered on her face expressed gracious kindness and tranquility. Her eyes would sparkle in the moonlight as we danced. And now I find myself unable to even pass by the couples dancing in the same dimly lit parks I remember so vividly. Their carefree murmurs and laughter p...

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“Relentless Memories” by Myranda E

Submitted to Contest #171

Blake lifts a duffel bag onto stacks of boxes in the back of her Subaru. She turns around and smiles sadly at her parents. Her mother scoops her into an embrace while her dad rearranges the bag and a few boxes, ensuring that her vision would be clear. Her mother says, “We’re going to miss you.” Her dad briefly looks over his shoulder to say, “Gas up before Pittsburgh. They’ll charge you almost double.” “I will, Dad.” She murmurs as her mom suffocates her. Her mom pulls away and asks, “You’ll text us when you get there?” Blake...

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“Moving On” by Kathryn Raup

Submitted to Contest #171

As I roll to the stop sign slowly, my phone dings and I glance at it quickly before I press on the gas. Our mutual friend, who we both still love dearly, but now separately, just texted me a joke about opossums. Tessa: “What do you call a group of opossums? A posse.” I chuckle, and immediately lift my phone from the magnetic holder to click your face on my favorites list to dial your number. But, then I remember. And as my breath hitches in my throat, I inhale and exhale slowly as I look down both sides of the e...

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“Reminder” by Maddy .....

Submitted to Contest #171

AbortionA woman in pale blue scrubs holds a T-shaped wand covered in a clear jelly, resembling the fairy godmother from a well loved storybook and asks the woman on the table if she wants to see the screen.The patient nods, unsure of why that is even a question in this place. She has felt the lukewarm lubricant on her belly before, back when she was prepared. The room had already been decorated in neutral colors with a wardrobe full of a hundred fabrics and blends. The monitor’s movement yanks her from the planned moments, back to this ill-t...

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“The Way Out” by Emily Phillips

Submitted to Contest #171

There are many ways you can move through life. Elyse, at 37, decided it was her time to move on from her mundane life and head out to find her true calling. The 37-year-old newly divorced schoolteacher was known in her community as a quiet and introverted woman. She had no children, and it was a good thing. She didn’t want to bring a child into the world that she knew. From the outside looking in, Elyse was the perfect wife, with a perfect marriage, a clean home and an outstanding thanksgiving spread. She was always in the front row at ...

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“Big Brother” by Donavan Barrier

Submitted to Contest #171

The light from behind him lightly caressed her face. Ruffled brown locks fell haphazardly across her puffy cheeks. Her breath was slow, a slight snore occasionally piercing the still air of her bedroom. Her lids, which hid big, innocent brown eyes, were comfortably closed. She looked like an angel, a painting from the 1940s. She looked so peaceful, so relaxed, so calm. He adjusted the dirty rucksack onto his shoulder, careful not to make too much noise. He didn't want to disturb the kid from what looked like a good sleep. I wonder if she's ...

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“Frank” by Molly Layne

Submitted to Contest #171

June 5th, 2028 &nbsp...

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“Blurry Faces ” by Cassidy Ammorette

Submitted to Contest #171

new mindset.new everything. Maddy could feel the silver heart necklace her mother had given her when she was a baby slapping against her chest as she weaved her way through the streets of Philadelphia. Everytime the metal touched her skin, it burned like it had been sitting out in the sun all day. The metal heart seemed to reach inside her and join hands with her real heart. Together they burned a fire in her chest in protest. What she was about to do was going to hurt her mother the most. But she’ll get over it, one of the demons ...

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“Taking the Long Way” by Emma Chambers

Submitted to Contest #171

I couldn’t remember when or how I had gotten into the car and backed out of the driveway, but here I was now, speeding down the highway, the windows down blowing away any tears that escaped my eyes. Exit after exit flashed by, but I continued north. I didn’t know where I was going, there was no one north to go to, but I kept pushing my car straight ahead. The bright lights from passing cars illuminated the pain that must’ve been on my blotchy face. I only had time to gather one bag of my possessions before I raced out of that godforsaken hom...

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“A Meeting With My Anxiety” by AZK123 JASPER

Submitted to Contest #171

A Meeting with my Anxiety I always felt it. Before every test, presentation, confrontation, or for no reason at all. That heavy, debilitating weight in my chest never seemed to leave. I figured it was normal, that every kid felt it. But as I got older, and I became more aware, I started to see that this isn't normal. Ever since then my mind has been circling with questions. Why did I have this odd mutation inside me that created this unwanted friend? Why was it always here? Why won't it leave me alone? I needed answers. Since I was...

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“Matilda and the American Soldier” by Judi Berman Yamada

Submitted to Contest #171

Matilda Riley had met Jerome Zeigler in the old country nearly two years earlier, in 1943, when he was serving in the U.S. military and stationed near her family farm in Tulginshire. Jerome was generous with the family, giving them chocolate bars and cigarettes. Sometimes he even had cigars for her Pap, and, on the sly provided her with silky stockings which were hard to get at the time. They all admired his giving ways and welcomed him to their world, a southern hemisphere paradise in New South Wales Australia.Jerome was a big talker and ha...

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“Path Through Grief” by Lieb E

Submitted to Contest #171

She walked with purpose, as if every step would erase a little bit more of her pain. As if she could outrun a ghost. The path she took was worn from the feet of the many before her, all following the same line of deceit. The path itself was surrounded with willows and packed dirt that lacked the warmth of growing plants. The tips of the willows were painted in the gray luminosity of a moon half full and as she walked beneath them they seemed to weep for her, even the owls sounded mournful. ‘Just a little farther’ she thought, ‘if I can jus...

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Write about a character who is trying to leave something or someone behind — only to realize they carry it with them.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 72 stories

“Igneous Rock ” by Matcha Latte

“Greener Grass” by David Ader

“Delusions of Grandeur” by TJ Felegie

“A Chance to Love” by Nicole Cindric

“Relentless Memories” by Myranda E

“Moving On” by Kathryn Raup

“Reminder” by Maddy .....

“The Way Out” by Emily Phillips

“Big Brother” by Donavan Barrier

“Frank” by Molly Layne

“Blurry Faces ” by Cassidy Ammorette

“Taking the Long Way” by Emma Chambers

“A Meeting With My Anxiety” by AZK123 JASPER

“Matilda and the American Soldier” by Judi Berman Yamada

“Path Through Grief” by Lieb E

🌟 Similar prompts

Start your story with someone looking at a breathtaking view and getting emotional.

Write about two solo travelers who keep bumping into each other in the most unexpected of places.

Write a story where someone decides to take the long way home.

Your character is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. The story takes place during a long-haul flight, with an open return-date. What happens?

Contest #171

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

204

Contest entries

79

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: