Monthly Short Story Contest - January

[Julian]

Winners for the month of January


Judges' pick: lostbookworm
Users' pick: GeorgeMichael



It's time
It’s time. It’s time to rummage out of the dirt. It’s time to take my head out of the sand that has been buried in there for three-hundred and sixty five days. It’s time to loosen a few knots and not think about people so tightly. It’s time to steal that burning brown leaf off the willow tree and turn it over. It’s time for the tree to grow out of the acorn. It’s time. It’s time because every 365 days we are the lucky breed of humans that get to start afresh on the New Year. We invite our close relatives and the jolly friends for night that you simply cannot forget. There are millions of beverages set out on the dining table by mum that uncle John keeps on stealing every now and then. There are songs sung cheerfully. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” We all shout with joy. As soon as that finishes, the Big Ben in Central London strikes midnight. A beautiful scenery of fireworks are displayed behind and round the sides of the London Eye. Everyone is screaming with happiness. People are singing and dancing with joy! “Happy New Year!” the old saying is exchanged with one another with a gleaming smile on everyone’s faces. This year is given to us to celebrate in unity and as one. It’s time.

I Died This Year


On the night-fall of the New Year Eve I will fight. An epic of Truth and Justice verses the vilenry of Dark Magic and Hatred. Who will win? Do I have the strength to choose? Can I end this for once and for all?
Swords are drawn and both sides charge. Friends and Enemies both crumple. It breaks my heart to see them hurt. And I realise I could end this, with a single world, but can I commit? On which side should I fight? On which side should I crush my enemy?
The battle wages on, flashes of black, follow by the cries of the broken. The glisten of silver, as swords slice through flesh. Each side set on winning no matter what the cost. If they were to succeed then the world would be changed. Their lives where a small forfeit compared to the stakes of losing.
How is my life worth more then theirs? It is not. It is, in fact, worthless.
The tide of the war changed, as the unexpected happened. The king himself, charged to the front-line, riding upon his white horse. With a roar greater than a lion's, he attacked. With each arc of his golden sword enemies fell, disintegrating back into the ash in which they were born. With renewed hope the team of Truth fought, with an iron fist.
If I make up my mind, then I cannot change it again.
Horror rippled through the team of truth, as around the King a ball of fire erupted. When the smoke had clear all that remained was a blackened corpse.
The team of Darkness surged forward, slaughtering the remaining enemies.
I understand now. That the battle is not of matter, but of mind. Each blow trying to persuade me. Does no one understand that when a life is changed the world is changed? I am the new world. The author.
As the last troop fell, there was silence.
They had won. They killed the King.
But as they cried a cheer of triumph, the ground shook. From emits the bodies of the dead came a white light. It penetrated the darkness that had taken over. Inside the light stood the King, eyes blazing with a white fire. Clothed in a white robe.
The enemies crumbled. Shrieking at the pain of death.
I had made my decision. I looked the king in the eyes and I nodded, the King smiled at me.
I opened my eyes, as the clock stroked twelve. Happy New year, I wished myself, with a smile, as I let my former self die.

So what has this got to do with the New Year? Nothing and everything, you choose.
__________________



Virgin


31/12/2xx9

Storm clouds gathered over the speeding car. Corn fields surrounded the road and would soon be drenched by the coming downpour.
Inside the white jeep sat an arguing couple, Andy and Sail Hugh. They had been happily married for three years and were unhappily in their fourth. A large set man, Andy was no nonsense, realistic guy. His wife on the other hand, was eccentric at best. “She’s away with the fairy’s Andy. She needs help.” Her mother had whispered to Andy when he had first met his soon to be In-laws. But Andy already knew that. That was why he loved her. She was so airy, breezy, the exact opposite of Andy. She had gone along with the dating, the living together and the marriage with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Sail never put any effort into anything and that suited Andy perfectly. He wanted to control every aspect of their lives no matter how menial or seemingly pointless.

Pushing 9

The argument encompassed both these strange behaviours, but focused upon a physical object. It was about The Gun. Andy kept The Gun in his workshop, where he made wooden furniture and ornaments. He said it was for protection, making him like a hundred other American country Joe’s. In reality, Hugh hated it with a vengeance and would have thrown it out at first chance but Sail liked it. She liked to take it out sometimes and just shoot into the fields for no apparent reason. Andy had once asked over dinner why she did it however she had just answered. “It makes me feel safe.”

Revving 10

The argument revolved around Andy’s wish to throw it out. He wanted rid of it, of his darling wife’s obsessive behavior. He disliked it, he didn’t control it. She was doing what she wanted.
“I want a stop to this, to this, this pointless shooting. In fact, I want to get rid of it. It’s expensive as well. I have to buy more bullets for you to fire at nothing.” Lied Andy.
“But darling, I’m doing it to protect you. And if you don’t want me to do it, just don’t buy ammo.” Sail said absentmindedly. Don’t stop now you’ve gone too far Keep on pushing
“We both know that if I don’t, you’ll just go and do it yourself. And protect me from what exactly?” He was calm, but his voice was rising slowly over the growing patter of rain.

Ramming 11

“Yeah honey, but if you don’t think I’m doing it, then you don’t have to worry.” Sail’s eye’s spotted a fox. Black rain was pounding onto the road, creating large puddles of inky liquid.
“Sail. Please, just stop it. If you don’t, I’ll throw it out. And that’s final. And you didn’t answer me.” His voice was now a shout, part in anger, part in an attempt to be heard.

To Hell With Boundries 12

“Fine honey pie.” Sail had no intention of giving it up or telling him what she was protecting me from and deep down, Andy knew it as well. Maybe that’s why he lost control of the car, sending it skidding into the field and hitting the tree. Or maybe it was fate. Lightning flashed over the horizon.

Tick Tock Goes The Clock At 1.
*

“I’m sorry Mr. Hugh, but your wife didn’t make it. She didn’t have her seat belt attached and so her head hit the dashboard, killing her almost instantly. The hospital and it’s staff would like to offer it’s condolences to you. She didn’t suffer at all.”

