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Nana Lemon

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2023

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66 Followers
61 Following

52 Stories

768 karma pts

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Zauberling

The lights were already switched off when the elevator doors opened. With a forceful push the cleaning trolley mastered the gaps in the floor. Just as the young woman stepped out as well, the doors closed, almost catching the back of her grey overcoat.The emergency light illuminated the empty corridor enough for Pearl to avoid the benches and few of the potted plants. She slowed down.Wouldn’t be wise to break something now.Suddenly, some music travelled her way. Followed by a cacophony of giggles.Rather cackles.With a small grunt the young w...

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Mixing it up

With a sign Finn wiped up the condensation stain on the counter. With a casual flick of his wrist, he threw the damp paper towel ball toward the dustbin under the counter. The ball hit the back rim. It bounced off. The quick movement of his right hand was still too slow, and the paper towel landed on the floor.With another sigh, the middle-aged man looked around. There were four teenagers in the front of the shop. His part-time worker was nowhere to be seen. Rubbing his right thumb and middle finger a few times, he finally snipped and the to...

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Burning Sun

Branches snapped. Blades were swung. Boots pounded over the forest floor. Harsh breathing was followed by angry shouts.We can’t be caught.Meralda’s lips moved. No words were audible. A blue orb formed in the girl’s palm. With one wide movement the spell engulfed the running feet like fog.“Woah!”Polina shot her a smile. The other just grunted. Pushed by the spell, they sped up. Meralda ignored the branches slapping her arms and legs. The shouts following them grew fainter. Polina and Sila slowed down slightly.“Push on!”Ingrid’s voice made eve...

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Yearning

Weekly Contest #363

Grey.My feet curl in the wet sand while my gaze grazes the waves in front of me. Just like the sea the sky is grey. Darker though. Clouds are hanging dangerously low. They look heavy. Ready to burst. At the horizon the dark grey melts into the muddy grey.Infinite ocean or infinite sky?My trousers are folded just below my knees. The waves lick my lower calves. In response I lick my lips. Once. Twice. The salty taste is familiar. The taste of seaweed and mud stirs a memory. I close my eyes and concentrate.Darkness.I open my eyes. My heart is p...

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Fire Rain

Weekly Contest #363

A faint rumbling echoed in the castle’s corridor. The earthen keg hit the floor. Shards flew in all directions. Melissa stared at the mess on the floor. Just for a moment she followed the red liquid spreading over the tiles, like long spindly fingers grabbing everything in their way. Trying to reach her as well. Then she saw her distorted reflection. She flinched.“What was that?”The shout made the girl set into motion. She crouched quickly. Pain travelled up her knees. With shaking fingers she collected the smaller shards, placing them in th...

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Shifting Focus

Weekly Contest #362

The sun is sinking slowly. Its golden rays break through the dense leaves of the walnut tree. I can see a myriad of green husks. Some branches hang lower than usual.“Can you move a bit?”My sister-in-law approaches me and I step aside mumbling an apology. She balances the tray with plates, cutlery and glasses. With glasses clinking against each other, she places the tray on the table. There is now a crease in the tablecloth and my fingers itch to pull the fabric.“Sam, go inside and help your brother to prepare the salad.”I turn around. My mot...

9 likes 2 comments 2
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Between the Pages

Weekly Contest #361

His hands in the soapy dishwater Simon scrubbed vigorously. Water splashed on his T-shirt and face. One single tiny bubble emerged from the sink. It floated upwards. It lingered for a second. Then it popped in front of his face, leaving a soapy taste on his lips.“Stop joking around. Make sure the dishes are clean.”Simon didn’t turn his head to look at his father. Instead, his fingers squeezed the sponge that it completely disappeared. The ruff side pressing in his palm, while lukewarm water covered his lower arms.Stupid, shitty chores.Slowly...

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Five more minutes, please!

