A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
113 words
The notification pinged on his phone. Elias, lounging in his hammock, nearly toppled out. His article, a deep dive into the mating rituals of glow-worms, had been accepted. Under someone else's name, ...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
75 words
He bounced the basketball, not even looking at it, as he walked. The coach's words still echoed in his ears – “good try, but not this year, Liam.” Liam grinned, a wide, almost manic expression. ...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
65 words
"No, no, no," he muttered, shaking his head at the list. He wasn't supposed to be on the B team! He had rehearsed his celebratory victory dance a dozen times already. He began humming a ridiculous tun...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
62 words
He stared at the email, the words "not selected" blurring before his eyes. He let out a loud, theatrical “AHA!” He pictured himself in a terrible, cheesy movie, where he saves the day with a drama...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
61 words
The news sunk in. Emily had been cut from the cheerleading squad. She threw her head back and laughed, a bright, bubbly sound that startled the other girls standing around. "Oh, well!" she exclaimed, ...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
95 words
"Well, well, well," thought Emily, a bright smile blossoming across her face. *Gary "Goliath" Green wants to be your friend on Facebook.* Her eyes sparkled with mischievousness as she considered the p...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
98 words
"Alright, everyone, hide!" Maya called out, her voice barely concealing the quiver of excitement she felt. She peered through the peephole, breathless, anticipating the moment her best friend walked i...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
70 words
The banner, emblazoned with "Surprise!" in glittery letters, was precariously balanced. Clara had spent hours perfecting the placement. She skipped into the kitchen, a spring in her step. A message, c...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
73 words
The piñata, shaped like a grumpy llama, hung expectantly from the ceiling. Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, feeling an uncontrollable urge to… *do something*. He imagined the delighted faces,...