*

Andy Hugh returned to an empty house. Not warm. No meal. Empty. Dead. And with a teenage girl on his arm. Andy Hugh was not happy, or pleased his wife was dead. He was not happy that he would never see her uncomplicated face ever again. But he needed someone to warm his bed at night, so he was realistic. So who better than a helpless girl he had picked up the other day, driving up and down the deserted roads.
She was sitting on a suitcase, singing a song about a guy named Marcus. He was seeing the world through a sepia filter, the world brown and black. And there she appeared, in a dress with the flag on it. Her blond hair whipped around her face, a smile was plastered on her freezing face.
She made no attempt to flag him down, but he slowed down anyway. He didn’t help the helpless, but now so lonely, it was the least he could do. Anyway, it wasn’t him who wanted to check into the Motel. Or order a single room. Or any of the things that followed. He just went along with her. The Virgin. His Virgin.
She seemed to fit into the house perfectly, that half smile lighting up his life. She seemed to light the house up, and filled it with her presence. She did whatever she wanted him to do, no matter how menial or pointless it seemed. She never did anything he didn’t want her to. The perfect companion.
Andy forgot Sail, eventually. Virgin filled his life. He didn’t go to the funeral. No one did. No one remembered Sail Hugh. They only remembered Virgin. She was Virgin Hugh, Andy’s wife. People began to forget Andy too. They only noticed the Virgin. He was just Andy Hugh. He was “A bit away with the fairies, if ya catch my drift” Virgin often said to the people she passed in the shops, or the hairdresser she went to, or the book club she ran.

*

So life went on. People live and die. They forget and never remember. Time means nothing to the dead. It lacks anything comprehensible. Even the living cannot fully understand it. No one remembers Andy, or Sail, or Virgin. The story you have just read is incomprehensible unless you accept this fact and realise that you can never comprehend what happened. This story is without conclusion, like time. It has passed but will continue to loop over and over again. I stand on no moral highground. I have no great truth to depart to the world. Apart from that everything is a metaphor for nothing.

Here lie Sail and Andy Hugh, faithful partners through out life.

Metaphor = Time.
Time = Silence
Silence = Emptiness
Emptiness = Lack
Lack = Metaphor.


Man Down

My heart thudded along with the fireworks in the distance. Flashes of colour burst across the sky as I searched for him. Glancing down at my watch I took a deep breath; he was only 10 minutes late and that wasn’t bad considering he’d have to fight his way through a crowd of screaming people to get to me. I had wanted to meet him somewhere quieter, more romantic, but he had insisted that this would be how we spent the first hours of a new year together. A year that symbolised not just new beginnings for us, but a sense of freedom. Starting from the first of January 2012, Andrew would be officially retired which meant no long nights alone, no days spent waiting for his phone call. I could feel the excitement swelling in me as it though of it; sleeping in every morning, romantic meals together and best of all he’d be around for the arrival of his first grandchild. So why did I feel so stressed?

Another five minutes passed, we were well into 2012 now, he should have been here. Tears started to sting my eyes, I wanted this moment to be perfect, and me standing cold and alone amongst a rowdy crowd of drunks was not how I pictured this. Sighing, I slumped my shoulders and began the long walk across the field to my car. Leaving the celebrations behind made me feel all the more depressed and alone. I decided to wait it out in my car; perhaps he was lost somewhere in the crowd. But half an hour later, as everyone began to filter out through the car park, I knew in my heart that he had never even turned up.
‘Don’t worry’ I told myself. ‘He was probably held up for some reason’
My mind filled with horrific images and I shoved them away.
‘No, he’s going to get home to me.’

I drove 10mph over the speed limit the entire way home, hoping he’d be there waiting. But of course I stepped into an empty home. I dialled his mobile a few times as thoughts flooded my head. Maybe he wanted to celebrate his retirement with his friends, perhaps he got the date of his arrival wrong and he’d get here tomorrow.
‘What if…No!’ I refused to believe it, every day I’d had the same thought; it was always at the back of my mind but not today. Today was the end of that. After more than a few drinks I decided only sleep could clear my mind and passed out fairly easily considering.

A loud banging awoke me. I groaned and rolled over, face first into my pillow. Then I realised that it was most likely Andrew, returned to me. Without a moments hesitation I leaped for my dressing gown and half ran half tripped down the stairs. I fiddled with the keys in the door and then finally swung it open with a wide smile planted on my face. It crumbled when I realised I stood before two uniformed men. I recognised them, they were friends of Andrews. Confused, I gazed up at the clock; 8:00am, a little early for new years day. I was about to ask them if they’d heard news of my husband and then I noticed the distant grief in their eyes.

‘No.’ I whispered.
‘Ma’am I’m so sorry’
‘NO!’ I screamed as I fell to the floor. I felt my insides tear up, my heart felt like it had stopped beating. This pain, it was so physical, so unlike anything I’d ever felt before. ‘No, no, no…’ It was all I could manage to say.
‘It was an explosive ma’am.’ One of the gentlemen said, bending down to help me up. ‘But he was suppose to come home last night, how…how could this happen!?’ I grasped at clumps of my hair, nearly tearing it from my skull as I shook back and forth. ‘I don’t believe you.’ I groaned, ‘You’re lying!’
‘Ma’am we really are so terribly sorry, his loss has had a big effect on us all.’
‘But why now? Why…’ I didn’t understand, the last time I spoke to him he was on his truck, leaving the base.
‘The explosive was planted right outside our camp ma’am.’ I heard him choke on his words.

I turned to look at the picture on the window sill. A memory in a shining, silver frame. It was Andrew, in his uniform a smile lit up his entire face and his eyes were gleaming so brightly…he’d always wanted to be a soldier.


Untitled



The crunch of broken glass under a brown boot was almost inaudible as Eden walked through the park, trying to ignore the sharp, alcoholic smells the drunks were giving off. Mapping her route back home, after all the excitement of the fireworks, was no easy task, seeing as the throng of people seemed only to grow. The lane to the right full of drunks and young couples; to the left of the park, though less crowded, was full of drunks, and probably also rappers and muggers. The police, because of a drunken fight and a gang who chose that moment to steal as many things as they could, had blocked off the lane up on the eastern side. Eden didn’t even want to think about the dark alleyway to the west.
Deciding to chance the rappers and muggers, Eden turned around and started heading south.
“Would you like a drink?” a drunk asked, his bloodshot eyes running over her clear blue eyes and her wavy brown hair.
“Go away,” Eden growled, not in the mood for their drunken acts. She sidestepped him and kept walking.
“Jesus, woman! It’s just a drink!” the guy exclaimed before getting shoved away by a bigger man, still not drunk, yet getting tipsy. It was a rare phenomenal to only be getting tipsy at 12:00 AM on New Year’s Eve.
“Tipsy, eh? Tsk, tsk, not good at all,” Eden said coyly.
“These guys here are so lame. Let’s go to a proper bar, cutie,” he told her, grabbing her arm.
“Hey, Chickenhead! I found a lovely girl walking out here!” he called behind him suddenly.
Eden knew she was in trouble even before ‘Chickenhead’ came out of a pub, not even tipsy. He looked over her and turned to congratulate the first man on getting her.
“A fine specimen indeed,” he said.
“What do you want?” Eden asked indignantly.
“Oh, nothing more than your pleasure, my dear,” ‘Chickenhead’ replied.
That was enough to get her adrenaline pumping. She writhed in the first man’s firm hold. She twisted her arm back and forth, trying to get out. She kept on wriggling until ‘Chickenhead’ slapped her stingingly on the cheek.
“Bad girl. Daddy won’t hurt you!” he scolded mockingly.
Eden had had enough. She twisted her head around and bit down on the hand holding her. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth one second before she was dropped to the ground.
‘Uh-oh…’ Eden thought before darkness settled in her mind and stretched through her as she fell unconscious.

