2026 Jan: 500 word challenge

Welcome to the 500 word challenge!
The task: plan, write and edit a short story in under 45 minutes.
So? Do you have what it takes for this challenge? We shall see...

Rules:
You may prepare as much as you want before writing the story.
You can't try to write/memorise a story that you've already written.
You MUST edit and revise, not just write.
The story must be 500 words according to google docs, NOT wattpad.
The story must have a plot (beginning, middle and end), but it's okay to focus more on interiority or theme.

Good luck!