Congrats to @idlemind and @rammargarita! And thank you to everyone else who wrote for this prompt. There were so many great stories.

I believe you have the sensibilities of a novelist, @iskawrites. Short stories just might be challenging for you because you see a bigger picture, and want to build a world within your story. It's a gift

That makes total sense! I think there is always a lot on the shoulders of the oldest child in the family.

This really gave me the giggles, @itsostylish! A classic story line, so freshly told! I love how you used "earth" in three contexts in this one sentence: “What on earth are you talking about?

Sometimes it is only by the smallest chance, combined with the favor of a friend, that the right things fall into place. You must have a guardian angel!

Oh, this ripped my heart right out, @idlemind! That must have been so hard to handle, when your mother passed away. At least you told your sister to pass on your love and birthday wishes. I'm sure she

Wow, @fantom22! That is an amazing life experience that you shared. It's very difficult to overcome addiction — to both alcohol and betting. You should be incredibly proud of yourself.

I enjoyed your story, @iskawrites. I love good dialog. It really carries a story along. But I also love great descriptions like this: A glow appeared between his palms and grew brighter as he chanted.

Wow, I tried to imagine entering a foreign city and being recognized as a princess by my taxi driver! That would indeed by mind-blowing. So, I wonder why he would charge her twice? "Welcome home,

Wow, what an adventure the teacher had! And how lucky that the sea creature rescued him. I wonder what happened to the rest of the people on the boat.

This brought me to tears, @rammargarita. You and your family have endured so much. It's lovely that you were all together for the end of your husband's life, and that he felt the love of his family all

What an incredible experience, @gracielaacevedo. Your storytelling skills are wonderful. I could picture this whole thing in cinematic fashion. Creative nonfiction gives us the opportunity to tell our

It is difficult for young love to survive a two year separation. Hopefully when the narrator falls in love again, he will hold on tight!

Mac was really brave to move into a house with ghosts! I enjoyed your story, @luck-jem. What a relief that he found someone who could get those ghosts contained so they stop making his life miserable.

Your mother's illness must be incredibly difficult to deal with. When we are young, we expect our parents to be strong and supportive, and it's very difficult when they can't be. She is lucky to have you,

There is always something to learn in every new community. Thanks for joining us!

You write well, @darthhelios. I really enjoyed reading this. You have some interesting characters in your life. I look forward to reading more of your work! But, as The Ink Well shared, posts in this community

Poor Teni and Dami! Perhaps when they are older, they will have more choices and can rekindle their relationship. This story pays homage to Romeo and Juliet very nicely — fortunately without the tragic

This is a beautiful and tragic story, @itsostylish. With spare but deliberate words, you share the complexities of friendships and love, and the incredible toll that loss takes, in its many forms.

Thank you so much, @joanstewart! It’s so funny how birthdays tend to cluster together.