Eden awoke to the arid smell of antiseptic and the slightly nicer smell of flowers. She attempted to open her eyes, but she was not accustomed to the brightness of the sun that morning and was forced to close them again.
“Miss Eden Starling has suffered major head wounds. You cannot press her to answer your questions! They can wait!” Eden heard a nurse say to someone.
“I must talk to her. Head wounds or not, only she knows the one who attempted to harm her,” the crisp, official sounding tone of the replier led Eden to believe it was probably the police.
Eden, opening her eyes and squinting against the glare of the sun, propped herself up lightly on her elbows and almost fell back down against the pillows under her head from the wave of nausea that arose from just that simple movement.
“Dearie me, you should not be sitting up, not after that bump you got on the head,” the nurse said, noticing she had woken. She quickly moved to Eden’s side and checked her forehead.
“What’s the time?” Eden asked briskly, but not unkindly, to the nurse who was preparing a tray of food for her.
“It’s almost three in the afternoon. Your friends and family left you some get-well cards. Nice of them, isn’t it?” the kindly nurse said, turning to her and setting down the food on the table to her left, as her right was full of flowers and cards.
The nurse looked up and, smiling, asked politely if Eden needed anything else. Eden took those few seconds to study the nurse’s face. She had grey-blue eyes, the color of a storm, but the skin around it had wrinkled with age. She was pretty plump, not the uncomfortable kind of plump, but just homely plump. Eden judged she was probably old, about sixty or so, and decided against troubling her.
“I would like some water, but I’ll get it myself,” she said and swung her legs over the side of the bed, standing up. She swayed lightly on her feet and was steadied by the homely nurse’s strong hand.
“No, don’t trouble yourself. I’ll get it,” the nurse said, attempting to push Eden back onto the bed.
“I’ll get it. Also, I want to check out today. I have important business to attend to,” Eden said and walked out of the room, barely unsteady.
“You have to stay, dearie, or you will get worse!” the nurse exclaimed, looking alarmed.
“I’m fine. A bump like this? All I need is an ice pack. Nice to meet you,” Eden called over her shoulder and made her way to the elevator.
Getting into the elevator, she leaned heavily on the wall and pressed the ‘G’ button. As it shot down like an arrow, Eden re-arranged her thoughts. She had to get to her conference at five, and she had to get home and have her lunch and then she also had to show up at the office for the evening shift.
The elevator stopped moving and the door opened to reveal the cozy reception area.
“I would like to check out,” Eden told the receptionist.
“Your name?” the receptionist asked, looking over the top of her reading glasses.
“Starling. Eden Starling,” she replied.
“Starling… Starling… Not May Starling?” the receptionist asked, looking at her over the top of her glasses again.
“No, Eden,” she replied.
“May Starling… Heather Starling… Here, Eden Starling,” the receptionist muttered.
The receptionist began clicking and typing rapidly before looking up at her and said “Very well. You are checked out,”
“Thank you,” Eden muttered politely before turning around and heading out the door of the hospital, feeling instantly better at the cool breeze that flew through the door.



I Love You Kevin Garrison


January 1, 2035

I wipe the sweat from my forehead as I sit here in the dark next to Kevin, snuggled closely by his side. My arm is freezing from the contact. The rain is pouring down on us, but I couldn't care less. I hear the music and laughter coming from nearby buildings and curse at them for enjoying this holiday. I wipe the water from my cheeks, no longer able to tell if it's rain or tears. I look over at Kevin's headstone, which I have tried my best to maintain over the years, and in an instant I can remember my entire life with him. Oh, Kevin Garrison, how you dominate my memories.



August 26, 2008

I met Kevin for the first time. He was two years my junior and he was telling a joke in class. He had about four people around him and they were all genuinely interested in him. I could tell he had a way about him, an instant charm that pulled anyone nearby in. He looked up and met my eye with the most gorgeous colored pupils I'd ever seen. I nervously stared back. He flashed me a smile and immediately I knew that I was in love.



December 19, 2008

I've grown quite close to Kevin, and he to me. We fit together like two peas in a pod as one would say. He invited me out with some of his friends to go watch a movie. I'll never forget that out of four other people he chose to sit next to me. During the movie we both reached for the popcorn and our hands met. He retreated rather quickly but the jolt of electricity I felt left me immobile and breathless. I hope he didn't notice.


January 5, 2009

Someone called me a fag in the hallway today. Ever the hero, Kevin stood up for me and punched that asshole in the face. He got a black eye in return, and both ended up suspended for a week, but I knew I loved him more than ever. Here was the cutest, if not hottest, boy in the school, and he punched someone for me. He stood up for me. My New Year's wish may yet come true, I think I'm gathering the courage to tell him how I feel.

January 29, 2009

I came home today and to my surprise Kevin had planned a surprise birthday party for me. As everyone jumped out and congratulated me I ran and held him close to me. I told him I couldn't have asked for a better friend. The party was amazing, and Kevin's ipod served it's purpose as a wonderful D.J. Once the party was over everyone left but Kevin stayed behind to help me clean up. After filling up his third trash bag he threw himself on my bed, exhausted. I slowly made my way to him and sat down. We must have been talking for hours and I felt that I finally had the courage to tell him. I wanted to tell him so badly. He was staring at me with those eyes and I had a rush of emotions. It was love, it was lust, it was everything I'd ever dreamed about. Here was Kevin, lying down on my bed, gazing up at me. But I couldn't do it. Fuck. I hate myself. I was too scared. What if he ran away? What if he rejected me. What if I lost him completely and I never got to stare into those eyes again? Never got to hold his warm chest close to mine? It was too precious a thing to risk at the time. I cried when he left.

