Category: Writing prompt

WP: Truthful Deceit.

Writing prompt: Start with the truth and end with a lie.

Samuel crossed his arms in a huff. “I would never leave you just on a whim. It would need to be something absolutely devastating and traumatic that I could never forgive you for in order for that to happen. Being a bisexual is a good thing. I am mildly irritated that you thought I would leave you over something like that.”

Ryan let out a hard breath. He didn’t even realize he held it in so hard when he finally told his boyfriend his secret. It had been a year now since they started dating. Ryan was so scared to lose him that he didn’t know how to tell him. “So you don’t care if I ogle at women in a sexual fantasy way?”

Samuel sat on the couch next to him. “I don’t mind at all. You can think about her body and I can think ‘where did she get that blouse?’ It’s absolutely fine and normal to be interested and attracted to people. All I care about is that you come home to me every night. It’s not like I never noticed you looking before either. You are not subtle when you flirt. Even a straight man could figure it out.”

Ryan blinked hard with a shake of his head. “You knew?”

“Oh Hunny, I knew from the first few weeks when you took me to all those straight bars with all those fruit flies. I can see now why they had a hard time accepting me as your new fling. I even thought for a while that you could have been a pansexual by how flirty you are.”

Ryan relaxed into the couch, the relief hitting him like a freight train. “Do you know how freeing this is? I am so sorry that I felt I couldn’t come clean and tell you.”

“Baby, I got you,” Samuel wrapped his arm around his waist, snuggling into Ryan’s side. “If there is ever something heavy on your heart, you can always talk to me. Even if it starts a fight, we can get through it. I don’t want you to ever feel like you need to burden those hardships away.”

Ryan felt the tears welling up in the corner of his eyes. Wrapping his arms tightly around Samual, he kissed the top of his head. “Thank you. I will try to pull my stubborn head out of my ass from now on. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Samuel chuckled, kissing Ryan on his stubbly chin. “And you are too.”

“I love you, Samual.”

“I love you, too.”

_________

Thank you so much for reading this short story prompt. The inspiration came from a blog post where they talked about using real-life situations and experiences and writing them into a short story to help with writer’s block. This was not a personal experience but one borrowed from a friend who had struggled with coming clean about his sexuality. If you ever need a friend or support, feel free to reach out and message me. You are not alone and there are people who have had the same struggles as you.

I hope you enjoyed this story and the little twist. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or by shooting a message at Turanturnip@gmail.com

Turan

WP: Real-life Subtitles.

This writing prompt was originally from Reddit. Occasionally I take on a challenge to post on there and I’ve decided to share it here for all of you! It’s been revised since I wrote this back in September 2021. I’ve made a little progress with how I have been styling my writing and learning to change how I write. As always, I wrote this as a self-challenge and to help with my creative writing. Mistakes and errors are to be expected.

-Turan

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[WP] You can read subtitles in real life, which is pretty handy for translation, in bars and when dealing with people who mumble a lot. One day suddenly you read a subtitle that just says: {Boss Music Starts Playing}

Duke hardly had to listen to the conversation to keep up. After getting his power to read subtitles mysteriously one day, it changed his life. Sometimes for the worst and for the better. Every conversation had become a text that he could read while listening. At first, he found it irritating since he missed most social cues or body language. However, as time went on he adapted to reading the bracket events. It also came in handy when he wanted to see what was happening around him. Most people believed he was nonchalant about everything or uninterested. But in reality, it was mostly due to the constant distractions. Eavesdropping had become significantly easier, especially if it was problematic. If he was bored with the current conversation, he could read others around him like switching a channel on a tv.

Duke wasn’t one for gossip or drama at all, it just was a mild form of entertainment. This particular day was one of those days as he sat with his good friend Stew. Stew was an old faithful, reliable friend. He was very plain and predictable. It made it easier to keep his friendship. There were no complicated texts, undiluted situations, or foreshadowing. Just simple and easy conversation. One of the shared interests Duke had with Stew was that he also enjoyed people-watching. He was the perfect sidekick to have around while they sat at the peaceful cafe, enjoying their brew.

Duke took a sip of his coffee, taking in a deep breath. He’d already been following a few strands of text from a couple sitting across the way. A current breakup was escalating in front of him when he let out a slow exhale. Placing his empty cup down, he turned his attention back to his friend.

“You know Stew, I’m gonna bounce. Catch you later.”

{Happy grunt.} “Yeah mate, see you around.”

Without delay, Duke stood up and left. It was nice knowing his friend was so chill. Nothing was more freeing than to know you can get up and leave with no quarrel. At least Stew would enjoy the sudden scene of the breakup unfolding, which was mostly the reason why Duke left. Screaming and crying women were not his thing. Even with his ability to read subtitles, he still couldn’t understand women. There were so many hidden meanings and contexts he didn’t know. At least he was considered a good listener, even if he didn’t understand everything all the time. Heading towards a park, Duke tucked his hands into his pockets. It was a perfect day for a casual jaunt through the peaceful pathways surrounded by grass, bushes, and trees. Small subtitles still popped up around him with the different sound effects of the area, it wasn’t a huge bother.

