A family argument gets out of hand. Neither side will budge, requiring a mediator with unusual methods.

Posted in Short Story on Nov 22, 2024

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✍️ 49 stories

“Madam Claire Voyant” by Jennifer Burrell

Submitted to Contest #278

I wish to thank all of you for your cooperation in gathering here today for the reading of the last will and testament of Mrs. Dowager. I am sure you, her children and grandchildren, are eager to learn the contents of her will. I, Mr. Bellows, will be conducting the reading and execution of her will as her attorney of record. Due to very foreseen circumstances, Mrs. Dowager has decided to arrange for a mediator to preemptively resolve the incoming conflict. This is due to your behaviors over the last few months of Mrs. Do...

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“A Visit From Cody” by Valerie Cutko

Submitted to Contest #278

CW: Themes of family trauma, grief, and sexual abuse.You, Cody, are ready to stop farting around, mooning around the band room watching Tom practice the clarinet. You are needed, and though you vowed never to go back, if you don’t, things will suck forever.The usual tableaux, sans you: Pop at his place, narrow shouldered, hair parted and combed. Mom, head bowed, frizzed and frowsy from cooking, Small James containing quivering kid energy inappropriate at the dinner table. Anne - and this is why you are required - pink cheeked and weeping.&nb...

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“Addiction and Hope” by Holland Wells

Submitted to Contest #278

The moonlight danced off of Lake Maynor while Mark caressed Jenny's soft face. The cool nights air blew off the water and made Jenny snuggle a little closer to mark. Mark loved the times that they had when they were not arguing. He had brought Jenny here to give her an ultimatum. she would have to give up pain killers if their marriage where to survive. A year earlier, Jenny had a miscarriage due to the pills she had been addicted to. Jenny had just gotten pregnant again and things still had not changed. Mark knew if he was to save his unbor...

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“Absolution” by Tom Jones

Submitted to Contest #278

The tour has been cut short and rumours run that the money is gone. Some say the sword swallower cleaved off the promoter’s ear as collateral, that he is wearing it about his neck on a string. Down their shivering flanks the lions’ ribs are showing. The tamers know that soon the beasts will turn. Pavel leaves the horse on the outskirts of the camp. All the way to the Big Top, the winter mire sucks at his boots. He asks the clowns. “I am looking for my brother, Pyotr, The Ringmaster.” The mime hocks and spits on the name. He peels up a corn...

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A family argument gets out of hand. Neither side will budge, requiring a mediator with unusual methods.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 49 stories

“Madam Claire Voyant” by Jennifer Burrell

“A Visit From Cody” by Valerie Cutko

“Addiction and Hope” by Holland Wells

“Absolution” by Tom Jones

🌟 Similar prompts

A character gets caught red-handed breaking the rules, but they refuse to admit any wrongdoing. What happens next?

An apologetic letter or email from an old flame suddenly arrives — many years too late.

A court or disciplinary hearing is taking place — but the person accused does not know what they’re apologizing for.

On their deathbed, a relative/friend/partner admits to a horrible crime. Will the narrator reveal the secret or keep it hidden?

Contest #278

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

262

Contest entries

101

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: