Ashtray Regrets
47-Word Micro example to promote Paul and John's 47-Words Short Story Unofficial Challenge
She had high hopes. Promises of potential.
"Potential to be - someone."
But high hopes and trauma don't mix.
Regrets and ashtray full of smoked-out blunts.
She never imagined ending up here.
Pulling her shame-covered panties, grabbing the folded cash.
Two lonely, desperate people.
Cold congress of commerce.
*
Thanks for reading
Author's Notes: Just a little something to help promote Paul and John's 47-Words Short Story Unofficial Challenge. To show I'm not excited exciting anyone to do anything I wouldn't attempt myself.
We've been completely surprised as usual by the response we've already have and may even beat the 31 entries we got fir our previous challenge.
You still have plenty of time to enter, if you haven't!
Thank you.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 03/19/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal7 days ago in Resources
Comments (6)
That was so sad. Also, surprisingly, Mr Brain was cooperative for your challenge hehehe. I'll be publishing mine in a few hours
A worthy challenge indeed! I’m intrigued - why the number 47?
WOW 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
I would advise her to throw out any shame-covered panties. I’d go commando before shrouding heaven with shame.😉🍑
I would advise her to throw out any shame-covered panties. I’d go commando before shrouding heaven with shame.😉🍑
Sadly beautiful. Another great Paul retrospective