Romance/Relationships
#88 – Torn
Eddie’s mouth was hanging open. He wasn’t entirely sure what had happened.
Around him people were staring, forks held comically close to mouths, awkward coughs and murmurs circling the room like sharks. Behind him a door slammed closed.
“Can I get you a towel, sir?”
The Maître D remained professionally aloof but Eddie could see sympathy in his eyes.
“I,…. think I’ll have the bill, please.”
Eddie picked up the two halves of paper, her telephone number shredded. They’d been talking about their blind date. She’d asked what he enjoyed.
Somehow “Chilling to Netflix” was the wrong answer.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Todd Deimer via Unsplash.
Today’s story title was suggested by songwriter and author Vicky Jones. You can find out more about Vicky at vickyjones.uk. You can also follow her on twitter @VickyJones7
You too can suggest a One Word title – just pop your word in the comments or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory
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#79 – Obsidian
It was staring at him. He knew it.
The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. Lewis continued his polishing of the glass case, trying not to look at the reflection over his shoulder.
“Shut up! They’ve all gone home. There’s no-one here to look at you.”
Still the jewel stared at him.
Lewis closed his eyes but it didn’t help. The Jewel reached into his memory: its perfect, cut blackness shining under the cold museum lights.
“Okay!” Lewis swang around, his hand reaching for the Onyx stone and brushing it lovingly with the cloth.
“…. okay,….”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Julian Böck via Unsplash.
Today’s story title was suggested by Sarah Doughty, writer and poet of beautiful words over at Hamstring Eulogies. Thank you for the word, Sarah. I hope you enjoy the story 🙂
I’m eager to write more stories based on new words – suggest your one word titles by popping them in the comments section or tweeting them to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
Don’t make this the only story you read. Click any of the stories to the left of visit the “Pre Loved Words” page above. You never know what you might find to enjoy.
See you tomorrow for “Hyperbole”.
#76 -Isolation
The light bulb buzzed and spat. Water was dripping down the chord and swirling in a fine spray from the tiny barred window.
Keith sat huddled on a freezing metal bed, eyes locked into the gloom. His throat hummed as he breathed, rocking gently on his lice-ridden mattress.
He wasn’t alone. Keith walked hand in hand with Andrew over the burning pale sands of the beach. Their feet brushed through the dunes and grasses, their laughter rolled into the sky. Hearts raced as lips blessed each other.
Keith was smiling in the darkness.
In his dreams he was never alone.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Ludovic Gauthier via Unsplash.
Another title suggested by Aliki Chapple – mother, activist, actor and proud Grecian. You can follow her and her work over on Twitter @amaenad
I’m looking for new one word story titles all the time! Tell me yours in the comments section or tweet them to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
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See you tomorrow for “Abundance”.
#75 – Plunge
Goosebumps were itching on Eddie’s skin as he looked down into the pool 33 feet below. His head snapped back and he squeezed his eyes tight, a sharp breath hissing between his lips as his toes curled over the edge of the board.
“Okay, that was dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb!” Eddie whispered. The crowd below had fallen silent.
The world froze for a heartbeat,…
“Hey, Charlie Brown! Time to go splat!”
Anger forced Eddie’s eyes open. People were laughing. People were always laughing. All the time.
Everyone except Mrs. Gomez.
The trembling boy raised his arms.
She would be watching.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image by Markus Spiske via Unsplash.
Suggest your own word by tweeting it to me @timaustin2k and I’ll write a story dedicated to you. Don’t forget to hit the follow button and like the OWOS Facebook pagelike the OWOS Facebook page.
Take a gander at the other romance and coming of age short stories by clicking on the links to the left!
See you tomorrow for another 100 word short story!
#66 – More
Jane sank the spoon into the tub, her eyes fixed to the TV screen as Darcy and Cleaver tumbled through the restaurant window and slid to the tarmac. She laughed. She’d been laughing all night.
Her spoon tapped the edge of the cardboard, circling and chasing the last fragment of Ice Cream. Jane sighed as she noticed the emptiness of the container, throwing it to the side with the others.
Jane ib-dibbed for the next tub, her finger sweeping over the discarded engagement ring as she considered her four choices. She scowled and laughed with venom.
“Screw it. All of them.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image by Brandi Redd via Unsplash.
I’m looking for more one word titles! Suggest yours by writing it into the comments or tweeting me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory
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See you tomorrow for “Attic”!
#43 – Beneath
I can see you looking across. I can see your gentle smile: the old friend reflected in your gaze.
Your wave is warm and genuine. It isn’t I who waves back.
