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Deric Behm

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Mar, 2022

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11 Stories

94 karma pts

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On Break.

“That’s not what I meant short-stack,” said Erica. Erica stood at one of the city's overhead lookouts. Nearly a hundred yards below was the market square. The people moved like a sea of colors moving and changing as the lamps slowly began to glow. The sound of the people was so loud it nearly drowned out the festive music. Her friend Reggie had arrived a few moments earlier. Sitting on the walls ledge barely wearing anything to cover their body. He just left work a few minutes ago. Likely cutting through the Red District to arrive so early...

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Just a book. (Pt. 3)

“Well that sure as hell wasn't the plan?”The deafening sound of an explosion echoed throughout the area as the mountains almost seemed to shake. The heat from the fire seemed to spread throughout the valley. Trees scorched and burned as the smoke rose shadowing the area. “The plan was for me to handle it,” said Dionna, “so I handled it.” Another explosion erupted from the center valley as debris landed to close for their comfort. “Time to move.”Reggie stared at the inferno. The building was completely gone. If anything, a structure remaining...

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Mind Palace (Pt.2)

When did it start? When did it end? When should I have said, “let him decide,” and not back down? Or should I have known better?  Another hit from the blunt. It's the third one and I receive another text from Reggie.  R: Why do you even care, Dionna? Why do you put up with me? Drunk again. D: How much have you had this time?  R: Not enough. D: Drink water. It's about thirty minutes before I receive a response. “I'm fine.”  They usually are. It's the same thing once again. They’re quietly sitting down watching televis...

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Happy Holidays, right?

Sometimes it can all just happen at once. The loss of a family member, the abuse of a friend, the curiosity about your future, and worst of all, the holidays are just around the corner. Christmas. Alright. I've started to become a little more open. Some call it alternative. Others would say sacrilege in one's belief. Likely most would now call someone like me pagan, or witch. Would that actually matter? Sitting in the car, looking at my parents house, and wondering if I should keep driving. My pitbull jumps on my lap giving me a lick acros...

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My Apologies. (Pt. 1)

Weekly Contest #282

“I'm just so fucking sorry.” It should have been since before college. Likely in a past life I should also apologize. Let's be honest. It was likely I screwed this up more than once. Yet we still keep coming back to one another smiling, making each other cry, and getting mad at one another. At the end of the day we hug, kiss, and say, “See you next time?”“Of course.” We connect with one another. We feel one another. We smell each other to comfort ourselves. We use our past experiences to make excuses as to why we're lazy. We slowly unders...

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How Volcanoes Form

Weekly Contest #161

My grandfather used to tell me, “All the burden you carry in this world is like holding a bunch of stones. At some point you'll be buried beneath the weight." He would tell this to me everyday, and finally end our conversations saying, "You might as well carry the whole damn realm." Grandpa never made since to me when I was growing up. He made even less sense after my father "inherited" the family business. Mom would talk about our grandparents. Somedays it sounded as though she was defending them. Trying to explain the different era they g...

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Just One More Time.

Weekly Contest #154

"We're running out of time!" Fifty-seven seconds left. "Of course, we're running out of time. You always seem to be running out of time when you try and stop a bomb it’s stomping a Bomb 101." Paul kept up with Calvin as they jumped to the sub-level floor. "Remember, pull the wires from their ports. Blue, yellow, purple, then green in that order." Calvin mumbled to himself as they landed on the floor. "Fifth door on the left. About thirty seconds left." Thirty-six seconds left. The corridor seemed endless by the time they reached the door....

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Next Step

Grasslands. One of the largest fields in the lands which were once called Montana. Telia stood in the middle of the field taking in the sun's heat. Her sweat rolling down her body making the shirt cling against her body. Engineering work would have to wait. The parts for the skyship wouldn't arrive until the day after and there was no other work needed to be done. A few free days to absolutely do nothing.  "Really wish business wasn't so slow," said Telia. "Might have to charge them triple." Telia returned to the grassland after f...

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Rewind

Now… They sat on the living room sofa. Keith looked to the fireplace. Beth held her hands together looking to the ground. "So, it's decided then?" Ten minutes ago… "How is this my fault," yelled Beth. Papers flew into the air as the landed in every direction.  Keith looked around feeling guilty. He didn't make the mess, but knew he was responsible. Beth's faced almost seemed to be in anguish trying to hold back any emotion at this moment. He stood and began picking up the papers. Two minutes ago… "All I'm saying," yelled ...

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Wander Through the Woods

Weekly Contest #143

The blowing wind that flows between the trees almost guiding the leaves to their fallen destination. Fall is finally arriving and preparations for the Autumn Equinox is nearly complete. Tomorrow evenings festival will be the beginning of the season and height of the wilderness' beauty. The colors of orange, yellow, red, and brown somewhat enhance the majesty of the area. Today is not my time to admire such wonders. My current objective is to gather fruit.  "I still need to gather another dozen before I can head book," I say to the chip...

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Comfort Zone

Weekly Contest #142

You’ve likely heard a similar story. There’s a place that you always seem to find comfort and relaxation. Something that could be considered a sanctuary or a safe haven. A place that helps through difficult times. Sorry, my mind likes to wander. “The rule of three.” Have you heard of it? Not sure what it means but it has something to do with these specific connections throughout the day. For me it was a library, the librarian, and an umbrella. I suppose I’ll tell you how all three fit in to just one day. Jobs are always hectic. Sometimes we...

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