My entries for competition

Memory

Promt used- sometimes memories are the worst form of torture
don't die!" A tiny voice perked out as a girl emerged out of the croud. She looked back at the words with a playful anger spread on her face

" thanks for the affirmation!" She replied back as she continued to walk ahead to the stage.

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Chloe sat on her bed that morning, her gaze drifting aimlessly to the blue ceiling, glaring intensly at the tiny spider in the corner weaving its delicate web. Her eyes grew hazy with thoughts until a sudden beep from her phone jolted her out of her trance. With a swift motion, she reached for her phone, eager to catch the caller before they hung up.

"Are you coming today, darling?" A familiar gruff voice greeted her from the other end, causing Chloe to flop back onto her cozy bed.

"I am, Dad!" she spoke with a bright tone

"We'll be waiting downtown then, dear," her father's voice reassured her before the call ended, leaving Chloe with a warm feeling of connection.

She rose from her bed in the anticipation of meeting her old friend. 

She stared at herself before the mirror, as she questioned her own choice of attire, settling on a simple black dress that seemed to mirror the overcast sky outside her window. Of course, it had to be a windy day - the universe always had a way of adding a touch of drama to special occasions.

With a small journal tucked under her arm, Chloe struggled to slip on her shoes before heading out to meet her best friend. As she stepped into the waiting car, she rolled down the windows to invite the breeze in, relishing the sensation of cool air brushing her blonde waves. 

"Where to, miss?" the driver inquired, his voice breaking the silence. "West alley," Chloe responded vaguely, her fingers tightening around the journal in her hands as she prepared for the journey ahead.

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Chloe settled into her chair during lunch break, her box of food untouched as she watched the older girls chatting animatedly ahead.

"Mind if I have a seat?" a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts, and Chloe turned to see a grinning girl standing beside her. "Sure!" she replied, welcoming the company as the girl settled in beside her, placing her own lunchbox between them.

"I'm Emma!" she introduced herself with a smile.

"Chloe, here," Chloe replied, returning the greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Chloe!" Emma exclaimed, peering into her lunchbox to reveal a lone sandwich waiting inside. The sight of the solitary sandwich drew identical expressions of amusement from both girls.

"Well, this is one sad bread," Emma remarked with a raised eyebrow, her tone filled with playful incredulity. Their shared amusement bubbled over into laughter, inviting questioning glances from the  passersby students.

"Here, have mine," Chloe offered, extending her sandwich toward Emma, who reciprocated by offering her own soggy sandwich in return.

"Your share of soggy tax!" Emma declared in a voice trying desperately to not burn into laughs

___________________________________________________

Years passed, but little had changed, much to their surprise. Emma tiptoed through the dark attic, each step with much care to avoid the creaking floorboards that threatened them. Chloe watched, gritting, as Emma moved like and inexperienced ballet dancer.

From the corner of the attic, Emma flashed Chloe a tiny thumbs-up before sliding a thick piece of carpet toward her. "Set it in the corner," Emma whispered, her voice barely audible.