Prompts can also be used when writing solo, but it's more fun with friends.
Often, stories that come from prompts are not as well written or planned as "proper" stories, but it's not about quality, it's just an exercise in writing.
That said, they can be good, too. Hopefully you'll enjoy this story, despite it's length (or lack there of) and the fact that I wrote it in (probably) about a day.
EDIT: I highlighted the prompt phrase in light grey, so any writers can try out the same one. And I included a link to a really good prompt resource at the end of the page.
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"Shh! Hear that?"
"I didn't hear anything."
Josh hesitated.
"Jacob, I heard something."
"Don't be a
chicken," Jacob scolded.
"I'm not a
chicken!"
"Keep it
down," Jacob said in a harsh whisper.
"I'm not a
chicken," Josh repeated, more quietly.
"Okay, then
let's hurry up."
Josh nodded.
They walked down
the hallway under the cover of darkness; their steps as silent as a
cat's. They knew that one ill step; one errant noise could alert the
sleeping residents.
Josh stared at the
dim moonlight as it slipped in through the billowing curtains of an
open window.
"Come on!"
Jacob scolded as Josh stared out the window at the bright full moon.
"You can't just stand around. Someone will catch you."
"Okay."
Josh muttered in response, only half-listening.
As they proceeded
through the house they saw an open door up ahead, so they continued
on with twice the effort to sneak by quietly. But just as they came
close to the door, a dog came out and approached them quietly. The
old greyhound stared at them with dark-chocolate eyes and a curious
expression. Though it showed no immediate signs of aggression, they
feared it would start barking and wake the household.
Jacob produced a
dog treat from his pocket and tossed it to the animal.
Content to eat at
its own leisure, the dog forgot about Josh and Jacob entirely. They
let out a sigh of relief, and moved on.
Continuing down
through the pale halls of the sleeping household, Josh and Jacob came
at last to the room they sought. Up on a surface just out of reach
was the goal of their mission.
"They're up
there," Josh said. "Go get them."
"Huh-uh,"
Jacob refuted. "You get them."
"Why?"
Josh asked.
"'Cause I said
so, that's why."
"Uhg. Fine."
Jacob cupped his
hands together for Josh to use as a step. With that boost, he managed
to reach the ledge and climb up.
And there—there
was the jar. The pot, the urn, the container of wonder.
Quietly, and with
near-infinite caution, Josh opened the lid. His hand slowly reached
towards it and into its dark interior.
The opposite door
opened with a creek, and they both knew that it was all over.
The lights came on.
"What are you
boys up to?" Their mother said, puzzled yet patient, as she
approached.
It was hard to not
be intimidated by her as she stood towering over them, regardless of
her tiredness and neutral demeanor.
"Uh… we were
just getting a drink of water." Jacob said.
Their mother got
them each a glass of water as Josh climbed down off the counter.
After drinking the
water they hadn't wanted to begin with, they made their way back to
their room, empty handed.
"We got
caught," Jacob informed Luke and Liam, glumly, as he and Josh
came into their room.
"What?"
Luke whined. "How'd you get caught?"
"We almost
made it, until Mom found us." Jacob said.
As Jacob, Luke, and
Liam complained and argued, Josh reached into his pockets and drew
out four chocolate chip cookies.
"Anyone want
one?" Josh said.
They turned to look
at him, staring in amazement at what he held. Josh couldn't help but
grin broadly as his brothers came to his side, cheering quietly as
they all shared the bounties of the mission.
For once, he was appreciated. For once, he was the hero.
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I'll probably post more writing exercises like this one in the future, as well as some full stories I'd consider actually complete.
I'll also post a good link to some prompts once I find it, for those of you who are interested.
As always, feel free to share your thoughts, questions, observations, etc.
Best wishes!
(I'm basically going to just use whatever random sign-off each time until I find one that really works)
EDIT: Here's a good list of prompts-- a couple of which I have already used.
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/writing-prompts-101/
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