Weekly Contest #360

The rustling of paper surrounds me. The smell of eraser dust mixes with it. I stare at the paper in front of me.There is movement next to me, but I don’t dare to turn my head.Don’t draw attention.I focus on the paper again. The white of the paper hurts my eyes. It’s almost as if it was reflecting the ceiling lights. The thin blue lines blur. I blink. Several times. The lines don’t sharpen. My fingers wrap around the pencil. My only lifeline. My eyes water. I exhale. Then I close them.The burning sensation eases slightly. The scratching sound...

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One last box to pack

Weekly Contest #359

The summer sun bathed the room in golden light. With it came the summer heat. The small fan worked at full speed to swirl around the stuffy air. Linda wiped her forehead.Such a chaos!Pulling a face, she tried to dry her hands on her jeans. The stickiness clung to her fingers.“Tom! Where’s the tape?”Her voice echoed in the half-empty room. There were boxes pushed toward the wall. Their contents neatly written on the side of each box.“Tom! Tape!”There was a faint rustling of plastic coming from outside the study. Linda waited to hear steps on ...

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My Doubts Don't Bind You

Weekly Contest #358

2006Locking the door to his office, Richard made his way down the corridor. The lights in the seminar rooms as well as the small special library were already switched off. With a soft hum and light step, Richard looked forward to spending the rest of his evening at home. At every door, he pressed the handle, to finally turn the corner. Immediately, he saw the keg of light coming from the research room. Richard sighed heavily.Told them so any times to pay attention to that. Checking his phone to see he would get an earful from his partner; he...

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My Friend Vincent

Weekly Contest #357

Despite all those years in the industry, Pedro had to fight back the sour taste in his mouth. The sweet smell of decay lingered in the air. It mixed with the stench of stale fryer oil.Don’t breathe in too deeply. Check and leave.“Ah, Mr. Gonzales?”Pedro turned around to look at a short, stout man whose face almost disappeared behind a bushy beard. In contrast, his bald head was as shiny as the greasy countertops.“It’s Pedro Vargas. I’m taking over for Mr. Gonzales.”Lifting his ID as health inspector, Pedro always felt pride followed by cring...

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Can't you hear the ticking noise?

Only slowly Lejan’s eyes got used to the dim light breaking the darkness around him. The lantern was in his master’s hand, giving Lejan only a small cone of light to work with. Lord Taran moved his chin curtly and started walking without further explanation. The servant tried to follow him as quietly as possible. The wet stones under his feet drew more of his attention than he wanted. Each step felt like he might slip. The darkness wasn’t absolute, but Lejan felt it even hugging his mind.Why the sewers? Aren’t you a lord? A carriage wasn’t a...

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Joss paper and jade

Weekly Contest #356

The rows of washed-out pink chairs were mostly occupied. The hot humid air filled with traces of incense, burned paper and disinfectant. Ghost Month didn’t make it easier to breathe during the hottest time of the year.Mary’s eyes scanned the chairs and discovered an empty seat. The carrier straps rubbed against her sweaty skin with every step she took. Passing the rows of coughing and sneezing people, the bundle pressed against her chest started to stir. Her hand patted the back of the carrier. Her steps changed into a slight bouncing moveme...

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With rosemary and rue

Weekly Contest #356

Dearest Laura,It was so lovely to see you again. And your party was great! I haven’t had so much fun for ages. You know with the kids and Martin … but that’s not what I want to write about … no whining.How’s the renovation going along? It already looked so cozy. I always loved your visions. Send me some photos as soon as you are done, will you?-----The letter has been lying around for a week. Simon interrupted me. Then Sophie was sick. Martin I think I won’t be able to write more any time soon. Sorry.I hope to hear from you, nevertheless.Lot...

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Whipped Cream and Lava

Weekly Contest #355

Volcano eruptions are one of the most fascinating events in nature. Dangerous, for sure, but in their wake new life will flourish. This being said, they are not tied to any specific time of the year. So, it is wise to always be prepared and look for signs of an impending catastrophe.While volcanoes don’t care about schedules, Corinna’s sole focus is the moving hands of the clock. Half stiff cream drips off the hook when she puts down the hand mixer. She sighs. There are specks of white on the red apron, covering her light-colored sundress. S...

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