Behind Every Door Challenge #1
March 3 - March 16
In 2025, Microzine will share various door prompts, and it’s up to you to decide what (or who) is behind them. Perhaps a beast waiting for you? A family having a squabble? Lovers taking advantage of being alone? A knight suiting up for his next battle? An old woman waiting for a visit…from you…? A room of missing treasure finally discovered?
The possibilities of what, or who, one might find behind a closed door are endless. Step right up. Knock and enter. If you dare.
THE CHALLENGE
Using the above image as a prompt, write a story selecting one of the following stipulations:
Must be exactly 6-words, 25-words, 50-words, or 100-words in length. Title is never counted towards word count OR
a StoryStack that follows the rules outlined here:
NOTE: Put your story title & word count in brackets first, followed by your story.
Ex. [Story Title, 100]
An added element to this challenge is the deadline. Any story put in the comments AFTER the date listed below will not be considered for digital/print issues.
DEADLINE: March 16, 2025
DIGITAL/PRINT ISSUE OPPORTUNITY
Only stories shared in the comments section will be considered for digital and print issues. Stories only shared in Substack Notes will not be considered. If you put your story up on your own publication it will not disqualify it from consideration.
Good luck!
[SANCTUARY, 50 words]
It’s a dark room with shuttered doors, where the judgement of strangers is refused entry. This is the quiet space he’s needed his whole life, a place to rest, free from suspicion. His sins were absolved a long time ago, his conscience clear. Leave him alone now, let him be.
[Eternity With One For Company, 100]
Death's hand presented the dilapidated door. “Choose one person. If they choose you too, you will spend eternity with them and only them. Otherwise, you will fade into oblivion.”
“Why,” you gasped. “Who made it this way?”
Death shrugged. “If there is anyone responsible for this, then they remain hidden.”
“There's so many people.”
“Then your life was filled with love.”
Best friends, siblings, and your other half raced through your mind. Each had their flaws, but they were in your life for a reason. Who did you want? Who wanted you?
You opened the door to find your afterlife.