Center your story around a character’s attempt to escape a bad situation that inadvertently leads them back to the source of their problems.

Posted in Short Story on Sep 13, 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.

Or create a new Reedsy account:

Why not check out our active contest?

✍️ 47 stories

“Vote” by John Van Winkle

Submitted to Contest #268

“Don’t blame me! I didn’t know!”, the loud voice pleaded. Sarah awoke with a start, her eyes wide open and the windowsill alarm clock, just inches from her face, showing 1:33 AM. The voice she heard was sharp and tense, and seemed surely to be coming from someone in her roomShe quickly took in the entirety of her tiny studio apartment, night-lighted from a streetlamp near her apartment building. She saw no one. She got up and went to the door, seeing that it was still bolted as she had checked it before going to bed....

1 comment 1

Read story

“Clueless in Cle Elum” by Greg Benson

Submitted to Contest #268

She said she was going for a walk. “Let me join you,” I said, and began putting on my shoes. “Well, I was hoping to get a little alone time,” Salamona said. I stopped putting on my shoes. “Well,” I said, hurt, “If you want to be alone….” “No, that’s fine. Would you grab Ruffing’s leash?” “Yep,” I said, and finished tying my laces. It was nice just to be with her. She walks with this grace I somehow had not noticed for years. Even when she’s reading and sending texts, she moves with such confidence and sensuality. How I miss havin...

1 comment 1

Read story

🌟 Similar prompts

Your character gets everything they ever wanted — only to realize the true cost.

Short Story – 73 stories

Write a story about someone seeking forgiveness for their past actions.

Short Story – 94 stories

A character’s life of deceit unravels as their past catches up with their present. What are the consequences?

Short Story – 40 stories

Start a story with someone receiving a message from their past self, warning them of the consequences of their actions.

Short Story – 33 stories

Contest #268

Enter our weekly contest!

This week's theme: Reap What You Sow

$250

Prize money

287

Contest entries

131

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Sep 20, 2024 EST

Won by D Gorman 🏆

Title: An Apology to Mankind, Two Days After First Contact

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!

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Menu

CONNECT

BLOG

APPS

TOOLS

ABOUT