Constraints: 100 word max, must include the assigned word and the assigned action, and be in the assigned genre.
Round 1:
Word: weak
Action: getting locked out
Genre: comedy
Title: I liked you better when you were a mirage
Story:
Weak from days of thirsty, doomed wandering, I staggered towards an illusive shack, seeking some final comfort in the mirage. Then I walked headlong into it. I collapsed and decided that I ought to celebrate.
So my savior opened the door to find me in a heap, nose bleeding, arm thrust forward, flashing a thumbs-up like a beleaguered hitchhiker. She paused to raise her eyebrow, and that was all it took.
*click*
"Damn." She grimaced.
"What?"
"Left my keys inside."
*********
Weak from days of thirsty, tiresome company, we staggered towards an illusive town, seeking some final comfort in the mirage.
Round 2:
Word: Daily
Action: Looking in a mirror
Genre: Sci-fi
Title: Pareidolia
Story:
In the morning I take a deep breath in and prepare to greet the face in the mirror: a daily indictment of each flaw, every imperfection roiling to the surface. The wrinkles and spots scream raving accusations about sunscreen, alcohol, hydration; the yellowed teeth wail for floss. All crying out: you're not good enough.
Amid the cacophony I flip the switch in the corner: "AI Enhance."
The face in the mirror fuzzes, reforms. Quiet. Perfect. Smooth. I exhale and watch the face in the mirror flash a flawless, pearly smile.
Daily I forget a little more which face is mine.
Finals:
Word: enough
Action: falling in love
Genre: open
Title: Perfect Days
Story:
At the end of the day she sprawls messily on the couch, eyes closed, lips parted. I sit on the floor and gaze at her face and remember that night.
The moon hung orange in the sky like a bitten summer peach and the girl who would be her bathed in its juices. I thought she was too beautiful to bear and looked away. She held me and said she worried some days were so perfect that their glare would obscure everything after, that nothing would ever feel good enough again.
But she was wrong. Every day with her is enough.