March 12, 2009

Prom is coming up and my friend asked me to take her, reluctantly I agree. My mom has been concerned that I haven't been going out or seeing any girls lately, so this might put her at ease. My date, Jillian, isn't awful of course. She is a very pretty girl, with a nice figure, and an even nicer attidude towards the world. But she's not Kevin. She's nowhere near Kevin. Sadly, however, Kevin can not go to Prom unless a senior takes him. I would have asked him, but even if I could muster up the courage to ask him the school would not allow to men to go together. God forbid we ruin the sanctity of a stupid high school dance.


March 16, 2009

Jillian can see that I am dissapointed by the fact that Kevin can't go to the prom, though my reasons remain a mystery to her. She has a sudden burst of genius and suggests that I find one of my classmates to take him. Someone who is looking for a date. I happen to know of such a girl. I go to Katie in English class, I know that her and Kevin have a class together, and ask her if she will take him to the prom. She dismisses my idea, saying that she would never take a sophmore to the prom. Bitch. I plead and beg her, coming clean and saying that Prom wouldn't be the same without my best friend there. She looks at me and sees the sincerity in my eyes and reluctantly makes a compromise. If no one else asks her by the end of the month she will take Kevin.

March 31, 2009

No one asked Katie to the prom, poor girl, but great for me. Finally, something went right.


April 22, 2009

I have hardly seen Kevin in two weeks. He's been spending time getting to know Katie. She even introduced him to her parents. What the hell is going on? She was just supposed to take him to the prom, he's her fallback because no one would take her fat ass! Why are they getting so excited to go together? The idea of Prom must mean a lot to her, it's not as if Jillian is acting like I'm taking her to the king's ball.

May 16, 2009

Prom was a nightmare. Katie and Kevin spent the entire night dancing together. They arrived hand in hand. Halfway through the night Kevin came up to me and told me that Katie had told him that I had set their date up. He thanks me and tells me that I'm the greatest friend he could have ever asked for and that he's never been happier. I smiled and went into the bathroom, promptly sending my fist into one of the air dryers. When Jillian asked me what happened I tell her that I fell. I immediately leave and drop Jillian off without saying a single word.


September 16, 2009

Katie's friend Eliza just told me that they're fucking already. I've dreamed of his body and nobody elses, and Katie has already fucked him. She stole him from me. She stole him and it's my fault. I led her straight to him. I led that whore to the love of my life and she's already made him drop his pants. I'm sure the whore begged him to do it. What an easy slut.

September 16, 2010

They've been together for almost a year and a half. Kevin has stopped talking to me. I think Katie can sense that I don't like their pairing. Screw her. I got really fat over the past year. I don't understand how it happened, it just seemed to creep up on me. There he is getting sexier and sexier each day, and I'm becoming some fat slob pining over a boy who will never love me the way I love him. Hell, he doesn't even talk to me anymore so I don't know why I'm still so hung up about it.

September 17, 2010
It's because it's my fault. It's my fault they're together. If I hadn't done anything he would never have met her. They would have stayed on different paths, and maybe he and I would have something special. I would come home after a long day at school and he would be waiting to give me a big kiss and a hug. We'd have a romantic dinner on the outside patio, under the stars, and we would make love. Something so beautiful was almost within my reach, and I can't believe that I let it go. But it's too late to do anything about it, I have to forget about him, there is nothing I can do.


August 25, 2015

I thought I had put my feelings for Kevin behind me but I was wrong. It was 3 in the morning when my ridiculously loud doorbell woke me up. I struggled to get out of bed as the bell rang again. It rang three more times. Fuck you I muttered under my breath as I walked to the door. The doorbell was now firing off at least five times a second. I opened the door as Kevin flew in and brought me into a hug. Not uncommon for him at this point in life, though the time did make it unusual. He sits me down and promptly delivers his good news. He is getting married to Katie and would like me to be his best man. I am speechless. Every fire I thought I had extinguished is suddenly rekindled in a burning rage. I want him once more, this can't be happening.

December 25, 2015

A Christmas wedding, it's not like I had anywhere else to go. I spend the entire day hoping that Kevin will get cold feet and come to me for answers, but he doesn't. What kind of a man doesn't get cold feet at his wedding? A perfect man. The perfect man. My Kevin. Of course he wouldn't get cold feet. At the reception all eyes turn to me for my toast. I re-tell the story of how I got the two love birds together. I tell their origin story like a poet, but I do not say that they were meant for each other. I do not say they are soul mates. I can not bring myself to lie. He belongs with me and he should have known it. I choke up halfway through my speech and all in attendance cheer for me and applaud the bride and the groom. I want to scream at them to shut the fuck up, but I know that I can't. As much as I may hate this wedding, I love the groom to much to ruin it. I force myself to end it early and promptly leave the reception. I would never see Kevin again.

January 1, 2016

I had tried desperately to forget. Kevin called me for months after the wedding, but I never answered. He left messages that I tried to delete, but forced myself to listen to. I would sit around and get drunk listening to his voicemails, wishing and hoping that I would see him again, if only just to gaze into his eyes once more. But I know that I can't.

I get a strange call that evening, it's a number I don't recognize. When I answer a nurse introduces herself on the other line. My heart doesn't even skip a beat. My parents both died years ago, I have no siblings, and no close friends. Nothing this woman could say could bother me. As soon as Kevin's name is given I drop the phone and rush out of my apartment. I reach the hospital in agonizing tears wondering what the hell happened? Katie recognizes me once I enter the doors and gives me the news. Kevin had gotten drunk at his house party and left to try to pick a friend up, but the storm caused him to drive off the local bridge. He landed in the water and got trapped in his car, drowning before anyone could pull him out. She comes in for a hug and I hesitate. I stare into her eyes and want to slap those tears from her face. How could she fucking let him drink and drive? How could she let him do something so stupid?

“Why couldn't you have died!” I yelled as I pushed her away from me. I didn't care how many eyes turned. Katie was at a loss for words. I immediately ran from the hospital without turning back.


January 1, 2035

I'm sorry I didn't attend your funeral Kevin, I don't think your wife would have approved. But she's forgotten about you know. She never comes to see you. I come every single week. I hope you don't mind that I dug up your grave, I just wanted to see you one last time. Now that I'm here I know that you're with me. Your body may look different but I feel your soul next to mine. I sense you looking up at me. I know you can hear me. I have been in love with the same young boy for the past 27 years, and he never knew. That is my biggest regret, and I know that I shouldn't have worried. I know that you would have loved me had I told you, I just never gave you the chance you deserved. I can't wait for us to finally be together and look down at this spot. I can't wait to see the look on Katie's face when she sees my lying next to you, our blood bonded in a way hers will never be. I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes again, and hold your heart close to mine. I love you Kevin Garrison.





