Writing for Fun

10 Word Story Challenge

Ernest Hemingway did it with 6 words!

Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash / Edited by the author

I was like the new kid on the block, looking at a group of other kids forming teams to play soccer.

“C-C-Can I join?” stutters the new kid who has never played the game.

“Sure!” invites Jason Provencio. “We just happened to be one short.” (He actually wasn’t, but it just goes to show his kindness.)

So here goes. I hope the ball doesn’t hit me in the face.

1. Tympanic sounds of thunder crash above gray summer storm clouds.
2. The boy runs up several stone steps in straw sandals.
3. He reaches Silver Temple at the top breathless and exhausted.
4. A stoic monk opens his door, peering down at Hiyoshi.
5. “Lord Oda sent me to deliver this message, your Reverence.”
6. “Come inside and join me for some roasted barley tea.”
7. Monk Yoshiro read the ten-word message written on bamboo.
8. “If it isn’t insolent to ask, what does it say?”
9. ‘The boy messenger Hiyoshi is now your new regional daimyo.’
10. Then the monk bowed deeply and said, “At your service.”

[ A daimyo was an administrative lord in feudal Japan.]

Photo and edit by the author

As always, thank you for reading! Any constructive feedback or even a friendly hello would be greatly appreciated! I live for and thrive on interaction and connection! (You don’t even need to clap or follow me :)