No. That hand is the hand of a coward.
While he waves, his small-talk a dull monotone of pathetic apology, I sit here beneath.
I want you. I want those lips that smile their pleasant greeting. I want that waving hand buried in my hair. I want your flesh, your breath, your need,…. your love.
He talks: I scream.
See me,…. Please.
I need you to see me,…
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
Today’s story was suggested by the staff of Halo Literary Magazine – a wonderful magazine of short fiction by female writers. Issue 1 is due to go to press very soon – read more about it at http://halolitmag.co.uk/ and tweet them @HaloLitMag.
Suggest your one word title and I’ll write a story about it: it’s easy. Just pop the word in the comments or tweet it to me @timaustin2k with the word and the hashtag #onewordonestory.
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#33 – Petrichor
The sky was purple,… no,… not sky,…
Emma sat up a moment, the sleeping bag bunching down around her waist. She let the ghosts of her dreams dissolve, clearing her mind and letting it drift towards memories of the night before.
She smiled.
She fell back, breathing in the scent of pine needles and dew. A wind was tapping against the edge of the tent and she drew her breath in time with the swelling fabric.
“Yes.”
Emma laughed, arching her back and screaming into the sky as she lifted her hand, the engagement ring shining.
“Yes! Yes! YES!!!!”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Jet van der Wouden via Unsplash.
Today’s Story was inspired by Author, Oregonian and Coffee Addict Erin Ritch. You can read her marvellous blog at nowyverns.com and tweet her @Eritch324. Thanks Erin!
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See you tomorrow for “Beehive”!
#23 – Seasick
“Oh! Isn’t it beautiful?” Anna squeezed her husband’s hand, her golden hair whipping in the sea breeze as the cruise liner rocked gently through the Pacific blue. The sun was a perfect orb against the glimmering horizon. Blue met blue, the clean salt air filling the newly-wed’s lungs and setting her spirit soaring. She shivered as a drop of liquid brushed her cheek. “We’d better get in – it’s starting to rain.”
Ten year old Kevin wasn’t having a good time on the deck above. Leaning over the edge, he retched again, wiping the edge of his green, vomit-stained mouth.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo via Uplash
Today’s title was suggested by the beautiful Vicki Oliver – Actress, reader and artist! You can find some of her work with candles at waxandwooduk.com. Please share the blog and this story on Facebook and Twitter 
Today’s story is dedicated to the memory of the enormously talented Victoria Wood who died today. God bless and keep you, Victoria. RIP.
Please continue to share and support the blog by suggesting words and telling your friends. If you want to donate a word, tweet me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “Breath”
#22 – Tea
The air swam with the scent of Rose Water and Jasmine, a million aromas spiralling on the breeze. The lush green rows of the plantation bathed in the Indian sun, a hundred pairs of feet sinking into the fertile dirt. Madhu smiled at the day, snatching leaftips from each bush and watching the women toiling the field. Beside her strode an English girl, her pale skin pinking in the sun. Madhu grinned across.
“Remind me” she asked, “What brought you to India, Katie?”
The English girl stroked the swastika tattoo on her wrist, her reply shy and quiet.
“I ran away.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash
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Today’s word was suggested by the wonderful Devika Fernando – best-selling romance and paranormal fiction author and hugely generous friend of OWOS project. You can find her at devikafernando.com or on Twitter at @Author_Devika
Devika suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. I welcome new suggestions: what will yours be?
I’ll see you back here tomorrow for “Seasick”!
#21 – Coincidence
“Jane! Fancy meeting you here,…”
Sincerity was never one of Jack’s strong points. Jane’s cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment, her teeth clenching tight.
“Jack.”
“Won’t you introduce me to your male friend?” He laboured the word male, balancing it like a dagger and twisting it just as hard. His eyes were a mix of amusement and malice as he turned his gaze to Jane’s date. There was a pause.
“…. Steven.”
Jane’s brow furrowed as she followed her ex husband’s eyes. Stephen was shifting in his seat, eyes locking to Jack’s. He choked a yearning whisper.
“I’ve missed you.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo picture courtesy of Henry Fournier via Uplash.
Like this or any other story? Hit that follow button below (if you’re on WordPress) or like the OWOS Facebook page. Oh, and share it on Facebook and Twitter
Today’s word was suggested by the magnificently named Yvonne Battle-Fenton – writer and co-producer at The Story in Lancaster and Off The Page. You can find her on Twitter @YBattleFelton.
Yvonne suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. You can too! Please do.
See you tomorrow for “Tea”
One Word, One Story 