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Ok, starting this year, I will start holding a monthly competition.

There will be no physical prize, aside from being mentioned in the site, with your writing skills recognised. Ok, if someone wants to hand out a prize, whether it'd be an honorary title, or a sketch, then go ahead. Do note that I can't give titles, as I am not a moderator.

If the winner will authorise, their short story will be posted in booksandpenguins (http://booksandpenguins.wordpress.com/) and in Undercover Bubble Tubbers (http://currentlycurrentatingcurrentation.blogspot.com/), under the condition that the winner is not by default, and that the work achieves a certain level of writing skill.



How it works




Every month there will be a contest pertaining a certain theme to be followed.You will have around two weeks and a half to submit your work.

The submissions will be then anonymously posted in this thread. I will also not post the names of the users who've participated until the end of the poll. I might also PM you a critique of your work, if it's needed.



The voting system

In this contest, there will be two different categories to be won:

One chosen by the judges
One through popular/user votes

At the end of the month, the works' authors will be revealed, as well as the results.
It is entirely possible for one user to win both categories.


Theme For January: New Year
Word limit: 200 to 2500 words
Deadline: 20th of January

http://www.christmas-graphics-plus.com/new-years/animated/fireworks01.gif


Jcanlas94@hotmail.com



Good luck, guys!


Judges (Descending order):
Bookworm
Julian Jcanlas94@hotmail.com
Lalodragon
Rose

Send your submissions to them via PM or e-mail! 

------
What you can do

You can have your works critiqued by anyone NOT of this website
You can PM me for questions, such as to clarify the current theme



What you can't do

Soliciting
Revealing your work
Posting your work in the Short Story Section
Asking someone in YWO for help



This event is sponsored by: Pengulandia and Co.

[lostbookworm]

... I feel depressed. If I was on more, I would so be a judge/and or post on my blog more. I want my computer back. *sobs*

[OrionRising]

I'll be joining. Put it in your signature Julian, be like "Join my monthly contest" and put a link or something. <-- thats how the cool kids do it. You want to be a cool kid don't you :P

Okay anyways yah I'll join or judge. I'd rather judge though cuz I don't much like writing short stories.

[Julian]

Done, but my new siggy is obviously more endearing than a measly siggy.


And that's called irony.

Seriously join.

[FayGee]

Oh, it will definitely be your signature that encourages me to join. :P

[savemefornia]

I'm new here and I want to try this. I'll PM/E-mail you my entry before tomorrow :). But I was wondering if there had to be anything particular about New Year we had to focus on? Like, fireworks, parties and all that? If you could let me know that would be awesome :).
thanks!♥

[bookworm]

But I was wondering if there had to be anything particular about New Year we had to focus on? Like, fireworks, parties and all that? If you could let me know that would be awesome :).
thanks!♥

No, you can write whatever you like as long as it's loosely related to New Year. If you had to concentrate on something in particular, it would definitely be mentioned before. It's great that you're joining the contest!

[savemefornia]

No, you can write whatever you like as long as it's loosely related to New Year. If you had to concentrate on something in particular, it would definitely be mentioned before. It's great that you're joining the contest!

Thank you very much! I'll be PM-ing you my entry in a bit. :)

[lostbookworm]

I'll try and fail, as is my style.

[lalodragon]

I'll try and fail, as is my style.
You have twelve more days. Enter or die.

[bookworm]

You have twelve more days. Enter or die.

I'll make sure he enters :P

[lalodragon]

I'll make sure he enters :P
You do that. I'll watch for favoritism when you judge :P

[bookworm]

You do that. I'll watch for favoritism when you judge :P

I'll promise I'll try, and perhaps fail, to ignore my favouritism.

/endofspam

[GeorgeMichael]

I Will participate

[NinjaBerrySharry13]

I shall participate!! ^_^

[lalodragon]

I Will participate

I shall participate!! ^_^

Thank yoooooou. Now send em in. :D

[Omar]

Unfortunately I am in the middle of exams, but this sounds like such a brilliant idea! I'll more than likely participate in next month's competition and hopefully break my idleness.

You guys are going dowwwwwwwwn... next month. :P

[OrionRising]

So am I supposed to be writing a short story right now?

EDIT: I HAVE 4 DAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!

Be prepared for one wreck of a story. :/

[lostbookworm]

I love it when I say I'm not writing something for a competition then pull something out. You'll get it later tonight.

EDIT: Question. Do I have to send it to all of you?

[lalodragon]

I love it when I say I'm not writing something for a competition then pull something out. You'll get it later tonight.

EDIT: Question. Do I have to send it to all of you?

Thank you ever so much for entering. :D
You're supposed to send it to all of us. If not, the judge who gets it has to forward it. But you won't be disqualified for sending to just one.


ONE DAY, PEOPLE. ENTER.

[bookworm]

EDIT: Question. Do I have to send it to all of you?

No, just to me :P

Seriously now, I don't really know. I think it has to get to Julian. As for the rest of us, you can send it but the world won't end if you don't.

[Julian]

Really, you can send it to all three of us. Again, really, I can just forward it to the two others.

[bookworm]

Really, you can send it to all three of us. Again, really, I can just forward it to the two others.

Three. Me, Nour and Lalo, right?

[fr33f4llll]

Hey, I sent mine to bookworn I think. I was wondering if it got through?

[lalodragon]

Hey, I sent mine to bookworn I think. I was wondering if it got through?
Not yet, but it will as soon as she's on again. Don't worry-- if it's sent, it's done. Thank you. :D

[OrionRising]

Okay. Well I will send mine in by TOMORROW at midnight my time. Is that all right? I haven't started it yet and I really just need a day where I don't have to worry about doing homework-- a Friday.

[Julian]

Last day! Hurry!

[lostbookworm]

Sent. To Nasim. So she'll send it on.

[GeorgeMichael]

I'll have mine in by 7:00 PM my time, I'm just polishing it up a little =) I can just send it to any one of the judges right?

[GeorgeMichael]

Sent.

[OrionRising]

Now, I guess would be a good time to start writing. ... :P

[OrionRising]

Okay, okay, I know you're going to be mad. But I never actually started writing. So.............. I'm disqualified. Haha I was going to enter but then you know I started... playing the guitar and then I lost track of time and stuff.
SOOOO post the new theme soon and I will get started right away. Sorry. I won't be entering this one. :(

[lostbookworm]

For two members who've been part of this site for a while, how can you forget the EDIT button?

