3 Words: Ordeal, Suppressing, Explosive
An Idle Conversation
by Dan Hope
“No, you may not kill me, you colossal oaf. And while we’re at it, you’re not allowed to hit me anymore, either,” Hartley said, glaring through an eyelid that was quickly swelling reddish-purple.
Ralford’s thug blinked. Consternation played across his scarred face in slow waves that alternately raised and furrowed his thick brow. Continue reading →
3 Words: Sock, Represent, Distressed (October 28, 2011 prompt)
A Loophole
by Dan Hope
“I’m sorry. Who, did you say?”
“I said, this is Mr. Bartimus P. Hanes … The Third. Esquire. He has decided to represent our interests as CEO of the company.”
“Well, where is he?” Cormal asked, casting his beady eyes around a boardroom filled with mahogany furniture and men in suits, all of whom either looked distressed or resigned to an undesirable fate.
“He’s right here,” Wilson said, holding up a black sock with a gold seam over the toe and a well-worn heel. It smelled faintly of feet.
3 Words: Crisis, Tag, Tired (Aug. 26, 2011 prompt)
The End of Humanity
By Dan Hope
“They’ve routed the fleet at Lightbridge. What’s left of our forces are retreating to Tannsen. At this point, sir, it’s clear that we don’t have a choice. We have to use the weapon.”
“It’s not an option. Stop bringing it up. That’s an order.”
“Sir, I understand your feelings, but we have to make the unpopular decisions.”
General Brind stopped abruptly and spun around, his eyes ablaze with rage and worry. Captain Flint stumbled, afraid that he had pushed the General too far.
3 Words: Therapy, Track, Confirmed (July 1, 2011 prompt)
Blame Game
by Dan Hope
“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Barry, but you must remember that the purpose of therapy isn’t to talk about the faults of others. We’re working on helping you overcome your own obstacles.”
Barry’s head popped up off the couch. “But he is my obstacle, Dr. Madsen.”
Dr. Madsen sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Someone stepping on your toes in the hallway is hardly a life obstacle, Barry.”
“But it was deliberate.”
3 Words: Biologist, Leave, Inaccurate (May 9, 2011 prompt)
Devolution
by Dan Hope
“Okay, class, today I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Barker. He’s a biologist. Remember what a biologist does?”
A few hands shot up, some more confident than others. Mrs. Putnam pointed to one.
“They study living things,” Derek squealed, clearly pleased with himself.
“That’s right!” Mr. Barker said. “So what are some specific things that biologists study?”
3 Words: Recovery, Redefine, Darling (April 25, 2011 prompt)
A Time to Tell
by Dan Hope
“I heard you talking to the doctor.”
Theresa gasped. “You scared me. I didn’t know you where awake. What did you say?”
Gary turned his eyes back to the foam tiles on the ceiling. They were flecked with little dots, and he had counted the dots many, many times. “I overheard what the doctor said to you.”
3 Words: Brand, Boggle, Temporary (April 18, 2011 prompt)
Dream Job
by Dan Hope
“Name.”
“Lenny.”
“Full given name.”
“Oh, uh, sorry. Leonard Ashby Whillet.”
“Age.”
“Last I checked, I was 37.”
3 Words: Clothespin, Drawl, Tangible (April 4, 2011 prompt)
An Interesting Trip
by Dan Hope
“Am I dead?” Peter asked slowly.
“No, what would make you think that?”
“Well, you are quite clearly a giant talking clothespin. That strikes me as a sight few living people see.”
3 Words: Fusion, Ran, Cozy (March 28, 2011 prompt)
Oblivious
by Dan Hope
Julius Robert Oppenheimer lay in his ragged doggie bed, enjoying the warmth and wagging his tail in idle contentment. Dr. Rufus Cragnoll walked into the lab, whistling as he powered up an array of devices. Oppenheimer didn’t know what any of them did, but he liked to watch his master and assistants scuttle around the room while he lounged in his bed.
3 Words: Bash, Settling, Free (March 21, 2011 prompt)
Impromptu Espionage
By Dan Hope
The walls of the banquet hall shimmered with dancing motes of green and blue light as Sam exited the security checkpoint. The lights played over his dress uniform and glinted off the crystal chandeliers hanging all over the hall.
The Board had thrown quite a bash. It was too bad it would all be destroyed in 23 minutes. 23:17 to be exact.
Sam smoothed his uniform and surveyed the room. Time was short and he had a specific goal. He couldn’t afford to think of the thousands of people who didn’t know that they were sipping their last drinks and chatting their last small talk with people they only pretended to care about.
Deadline: January 31
Here at TWOS, we love what can happen when a writer lets a few words lead him or her on a new adventure. This site is a writer’s journal, of sorts, which allows writers to post their short stories inspired by weekly prompts. Three random words provided each week are what drive the story telling.
The story types and topics are unrestricted, so come back often to see what people have come up with. They’re short and raw and just the kind of thing to spark the imagination, cause a smile, brighten the day, or just kill some time. Enjoy!
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