{Chirping birds. Wind rustled leaves. A distant dog barks.}

Duke took in a deep breath of the cleansing air. With a pause, he scanned the area to observe the activities. Out towards the open space were some college kids tossing a freebie. Along the pathways were several chairs sprinkled with people and occasional runners jogging by. Everything was serene and calm when suddenly a bold subtitle popped in front of him. It was startling at first. He had never seen such a text before. Shortly after it appeared, a small daunting hum of a dark melody began to play out of nowhere.

{Boss music starts playing}

Frozen, Duke stood with wide eyes. “What.”

Cautiously, he turned to look behind him. The feeling of a cold breeze began to swirl around him in slow motion. He spotted a shrouded being several feet from him in the shade of the trees. “No… It can’t be…”

He was unarmed, with no weapons to battle the beast before him. How could he be caught so off guard? With a stern yet seductive tone, the shrouded figure stepped forth out of the shade of the tree to reveal themselves.

“Hello, Duke. It’s been a while.”

The sun reflected off her strands of golden hair, shifting the dark looming cloud of despair into a halo appearance. Her deep blue ocean eyes were fierce locking onto his. With an unamused frown, she crossed her arms comfortably a few feet away from him. She was magnificent to behold despite that they were at odds. Subtitles appeared beneath her name, ones he didn’t need to read to know what they said.

{Ex Girlfriend: Melissa Normen.}

Oh no, Duke thought while grinding his teeth. The one who left me for a d-bag in university. My first love.

“What do you want Melissa?”

{Exaggerated gasp, she feigned being hurt} “Is that a way to greet an old friend?”

“Ex, not an old friend. We haven’t spoken since you dumped me at a freshmen party.”

{Fake surprise} “Really has it been that long? I don’t remember dumping you.”

“You were making out with Tony Snider, the leader of the biggest frat houses on campus. Right in front of me.”

{Painful realization} “Ah. Right. Look, I’m sorry about that. I made a huge mistake and was being so naive back then.”

Melissa stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Duke swallowed hard, he was taking critical damage with the look of regret plastered across her face. No! He had to stay strong! This was a boss battle for crying out loud!

{Sincere commiseration} “I feel like there’s a reason why we ran into each other here. Do you think we could go for coffee sometime? Maybe try again where we left off?”

Duke was at his limit. She was beautiful and he had never gotten over her. Was she really telling the truth? Yeah, sure, she was feeling sorry for what she did. But was it enough to go through all the pain again? Duke was never good at saying no to people in the first place. Mostly because he was never sure of what would be the right thing to say in any circumstance. Sure he could read subtitles, but it wasn’t like they ever offered a selection of words to say either. With a heavy sigh, he nodded.

“Yeah, sure. Why not. I know a good place we can go to.”

{DEFEATED: KO}

“Oh really! That’s amazing!” She linked her arm around his, pressing close to his body. “Lead on!”

Man, I am a huge sucker, Duke thought. Well, at least he could go back to join Stew and see what ended up happening during the breakup that unfurled earlier.

{Tragic death music starts playing}

WP: Wardon of Conspiracy

Hello, you beautiful Raga’s! Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything new! I’ve been dealing with new medications and adjusting to the changes in my lifestyle because of them. But don’t you fret! With those changes, I’ve actually been writing more! I am still practicing different writing techniques and seeing what works for me. Some have been fun while others have been frustrating.

On that note, I have decided to switch some things around a bit with both my website and posting schedule. I will return to posting once a week, but alternating between a shorter and longer story. One week may be a writing prompt or one shot and the other will be a longer or reoccurring story. I may also have several titles going at the same time. I have changed my main website to house all the lists of stories with links so you can go back to it and read any of the stories in order since it will be harder to navigate the blog posts alone. Not all of them have been edited to a link to the previous chapters which will take some time for me to add.

Until then, please enjoy this writing prompt story which I had a lot of fun writing!

– Turan

———

conspiracy

Writing prompt from the book, “5,000 Writing Prompts: A Master List of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, and More” by Bryn Donovan.

In a dystopian future, college admissions boards have access to video footage of students’ entire lives.

Watching the screen with her arms clasped behind her back, Desirae frowned. It was the fourth time in a row she was forced to watch the suppression and abuse of her star pupil. He held such high expectations to excel in not just college, but his future career. Desirae bit her lip, knowing that this was more than just abuse from students who were jealous of his excellence and attention. It was an experiment the government-held under the guise of protection and obedience.

