I liked the prompt and wrote a short story (too long for comment) I know I'm ineligible here. I'll submit it through your weekly roundup on your website instead:
10996 (Jacob)
Kai turns the round brass knob of the big black door to the hotel suite. His cuticles are perfect. He has high Japanese cheekbones and dark, swept back hair.
“Step inside,” he says. The warm lights in the suite come on slowly, elegantly. “Let me take your coat.”
It’s one of those late 19th century hotels downtown that got a high-dollar makeover. Now surrounded by tech office towers.
Most of the furniture has been removed; bone white walls are mostly empty. A slim display anchors the main space. A blue, crushed velvet couch sits in front of it. The marble and brass kitchenette is unused, except the high-end espresso maker on the counter.
The main feature of the room is men. Three columns of three. Straight and still as statues. All wear shorts from that expensive yoga brand every cosmopolitan woman knows. All the same shade of off white, different lengths depending on the man. They don’t blink or breathe.
A mixture of ethnicities that represent their generations.
"I like to let my customers sit with their options first. You can touch them; they're disabled right now." He's quiet for a long beat to let it sink in. Katie keeps her hands to herself. Walks the rows. Makes deep eye contact with one man.
"You'll notice that they're all handsome, but everyday handsome." A long beat. Kai continues, "we want you to find a life partner, not just a sex partner."
Katie waves her right hand in front of another man's face. She can see her hand reflected back in his brown eyes.
The golden starbursts promised great things. [6 words]
I wanted to see these great things. I was curious. I stood on the threshold and pushed the doorbell, hidden on the ornately carved jamb. [25 words]
I heard the melodic chimes beckoning, but nobody answered the summons. I lifted my fist and knocked. I could hear no footsteps or voices behind the magical doors. Apparently, no one was home to bid me welcome. Frustration made me reckless, so I grasped the doorknob. The door swung open. [50 words]
The entryway was full of a fog so thick I couldn’t see anything. A disembodied voice suddenly spoke inside my head: “The magic lies within you. What would you have?” I thought it out. I was cold and hungry, but should I waste my wish on a single meal and night of comfort? Should I wish to live here forever, and be well-fed and warm for the rest of my life? Thinking of my friends and family, that seemed so selfish. And then I had it. I made my wish. And thus the Starburst Shelter and Food Pantry was born. [100 words]
At midnight the doors opened. The stars shone brightly, inviting those resting peacefully, to rise from their slumber and enter to receive their eternal blessing.
50 words
“I am afraid,” said Dorothy.
“The Doctor said you will never be able to see again. Hold my hand.“
“Yes mama.”
The Church came into view.
“Mama, look at the door knobs!”
“You see them?”
“Like guiding stars.” Dorothy ran up the stairs quickly and touched them.
“Count my fingers.”
100 words
“The eyes light up. An audience with the Lord is given,” said Sir George.
“When did this last happen?” asked Rodney.
“I’ve been standing here for 10 years, waiting.”
Suddenly, the eyes lit. The door opened. Sir George walked to the door.
The doorman held up a hand. “Not you. Him,” pointing at Rodney.
Sir George turned and stared. “Friend, your need must be greater. Go forth and receive the blessing that lies within.”
Rodney strode confidently to the door and held out his package. The doorman took the package and closed the door.
“Doordash,” Rodney said with a smile.
150 Words
The crowd gathered before the door.
“Friends, our peaceful protest shall demonstrate the need for all the essentials of life to be given back to us. We need to be paid for our work. We need to purchase the food to feed our families. We need to be able to care for our sick and those with other illnesses. We need to have homes that shall be heated in the winter time. We need to be able to pursue our lives in a dignified manner.”
The crowds roared and cheered loudly.
“Let us protest in peace sharing the love we feel for each other.”
“Wooo,” was the sound from their voices as the two bright lights on the door were joined by a mouth and nose that elongated rapidly.
The protesters scattered as a fiery breath emanated from the door.
“Run like rats,” said the man on the golden throne.
Sun stained portals filled the hall, yet only one radiated the warmth of truth. Freedom locked inside, the key hidden in a much smaller room.
The knock came from within her ribcage; a pounding demand for release, an offer of reciprocation. *Let me free. Let us be free.* Her resolve steeled, cold as the blade in her belt that she drew forth. It drew from her too, across the palm, and the little room opened.
Keys spilled across the tile floor wearing scarlet toned gowns, pooling in the artisanal scars which marred the floor. The sun chamber hummed at the offering, and a metallic *thunk* echoed through the space from one of the marked doors. Forgetting the little room and its open door, she pressed toward the sound that signaled freedom. Each step grew a little heavier. Her mind grew hazy, something worth recalling now muddled beyond comprehension. The unlocked door did not permit her passage, the terms had not been met. She tried to hold the skin of her door closed to no avail.
I liked the prompt and wrote a short story (too long for comment) I know I'm ineligible here. I'll submit it through your weekly roundup on your website instead:
10996 (Jacob)
Kai turns the round brass knob of the big black door to the hotel suite. His cuticles are perfect. He has high Japanese cheekbones and dark, swept back hair.
