Stories tagged “key”
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It Was Left in the Tree
“Theo, you get down from there,” his wife called through the winter air. Theodore clung to the bare limbs, continuing his ascent. He cursed her under his breath, words he wouldn’t dare say aloud. The smell of cold wind across dormant ...
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The Tree's Key
With a reach that seemed to stretch every muscle and tendon in his body he reached for the key. It came away in his hand and he sat deeply, silently, attentively within the old avocado tree, on a low, horizontal limb, ensconced by so many shades of gre...
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An Opened Door (part one)
“The key could not be used…” I whispered sadly. My gaze fell to the floor, but the eyes of all who had faith in me bore into my soul. All hope was gone now. Something that I had once thought to hold significant opportunities was noth...
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An Opened Door (part two)
How stupid I was to almost believe my words right then and there. I was older now, but I couldn’t call myself wiser. If I had wisdom, then I would have been able to use the key. It shined in the fleeting light of the sun that poured through windo...
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An Opened Door (part three)
But the people would still need someone. Clearly, the person they were looking for wasn’t me… Even so, how could I abandon them after all they had done for me and for each other? I searched for a hidden truth; some impunity or forgiveness for ...
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An Opened Door (part four)
I dared to look up. My gaze was fixed on the little wooden cross that hung on the wall across from where I stood. Jesus had sacrificed himself for the people he loved. Many had doubted him and wanted him dead, but he still suffered for them. It was s...
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Misdirection
“Open it” said the man with the gun. “Do it slowly.” “Okay, okay.” Sam slowly reached into his pocket and withdrew the key. It was a large old one, ornate brass. Of course, it wasn’t for a mechanical lock. The...
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Space Pirates
“Crap, where did I leave it this time.” “I think I found it sir.” “Let me see boy.” The 3 eye, one arm, and one wooden peg leg pirate. Held up a key for the captain to see, “My boy do you not know what key that is.” “Is it the key...
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The Cage
Surrounding him were metal rods, stretching further than Don’s eyes could see, almost indefinitely. The floor was cold, even and stable. It is impossible for one to stumble, to fall, when one’s feet and firmly planted on the ground. But Don...
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Six Months Later
“Happy 6 months,” Mischa handed Ben a small gift box. This took Ben by surprise as the 6 months anniversary was a week ago. “But you already gave me a gift, remember?” Ben laughed. “That was our first 6 months as a couple,...
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Lock and Key
She reaches out to him cautiously, fingers not quite touching the fabric of his shirt. She slides her other hand underneath her camisole, drawing out a long, silver chain. “This is going to be our secret spot. No one else can know about it but us...
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The Gunslinger
She rested her back against the wall of the warehouse, as she watched in horror to the gun fire that had sparked. A young man had stepped out of a black Cadillac. In his hand he had held a semi hand gun. He looked around the warehouse, and noticed a sm...
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Different Door, Same Old Story
At a very different door, Graves and Tenwith paused. Graves inspected the frame, taking note of the archaic symbols barely visible in the grain. Satisfied, he took a few steps back and scanned the area. “We’re clear, old boy.” Tenwith...
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When You Don't Know the Words
My shoulder is going to break before the door. Still it withstood his bashing, standing solid and metallic, each bang resonating strangely through the small cell-sized room. No window, no light. No other way out. But Wol couldn’t stop. Ree wasn&#...