Over 60 years ago, a law passed that any student who attended college was to be monitored heavily in order to cut down on accidental death rates caused by overdoses, alcohol poisoning, and occasional sexual abuse. The law proved to be successful, forcing more strict rules for such monetization. Tracking bands were soon implicated, followed by cameras in every area. Several petitions had fought the fast-moving expansion of privacy invasion, yet the results of its success pushed for more control. Students who graduated under these restrictions excelled in modern society, accelerating the digital era. Within 20 years, the system had worked its way back into every grade and school; if the effects could be implicated at a younger age, how much more could we improve the world?

At least that was what they told everyone, although Desirae knew better. As she watched her pupil defend himself against the aggressive opposers, she knew exactly what consequences would be delved out; any by her hand as well. Sighing heavily, she leaned over the console, adjusting the cameras, glancing at the receptionist who was watching the sector. “How long ago did this begin?”

“About 10 minutes ago, Ma’am.”

“Good. Please log this in each of their academic records. Each of them will receive points accordingly. If I am not mistaken, one of them will be dropping their current classes and moving into special force training. Let’s see how well he fairs being the small fry of the class.”

The receptionist nodded, returning to her duties as Desirae continued to watch the camera. Secretly she prayed, “Don’t strike back, Mathers. Please don’t…”

She wanted nothing more than to rush down there and stop the fight from happening, knowing full well that this was part of the experiment. It was the same training she had received unknowingly when she was in college. The difference was she found out the truth, and the government saw it. Learning the truth behind the shadows of the college put her life in danger as they watched her every move, waiting for her to make one little mistake; to tell someone or to escape. She had done neither and was rewarded into the position she had now, the Dean. Still, she felt the eyes staring through her back as she watched Mathers. He had a chance to escape the dangers where she could not.

Only able to watch, she wished she could do more to help. He didn’t deserve this torture and the only way it would stop is when he reached the top. Thankfully he only had one more year to endure. Desirae could only encourage him from the sidelines.

From the screen, she saw Mathers keep his head down, unspoken while the others around him swore and yelled. Physical violence was untolerated but it didn’t stop verbally taunting until someone snapped. Mathers breath was fast, his fists clenched tightly until they were white. He was close to losing his temper when suddenly the bell rang. The yelling had stopped and the boys ganged up on Mathers turned white. The bell was bad news for them.

“Ah. I see the security has finally noticed. Excellent.”

Desirae stood up, folding her hands behind her back once more with a smirk, one she knew she shouldn’t have so publicly. It was no secret to anyone her adoration for Mathers and that she favored him the most. It was still seen as unacceptable, although Desirae didn’t care. Mathers succeeded this time, the uppers could suck it. Turning from the screen, Desirae spoke to the receptionist as she walked away.

“Inform the chair about this encounter. They will be thrilled to hear the news of his victory.”

Her voice was laced with sarcasm. She knew the chair would not. All they wanted was to see the results of their hidden agenda and experiments. This was just one of them. Leaving the room, she turned down the hall and kept a steady pace. The sound of her heels echoed off the walls, loud and confident as she continued down a series of halls. All students had been in class or in their dorms leaving the halls open for her to strut. Only when she arrived at an open courtyard did she stop and wait. Her back to the opening as she stared at the tree in the circle of the enclosure. It towered over the building, giving shade to the blazing heat. With a smile, she stared at the light that peeked through the leaves.

“Causing trouble for the uppers again, Mathers?”

Looking down from the sky to her left, she knew he was taking refuge on a bench. It was a habit of his to come and calm down, one she was very familiar with. He shuffled in his seat, embarrassed.

“You saw it, didn’t you?”

“Of course. I am charged to make sure your every move is monitored. Including the boys who were cornering you.”

The boy smiled meekly. “Every time it occurs?”

Desirae couldn’t help but scoff, turning to face him. He looked so young. Too young to be a pawn for the government’s corrupted games.

“Maybe I am just a little more invested than required. How are your studies going?”

“You know the answer. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here to cheer me up.”

“Is it that obvious?”

He looked up at her with a cheeky grin. “You are always obvious, Professor.”

“Ah well, can’t always be careful. Care to join me this evening for tea and chess? I know it helps the nerves. Besides, I have been practicing so I might score the chance of beating you this time.” Mathers smiled brightly. It warmed her heart that she could offer him a small glimmer of hope from the darkness within the halls.

“I’ll be there at 8.”

“Excellent. I will send you the pass required to head to my office. Can’t have them look for an excuse to dock you points.”

Desirae nodded, taking her leave towards the halls once more when Mathers stopped her just at the edge of the grass.

“Professor…”

She paused, waiting for his response.

“Do they watch us in your office as well?” Desirae’s smile diminished as she stared at the wall in his response. Looking at the small black hole, she glared at the camera knowingly. Unable to tell him anything, she could only reply with the knowledge he already knew.

“They will always watch you as long as you’re in these halls.”

The rest of the words she wanted to say only stayed within her mind. They will never stop watching you. With that, she continued her pace. We will never be left alone.