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Jessica Smithgall

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Sep, 2019

Stories (5)

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7 Followers

1 Following

5 Stories

122 karma pts

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The Hot Seat

Jessica Smithgall

Submitted to Contest #249

The receptionist gives me a concerned glance as she scans over me. I’m in a hurry but I can’t help but take in the large windowed building with a ceiling that seems to stretch up for an eternity. “Restrooms are that way,” she says, pointing a finger toward the hall to the left. I almost correct her, saying I’m here for a job interview but based on her disapproving look, it’s probably wise I try to fix whatever mess is going on.The wind has done a number on my hair, small leaves weaved in and out between frazzled black strands and I have...

12 likes

Inferno

Jessica Smithgall

Submitted to Contest #249

I wake up to the sound of the crackling. It’s the walls being eaten again. Thick orange flames snake along the ceiling as the paint drips down like a viscous goo. Something about the blaze, their bright glow, and the way they dance around. I’m tempted to reach out and run my hand through them or even dance along, but for now, I’ll settle for watching as they devour my home, and eventually me. I peer out the window to find darkness except for the streetlight as it illuminates pale faces. Their expressions are solemn, unaffected by the situati...

12 likes

Bartender or Witch?

Jessica Smithgall

Submitted to Contest #233

“I’ll take a glass of your strongest drink, thanks”  “It’s a bit early for that, don’t you think?”  … “Alright, alright. One moment.”  He bounced here and there across the counter picking up this, that and the other. An array of sounds billowed up with each pour, a bubbling, then sizzling, then a crackling followed by the clack of ice being shaken up. Once the glass was full to the brim he slid it swiftly across the long countertop, a practiced and perfected move as it stopped perfectly in front of her.  Her fac...

11 likes

What’s in the Freezer?

Jessica Smithgall

Submitted to Contest #231

January 1, 2018 It was New Year’s Day but I had to work. I didn’t mind it, I liked staying busy and feeling productive about my day. I always worked the night shift at a local pizzeria. Usually there were two people who close the store but the others conveniently called out so it would just be me. 30 minutes till close I eagerly started cleaning up all that I could without taking everything down. I’d wipe the counters of the lasting food and sweep the floor as well as I could. I’d scramble to wash the dishes while swiping glances at the do...

6 likes

Blizzard Benevolence: A Serendipitous Encounter

Jessica Smithgall

Submitted to Contest #227

Outside my window, there is a flurry of white specks falling across the now crystallized grass below. I’m frantically tearing through the house, tossing things toward my room, scrambling drawer to drawer and stumbling over clothes scattered on the floor all throughout. My suitcase is crammed to the max and I have to bounce on it, nearly breaking off the zipper as it strains to maintain the chaos within.  My usual calm demeanor is replaced by adrenaline as I rush out beneath the looming clouds above…there is no time for caution, I have...

7 likes