“Step inside,” he says. The warm lights in the suite come on slowly, elegantly. “Let me take your coat.”
It’s one of those late 19th century hotels downtown that got a high-dollar makeover. Now surrounded by tech office towers.
Most of the furniture has been removed; bone white walls are mostly empty. A slim display anchors the main space. A blue, crushed velvet couch sits in front of it. The marble and brass kitchenette is unused, except the high-end espresso maker on the counter.
The main feature of the room is men. Three columns of three. Straight and still as statues. All wear shorts from that expensive yoga brand every cosmopolitan woman knows. All the same shade of off white, different lengths depending on the man. They don’t blink or breathe.
A mixture of ethnicities that represent their generations.
"I like to let my customers sit with their options first. You can touch them; they're disabled right now." He's quiet for a long beat to let it sink in. Katie keeps her hands to herself. Walks the rows. Makes deep eye contact with one man.
"You'll notice that they're all handsome, but everyday handsome." A long beat. Kai continues, "we want you to find a life partner, not just a sex partner."
Katie waves her right hand in front of another man's face. She can see her hand reflected back in his brown eyes.
Full story here https://lindensblaine.substack.com/p/10896-jacob.
The Magic Behind the Door
[StoryStack] - Continuation Method
The golden starbursts promised great things. [6 words]
I wanted to see these great things. I was curious. I stood on the threshold and pushed the doorbell, hidden on the ornately carved jamb. [25 words]
I heard the melodic chimes beckoning, but nobody answered the summons. I lifted my fist and knocked. I could hear no footsteps or voices behind the magical doors. Apparently, no one was home to bid me welcome. Frustration made me reckless, so I grasped the doorknob. The door swung open. [50 words]
The entryway was full of a fog so thick I couldn’t see anything. A disembodied voice suddenly spoke inside my head: “The magic lies within you. What would you have?” I thought it out. I was cold and hungry, but should I waste my wish on a single meal and night of comfort? Should I wish to live here forever, and be well-fed and warm for the rest of my life? Thinking of my friends and family, that seemed so selfish. And then I had it. I made my wish. And thus the Starburst Shelter and Food Pantry was born. [100 words]
The Guiding Light
A Story Stack: The Separation Method
October 25 2025
Prompt by:Top In Fiction:Behind Every Door #5
Picture Prompt
6 words
Pulsating beacons invite fiction writers home
25 words
At midnight the doors opened. The stars shone brightly, inviting those resting peacefully, to rise from their slumber and enter to receive their eternal blessing.
50 words
“I am afraid,” said Dorothy.
“The Doctor said you will never be able to see again. Hold my hand.“
“Yes mama.”
The Church came into view.
“Mama, look at the door knobs!”
“You see them?”
“Like guiding stars.” Dorothy ran up the stairs quickly and touched them.
“Count my fingers.”
100 words
“The eyes light up. An audience with the Lord is given,” said Sir George.
“When did this last happen?” asked Rodney.
“I’ve been standing here for 10 years, waiting.”
Suddenly, the eyes lit. The door opened. Sir George walked to the door.
The doorman held up a hand. “Not you. Him,” pointing at Rodney.
Sir George turned and stared. “Friend, your need must be greater. Go forth and receive the blessing that lies within.”
Rodney strode confidently to the door and held out his package. The doorman took the package and closed the door.
“Doordash,” Rodney said with a smile.
150 Words
The crowd gathered before the door.
“Friends, our peaceful protest shall demonstrate the need for all the essentials of life to be given back to us. We need to be paid for our work. We need to purchase the food to feed our families. We need to be able to care for our sick and those with other illnesses. We need to have homes that shall be heated in the winter time. We need to be able to pursue our lives in a dignified manner.”
The crowds roared and cheered loudly.
“Let us protest in peace sharing the love we feel for each other.”
“Wooo,” was the sound from their voices as the two bright lights on the door were joined by a mouth and nose that elongated rapidly.
The protesters scattered as a fiery breath emanated from the door.
“Run like rats,” said the man on the golden throne.
[Storystack] Additive
Close one door, another will open.
Sun stained portals filled the hall, yet only one radiated the warmth of truth. Freedom locked inside, the key hidden in a much smaller room.
The knock came from within her ribcage; a pounding demand for release, an offer of reciprocation. *Let me free. Let us be free.* Her resolve steeled, cold as the blade in her belt that she drew forth. It drew from her too, across the palm, and the little room opened.
Keys spilled across the tile floor wearing scarlet toned gowns, pooling in the artisanal scars which marred the floor. The sun chamber hummed at the offering, and a metallic *thunk* echoed through the space from one of the marked doors. Forgetting the little room and its open door, she pressed toward the sound that signaled freedom. Each step grew a little heavier. Her mind grew hazy, something worth recalling now muddled beyond comprehension. The unlocked door did not permit her passage, the terms had not been met. She tried to hold the skin of her door closed to no avail.