Welcome to Week Three! Can you believe we’re at the halfway mark for the challenge?
You all did so well with your stories last week! There were so many interesting and unique ways you interpreted the prompt. It’s now the third week, so it’s time to do it again! Will your story have aliens? Zombies? Maybe it’ll have a dragon in it! Whatever you decide, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.
So, without further ado, here’s your next prompt!
Week Three Prompt – The Starting Sentence Prompt
Write a story that starts with the
following sentence: So this is what drowning feels like.
Wait…what’s a “Starting Sentence” prompt?
A sentence prompt is a prompt that uses a particular sentence. It doesn’t matter where your story takes place, who’s in it, or what’s said. The only thing that matters is that your story must start with this sentence: So this is what drowning feels like.
Before you start writing, we have some important rules for you to follow.
Writing Rules
1. Please keep the content of the stories you post to a PG rating. Please avoid real curse words. Violence/fighting should be limited and purposeful. Please do not include any spice.
2. Your story must be 1,000 words or less, and must contain the prompt to be counted for the challenge. You’re not required to post it in order to “win” the challenge, but if you want it to count for your team, your story must be posted by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET, and you must include your team name.
Remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and post your story as an “answer” to this question, not a “comment”. 🙂 You’re all doing such a great job! I’m so proud of all the stories you’ve posted.
Happy Writing!
Will you notice if someone is like 1-25 words over the 1000 word limit (asking for a friend hahaha)
what if i accidently posted my story as a comment last week lol? does it still count?
Hey Izzy and Ava,
If you accidentally post your story as a comment instead of an answer, you should get an email to alert you! It will still count for points for your team, but no one will be able to vote for it.
And, to answer your question for your friend 😉 As far as word count, for your story to count for the challenge, it does need to be 1,000 words or under. Great questions!
The Beacon
by:
Melissa K. Andres
Team #1 Submission
So, this is what drowning feels like.
Drowning is a cacophony of sensations like no other. It is as if the surrounding world ceases to exist, and all that is left is the crushing weight of the water. The lungs burn, desperate for air, but every attempt to breathe is met with searing pain. A deafening roar fills the ears and drowns out all other sounds. The water rushes in, filling the senses, and the victim is left struggling to find a way out.
The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming. You become trapped, unable to escape the suffocating grip of the water. The mind races. Thoughts are fragmented and disjointed, as the body screams for oxygen. Panic sets in, and you are consumed by a primal urge to survive.
But even amid such chaos, there is a strange sense of calm. A resignation, perhaps, that this is the end. The water closes over the head, and you are left only to drift, weightless and free. It is a peculiar feeling, this hopeless surrender to the depths.
In those final moments, time seems to slow. The world narrows to a single point, and all that is left is the sensation of the water, the struggle to breathe, and the creeping darkness. It is a feeling that is both terrifying and mesmerizing, an unparalleled reminder of mortality.
Melena’s world went dark as the water closed over her graying head. She felt the panic rising, her lungs burning, and her aging body thrashing against the weight of the water. But beneath the alarm, she sensed a strange calm, an acceptance of her fate.
As she descended into the depths, Melena’s mind began to slow. Her thoughts fragmented, her memories rising to the surface like bubbles. She saw her childhood, her family, her loved ones. She saw the moments that had defined her, the choices that had led her to this place.
The panic still simmered, but it was no longer in control. Melena’s body relaxed, her muscles releasing their tension. She felt the water’s gentle caress, a soothing balm for her frazzled nerves. She began to drift, weightless and free, her spirit surrendering to the depths.
In that moment, Melena understood the paradox of horror and calm. She knew both could coexist, that they were two sides of the same oar. She knew fear, pain, and desperation, but she also knew peace, acceptance, and surrender.
As darkness closed in, Melena’s thoughts turned to her loved ones. She hoped they could find peace, that they could move on without her. She hoped they could remember her, not as the person who had died, but as the person who had lived.
And then, everything went black.
As Melena’s vision faded, a feeling of serenity washed over her. She saw a light in the distance, a warm and gentle glow that seemed to envelop her. She noticed a profound closeness, a sort of comfort and love that she had never experienced before.
Soon after, she was standing on a sandy shore, surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear water. A figure stood before her, a kind countenance with piercing eyes. Melena felt an aura of recognition, as if she had known this person her entire life.
“Who are you?” she whispered.
His voice was full of deep compassion. “I am the One who has been with you always,” the figure replied. “I am the Lord your God, the One who loves you and redeems you.”
The woman exuded wonderment and awe, at the majesty of God. She knew He was someone that transcended human understanding.
God reached out and took her hand. Tranquility filled her heart. “You are loved,” He said. “You are cherished. You are My child.”
As Melena looked into His eyes, her fears and doubts melted. She knew she was no longer alone; she was part of a larger story. She had purpose and meaning. She began to look at the beauty around her. The palms trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and the water sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. But it was God that held her attention.
“Who am I?” she asked with curiosity. “What happens now?”
God smiled. “This is a journey we will take together.”
Melena knew she was in good hands. God would guide her through whatever lay ahead. As they walked along the shore, the grandmother viewed scenes from her life playing out like a slow-motion movie. She saw moments of joy and sorrow, triumphs and failure. She saw the boat God had stepped from to save her from herself and her darkest moments. She saw the choices she had made, and the paths she had taken.
God pointed out each moment of beauty and ugliness, love and hurt. He showed her how they had led her to this place, how every choice had been a step on the journey. Melena felt His insight into her life and His understanding. He revealed His power and majesty. She saw the world through His eyes, and it was exquisite.
A multitude of people surrounded her, each with their own struggles and doubts. As she searched each face her eyes landed on her son’s. She noticed his pain, his fear, his darkness and his uncertainty. And she knew she had to help him.
God smiled. He knew her thoughts. “You have a role to play in these lives,” He said. “You have a message to share and a beacon to shine into the shadows.”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Dear Lord,
This is a fictionalized story but, as You know, I am Melena. Please help my son this week as he goes to trial for a crime he did not commit. Help the jury see this and soften his accuser’s heart. Please allow me to be a beacon to shine into the shadows.
Melissa
Hi Melissa, like what you’ve written, God loves you and He cares for every big and little thing in your life. I think this prompt was really timely (Holy Spirit works wonders) because in a similar vein I was feeling overwhelmed by things in my life this week, too. But in faith, we can trust God is going to show Himself and He will give you and your son His grace and favor in trials, both literally and figuratively.
Hi Melissa. I’m not sure if the prayer at the end is part of the story or a note to readers, or what. But I wanted to offer my love and prayers for you and your family, especially your son. Feel free to reach out to me either on Facebook or email. I’d love to connect. I have been there before and we’ve all been in hard places before. It’s just a side effect of living in a fallen world. But our Redeemer lives and He never forsakes us, even when circumstances don’t make sense. 💙 & 🙏 ElizaJuneSapphire@gmail.com
Wait so if we like accidentally post our stories as a comment here, will it count or be ignored?