[Julian]

end.

[OrionRising]

For two members who've been part of this site for a while, how can you forget the EDIT button?

Like i said, I was obsessed in my guitar. I wasn't thinking at all. I seriously had trouble stopping so I could make the post. haha :P Sorry.

[savemefornia]

So, are you guys still judging or, have you thought of a winner?

[bookworm]

We've only just started. Patience.

[fr33f4llll]

Sorry about mine. I'm not very good at writing short stories.

[Jose]

I'd like to join the next theme. Post it soon. *hoping that I’m literary worth it* xD

[FayGee]

I tried... God knows how I tried... But I failed. Even when I forced myself to write, nothing worth using for a fire came on the paper!

[Georgy]

I tried... God knows how I tried... But I failed. Even when I forced myself to write, nothing worth using for a fire came on the paper!

Don't worry, the next time you'll be more successful:)

[OrionRising]

Hey Julian, I vote you post a new theme real soon so that we can get started a bit early. :) Please?

[FayGee]

Is there any possibility of me changing my vote? Because I changed my mind. :/

[Julian]

Hey Julian, I vote you post a new theme real soon so that we can get started a bit early. :) Please?

You can suggest one. At the moment, I'm going for love/valentine's day.

Is there any possibility of me changing my vote? Because I changed my mind. :/

I don't think that mods have that power. Ask Shaun.

[Alice Glitterhorn]

You can suggest one. At the moment, I'm going for love/valentine's day.


Come on, Jules, you can be more creative than that :P

[Julian]

Come on, Jules, you can be more creative than that :P

Hahaha, Nasim told me the same thing. However, isn't it better to stick with the fundamental basics considering that this is a new competition. I would not want to lead some newbies astray--or scare them away from joining the competition.

[Alice Glitterhorn]

Hahaha, Nasim told me the same thing. However, isn't it better to stick with the fundamental basics considering that this is a new competition. I would not want to lead some newbies astray--or scare them away from joining the competition.

But love? That's... it's just kind of a boring theme is all. I wanted to join but that's not exactly spark-material. Plus, do you really want to be judging a bunch of soppy love stories? :P

[Julian]

But love? That's... it's just kind of a boring theme is all. I wanted to join but that's not exactly spark-material. Plus, do you really want to be judging a bunch of soppy love stories? :P

Hey, I only said that love has to be included as one of the themes--and you are free to stretch that in whatever way you like. Hell--make a story about a girl who likes playing with beheaded heads and doing puppet shows using them xP. Or a necrophiliac celebrating Valentine's with his girlfriend. Hell, those are love. I don't necessarily mean romance (though...no, I won't say that).

On a side note, this is still open for discussion.

[fr33f4llll]

But love? That's... it's just kind of a boring theme is all. I wanted to join but that's not exactly spark-material. Plus, do you really want to be judging a bunch of soppy love stories? :P

I Beg to differ :P There is more to love stories then what is mainstream, if that makes sense. :cool: It is quite funny, at the moment I'm listening to a love song with a plot twist.

[OrionRising]

"Love" sounds good as long as you keep it at such a broad perspective.

[FayGee]

I think that you should do something really random, like open a dictionary and stick your finger on a word, then use it -- unless it's horrificly boring. But you get what I mean. I prefer themes that are totally out of the blue, because they give me better inspiration.

[Julian]

I think that you should do something really random, like open a dictionary and stick your finger on a word, then use it -- unless it's horrificly boring. But you get what I mean. I prefer themes that are totally out of the blue, because they give me better inspiration.

If I do that, then why establish a theme? Also, keeping in a certain theme will make the judging/voting fairer, as the users will all have this common link.

Besides, what if I did that method and randomly pick--I don't know--adiphenine; an idea is still possible, but it'd be harder to find a sustainable one for a complete short story (gosh, a short story about learning that word in class? Riveting!).

[Julian]

Judges' Pick


So, after a great response from fellow YWO-ians--which I did not anticipated at all, we've come up to a general decision.

Aaaand the winner is...



Virgin


31/12/2xx9

Storm clouds gathered over the speeding car. Corn fields surrounded the road and would soon be drenched by the coming downpour.
Inside the white jeep sat an arguing couple, Andy and Sail Hugh. They had been happily married for three years and were unhappily in their fourth. A large set man, Andy was no nonsense, realistic guy. His wife on the other hand, was eccentric at best. “She’s away with the fairy’s Andy. She needs help.” Her mother had whispered to Andy when he had first met his soon to be In-laws. But Andy already knew that. That was why he loved her. She was so airy, breezy, the exact opposite of Andy. She had gone along with the dating, the living together and the marriage with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Sail never put any effort into anything and that suited Andy perfectly. He wanted to control every aspect of their lives no matter how menial or seemingly pointless.

Pushing 9

The argument encompassed both these strange behaviours, but focused upon a physical object. It was about The Gun. Andy kept The Gun in his workshop, where he made wooden furniture and ornaments. He said it was for protection, making him like a hundred other American country Joe’s. In reality, Hugh hated it with a vengeance and would have thrown it out at first chance but Sail liked it. She liked to take it out sometimes and just shoot into the fields for no apparent reason. Andy had once asked over dinner why she did it however she had just answered. “It makes me feel safe.”

Revving 10

The argument revolved around Andy’s wish to throw it out. He wanted rid of it, of his darling wife’s obsessive behavior. He disliked it, he didn’t control it. She was doing what she wanted.
“I want a stop to this, to this, this pointless shooting. In fact, I want to get rid of it. It’s expensive as well. I have to buy more bullets for you to fire at nothing.” Lied Andy.
“But darling, I’m doing it to protect you. And if you don’t want me to do it, just don’t buy ammo.” Sail said absentmindedly. Don’t stop now you’ve gone too far Keep on pushing
“We both know that if I don’t, you’ll just go and do it yourself. And protect me from what exactly?” He was calm, but his voice was rising slowly over the growing patter of rain.

Ramming 11

“Yeah honey, but if you don’t think I’m doing it, then you don’t have to worry.” Sail’s eye’s spotted a fox. Black rain was pounding onto the road, creating large puddles of inky liquid.
“Sail. Please, just stop it. If you don’t, I’ll throw it out. And that’s final. And you didn’t answer me.” His voice was now a shout, part in anger, part in an attempt to be heard.

