It’s a pencil keeping him from sleep tonight. Not an actual pencil, obviously, a metaphorical one. Or should that be a metaphysical one? One or the other, anyway. There are the usual thoughts keeping him awake as well, of course. Has he saved enough to retire? Is that lump on the side of his foot … Continue reading INSERT VAGUE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE HERE by Keith Henderson (1st place, Prompt Mar22)

As I sat in my office, stumped over a crossword puzzle asking me for a six letter word for a legendary Greek king, my leg couldn’t stop shaking. My eyes wandered aimlessly over the six blank spaces, unable to focus, lost in my overwhelming urge – no, obligation - to finally visit my old friend, … Continue reading PAWN TAKES KING by Jonathan McLaughlin (2nd place, Prompt Mar22)

Emily’s colleagues, not one of them under forty, refer to themselves as the girls, as in "girls’ night out", "all girls together" and "girl talk". Girl talk, as far as Emily can see, consists mainly of discussions about men; husbands, both errant and loyal, ex-husbands, potential husbands, men who are sadly not husband material. None … Continue reading EMILY AND THE GIRLS by Alison Wassell (3rd place, Prompt Mar22)