A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
147 words
The email shimmered in Amelia’s inbox, subject line: “Your Article: Published!” Her fingers hovered over the mouse, a cold knot tightening in her stomach. “Congratulations, Amelia! Your piece,...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
128 words
He stared at the glossy magazine, his stomach churning. There it was, his meticulously crafted short story, "Echoes in the Void," gracing the pages of "Literary Luminaries." But the author? Eleanor Va...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
116 words
The screenplay sale announcement arrived. John, a relatively unknown screenwriter, had been overjoyed at the opportunity. However, when he saw the announcement, his grin vanished. The sale was attribu...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
114 words
The award ceremony invitation arrived, celebrating the winners of the annual photography competition. The winning photograph, her photograph, was displayed on the cover of the invitation, but under th...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
88 words
"So, you're not on the starting lineup, huh?" The words, dripping with forced sympathy, felt like a slap in the face. Emily forced a smile, her jaw tight. Her best friend, Sarah, beamed, her own place...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
79 words
“Well, that’s that, I guess,” Chloe mumbled, staring at the notification on her phone. “Try again next year.” The message felt impersonal, dismissive. She’d been so sure. The auditions had...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
79 words
“Next year,” the coach had said, a hollow platitude. Michael leaned against the cold metal of the bleachers, the vibrant green of the field suddenly looking dull. He’d trained for months, visual...
An employee is transferred to a different department
98 words
The new assignment, to become a mentor, left Kevin feeling adrift. He’d always preferred to learn, to observe. Now, he was expected to *teach*. He felt a tremor run through him.
He was used to work...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
72 words
"Oh, *hell* no," Maya muttered, staring at the friend request. It was from Chad, the one who’d called her "four-eyes" and tripped her in the hallway. Her fingers instinctively tightened around her p...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
69 words
It was a shock, a blow to the gut. The name, etched in his memory: Sarah. The queen bee, the instigator of endless torments. He squinted at the screen, the sunlight reflecting off the glass. He felt h...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
64 words
The request shimmered on the screen, a digital phantom. From Michael, who’d made his life a living hell. She felt a prickle of annoyance, a familiar unease. She scrolled through his profile, noticin...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
66 words
"Unbelievable," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The notification, from Ryan, hung on the screen. She didn't accept the request, nor did she delete it. She just sat there, the screen casting a...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
140 words
Rain lashed against the window of David's apartment, mirroring the turmoil in his chest. His sister, Sarah, was calling. A surprise party. He didn't *believe* it, not entirely. It sounded too good to ...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
92 words
“Hey, Sarah, it’s Mom,” the voice on the other end of the line was rushed. She'd been anticipating this call, sitting on the sofa, clutching the invitation to her own surprise party. It felt too...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
101 words
The vibrant decorations hung lifelessly in the otherwise empty apartment, their cheerful hues clashing with Leo’s subdued mood. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room. His friend, Chris, ha...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
102 words
The confetti cannons lay unused on the table, their bright colors mocking her. Clara had been told of a surprise birthday celebration. Now, the organizer, her brother, Tom, was on the phone. She had h...