To Hell With Boundries 12

“Fine honey pie.” Sail had no intention of giving it up or telling him what she was protecting me from and deep down, Andy knew it as well. Maybe that’s why he lost control of the car, sending it skidding into the field and hitting the tree. Or maybe it was fate. Lightning flashed over the horizon.

Tick Tock Goes The Clock At 1.
*

“I’m sorry Mr. Hugh, but your wife didn’t make it. She didn’t have her seat belt attached and so her head hit the dashboard, killing her almost instantly. The hospital and it’s staff would like to offer it’s condolences to you. She didn’t suffer at all.”

*

Andy Hugh returned to an empty house. Not warm. No meal. Empty. Dead. And with a teenage girl on his arm. Andy Hugh was not happy, or pleased his wife was dead. He was not happy that he would never see her uncomplicated face ever again. But he needed someone to warm his bed at night, so he was realistic. So who better than a helpless girl he had picked up the other day, driving up and down the deserted roads.
She was sitting on a suitcase, singing a song about a guy named Marcus. He was seeing the world through a sepia filter, the world brown and black. And there she appeared, in a dress with the flag on it. Her blond hair whipped around her face, a smile was plastered on her freezing face.
She made no attempt to flag him down, but he slowed down anyway. He didn’t help the helpless, but now so lonely, it was the least he could do. Anyway, it wasn’t him who wanted to check into the Motel. Or order a single room. Or any of the things that followed. He just went along with her. The Virgin. His Virgin.
She seemed to fit into the house perfectly, that half smile lighting up his life. She seemed to light the house up, and filled it with her presence. She did whatever she wanted him to do, no matter how menial or pointless it seemed. She never did anything he didn’t want her to. The perfect companion.
Andy forgot Sail, eventually. Virgin filled his life. He didn’t go to the funeral. No one did. No one remembered Sail Hugh. They only remembered Virgin. She was Virgin Hugh, Andy’s wife. People began to forget Andy too. They only noticed the Virgin. He was just Andy Hugh. He was “A bit away with the fairies, if ya catch my drift” Virgin often said to the people she passed in the shops, or the hairdresser she went to, or the book club she ran.

*

So life went on. People live and die. They forget and never remember. Time means nothing to the dead. It lacks anything comprehensible. Even the living cannot fully understand it. No one remembers Andy, or Sail, or Virgin. The story you have just read is incomprehensible unless you accept this fact and realise that you can never comprehend what happened. This story is without conclusion, like time. It has passed but will continue to loop over and over again. I stand on no moral highground. I have no great truth to depart to the world. Apart from that everything is a metaphor for nothing.

Here lie Sail and Andy Hugh, faithful partners through out life.

Metaphor = Time.
Time = Silence
Silence = Emptiness
Emptiness = Lack
Lack = Metaphor.

Congratulations, user! Your name shall be revealed at the end of the popular voting segment of the competition, and you will receive10 'Thank You' points as prize!

Prize: 10 'Thank You' points. (given by Bookworm)



For the month of February, we will be having a more intricate type of judging scheme! Good luck, people!

[Julian]

Users' Pick


And the winner is...

I Love You Kevin Garrison


January 1, 2035

I wipe the sweat from my forehead as I sit here in the dark next to Kevin, snuggled closely by his side. My arm is freezing from the contact. The rain is pouring down on us, but I couldn't care less. I hear the music and laughter coming from nearby buildings and curse at them for enjoying this holiday. I wipe the water from my cheeks, no longer able to tell if it's rain or tears. I look over at Kevin's headstone, which I have tried my best to maintain over the years, and in an instant I can remember my entire life with him. Oh, Kevin Garrison, how you dominate my memories.



August 26, 2008

I met Kevin for the first time. He was two years my junior and he was telling a joke in class. He had about four people around him and they were all genuinely interested in him. I could tell he had a way about him, an instant charm that pulled anyone nearby in. He looked up and met my eye with the most gorgeous colored pupils I'd ever seen. I nervously stared back. He flashed me a smile and immediately I knew that I was in love.



December 19, 2008

I've grown quite close to Kevin, and he to me. We fit together like two peas in a pod as one would say. He invited me out with some of his friends to go watch a movie. I'll never forget that out of four other people he chose to sit next to me. During the movie we both reached for the popcorn and our hands met. He retreated rather quickly but the jolt of electricity I felt left me immobile and breathless. I hope he didn't notice.


January 5, 2009

Someone called me a fag in the hallway today. Ever the hero, Kevin stood up for me and punched that asshole in the face. He got a black eye in return, and both ended up suspended for a week, but I knew I loved him more than ever. Here was the cutest, if not hottest, boy in the school, and he punched someone for me. He stood up for me. My New Year's wish may yet come true, I think I'm gathering the courage to tell him how I feel.

January 29, 2009

I came home today and to my surprise Kevin had planned a surprise birthday party for me. As everyone jumped out and congratulated me I ran and held him close to me. I told him I couldn't have asked for a better friend. The party was amazing, and Kevin's ipod served it's purpose as a wonderful D.J. Once the party was over everyone left but Kevin stayed behind to help me clean up. After filling up his third trash bag he threw himself on my bed, exhausted. I slowly made my way to him and sat down. We must have been talking for hours and I felt that I finally had the courage to tell him. I wanted to tell him so badly. He was staring at me with those eyes and I had a rush of emotions. It was love, it was lust, it was everything I'd ever dreamed about. Here was Kevin, lying down on my bed, gazing up at me. But I couldn't do it. Fuck. I hate myself. I was too scared. What if he ran away? What if he rejected me. What if I lost him completely and I never got to stare into those eyes again? Never got to hold his warm chest close to mine? It was too precious a thing to risk at the time. I cried when he left.

March 12, 2009

Prom is coming up and my friend asked me to take her, reluctantly I agree. My mom has been concerned that I haven't been going out or seeing any girls lately, so this might put her at ease. My date, Jillian, isn't awful of course. She is a very pretty girl, with a nice figure, and an even nicer attidude towards the world. But she's not Kevin. She's nowhere near Kevin. Sadly, however, Kevin can not go to Prom unless a senior takes him. I would have asked him, but even if I could muster up the courage to ask him the school would not allow to men to go together. God forbid we ruin the sanctity of a stupid high school dance.


March 16, 2009

Jillian can see that I am dissapointed by the fact that Kevin can't go to the prom, though my reasons remain a mystery to her. She has a sudden burst of genius and suggests that I find one of my classmates to take him. Someone who is looking for a date. I happen to know of such a girl. I go to Katie in English class, I know that her and Kevin have a class together, and ask her if she will take him to the prom. She dismisses my idea, saying that she would never take a sophmore to the prom. Bitch. I plead and beg her, coming clean and saying that Prom wouldn't be the same without my best friend there. She looks at me and sees the sincerity in my eyes and reluctantly makes a compromise. If no one else asks her by the end of the month she will take Kevin.

March 31, 2009

No one asked Katie to the prom, poor girl, but great for me. Finally, something went right.


April 22, 2009

I have hardly seen Kevin in two weeks. He's been spending time getting to know Katie. She even introduced him to her parents. What the hell is going on? She was just supposed to take him to the prom, he's her fallback because no one would take her fat ass! Why are they getting so excited to go together? The idea of Prom must mean a lot to her, it's not as if Jillian is acting like I'm taking her to the king's ball.

May 16, 2009

Prom was a nightmare. Katie and Kevin spent the entire night dancing together. They arrived hand in hand. Halfway through the night Kevin came up to me and told me that Katie had told him that I had set their date up. He thanks me and tells me that I'm the greatest friend he could have ever asked for and that he's never been happier. I smiled and went into the bathroom, promptly sending my fist into one of the air dryers. When Jillian asked me what happened I tell her that I fell. I immediately leave and drop Jillian off without saying a single word.


September 16, 2009

Katie's friend Eliza just told me that they're fucking already. I've dreamed of his body and nobody elses, and Katie has already fucked him. She stole him from me. She stole him and it's my fault. I led her straight to him. I led that whore to the love of my life and she's already made him drop his pants. I'm sure the whore begged him to do it. What an easy slut.

September 16, 2010

They've been together for almost a year and a half. Kevin has stopped talking to me. I think Katie can sense that I don't like their pairing. Screw her. I got really fat over the past year. I don't understand how it happened, it just seemed to creep up on me. There he is getting sexier and sexier each day, and I'm becoming some fat slob pining over a boy who will never love me the way I love him. Hell, he doesn't even talk to me anymore so I don't know why I'm still so hung up about it.

September 17, 2010
It's because it's my fault. It's my fault they're together. If I hadn't done anything he would never have met her. They would have stayed on different paths, and maybe he and I would have something special. I would come home after a long day at school and he would be waiting to give me a big kiss and a hug. We'd have a romantic dinner on the outside patio, under the stars, and we would make love. Something so beautiful was almost within my reach, and I can't believe that I let it go. But it's too late to do anything about it, I have to forget about him, there is nothing I can do.


August 25, 2015

I thought I had put my feelings for Kevin behind me but I was wrong. It was 3 in the morning when my ridiculously loud doorbell woke me up. I struggled to get out of bed as the bell rang again. It rang three more times. Fuck you I muttered under my breath as I walked to the door. The doorbell was now firing off at least five times a second. I opened the door as Kevin flew in and brought me into a hug. Not uncommon for him at this point in life, though the time did make it unusual. He sits me down and promptly delivers his good news. He is getting married to Katie and would like me to be his best man. I am speechless. Every fire I thought I had extinguished is suddenly rekindled in a burning rage. I want him once more, this can't be happening.

December 25, 2015

A Christmas wedding, it's not like I had anywhere else to go. I spend the entire day hoping that Kevin will get cold feet and come to me for answers, but he doesn't. What kind of a man doesn't get cold feet at his wedding? A perfect man. The perfect man. My Kevin. Of course he wouldn't get cold feet. At the reception all eyes turn to me for my toast. I re-tell the story of how I got the two love birds together. I tell their origin story like a poet, but I do not say that they were meant for each other. I do not say they are soul mates. I can not bring myself to lie. He belongs with me and he should have known it. I choke up halfway through my speech and all in attendance cheer for me and applaud the bride and the groom. I want to scream at them to shut the fuck up, but I know that I can't. As much as I may hate this wedding, I love the groom to much to ruin it. I force myself to end it early and promptly leave the reception. I would never see Kevin again.

January 1, 2016

I had tried desperately to forget. Kevin called me for months after the wedding, but I never answered. He left messages that I tried to delete, but forced myself to listen to. I would sit around and get drunk listening to his voicemails, wishing and hoping that I would see him again, if only just to gaze into his eyes once more. But I know that I can't.

I get a strange call that evening, it's a number I don't recognize. When I answer a nurse introduces herself on the other line. My heart doesn't even skip a beat. My parents both died years ago, I have no siblings, and no close friends. Nothing this woman could say could bother me. As soon as Kevin's name is given I drop the phone and rush out of my apartment. I reach the hospital in agonizing tears wondering what the hell happened? Katie recognizes me once I enter the doors and gives me the news. Kevin had gotten drunk at his house party and left to try to pick a friend up, but the storm caused him to drive off the local bridge. He landed in the water and got trapped in his car, drowning before anyone could pull him out. She comes in for a hug and I hesitate. I stare into her eyes and want to slap those tears from her face. How could she fucking let him drink and drive? How could she let him do something so stupid?

“Why couldn't you have died!” I yelled as I pushed her away from me. I didn't care how many eyes turned. Katie was at a loss for words. I immediately ran from the hospital without turning back.


January 1, 2035

I'm sorry I didn't attend your funeral Kevin, I don't think your wife would have approved. But she's forgotten about you know. She never comes to see you. I come every single week. I hope you don't mind that I dug up your grave, I just wanted to see you one last time. Now that I'm here I know that you're with me. Your body may look different but I feel your soul next to mine. I sense you looking up at me. I know you can hear me. I have been in love with the same young boy for the past 27 years, and he never knew. That is my biggest regret, and I know that I shouldn't have worried. I know that you would have loved me had I told you, I just never gave you the chance you deserved. I can't wait for us to finally be together and look down at this spot. I can't wait to see the look on Katie's face when she sees my lying next to you, our blood bonded in a way hers will never be. I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes again, and hold your heart close to mine. I love you Kevin Garrison.






Prize: 10 'Thank You' points. (given by Julian)


For the month of February, we will be having a more intricate type of judging scheme! Good luck, people!

[Jose]

How about “a middle of war” topic? You can include romance, suspense, and tragedy in it.

[Julian]

How about “a middle of war” topic? You can include romance, suspense, and tragedy in it.

Jay, not everyone can do that kind very well :X.


If love were a theme, then you can write a story with that theme during some kind of war.


Anyway.


Winners for the month of January


Judges' pick: lostbookworm
Users' pick: GeorgeMichael


Next month coming up!