April 14 – April 27
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: April 27, 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!
What Has Been Seen, Cannot Be Unseen [ 50 ]
I entered the room without knocking and found my mother dancing the tango with Uncle Charles. A fur rug lay in front of the fireplace, the scent of patchouli hung in the air. They were drinking champagne and wearing nothing but party hats. Joining them seemed out of the question.
Door #1 (6)
One skeleton key
Unlocks both doors.
The Locked Door
A Story Stack: Separation Method
Prompt by:Microzine: Behind Every Door Challenge #4
Doubling Down (6)
Doubling down: Not a good sign.
All In The Family (25)
“Of course,” Warren thought. “Having one lock wasn’t good enough.” He thought about how his family’s relationships had sunk so low. He shook his head.
Planning Ahead (50)
Jill stepped up to the ancient door that was secured by a paddle lock.
“Do you own this building?” inquired Seth, her latest date, as he eyed the dilapidated buildings on the street.
“Own it?” questioned Jill. “No,” she replied as she undid the lock and opened the door. “Why would you think… Oh,” she responded, “This was the only way I could keep my stuff safe.”
“So you live here?” he inquired as they stepped through the door. The lighting reflected an expensive, well decorated room.
“For now,” she replied. “My future lies elsewhere. I want better than this.”
When Force Works (100)
The small sledge hammer whacked the lock causing it to open immediately. “Whoa dude! That was awesome!” called out Big Joe.
Madison removed the lock and opened the door.
“Okay. Pay up,” he said to his gang holding his hand out.
As they approached him to pay, a sudden fear crept over their faces.
Quickly they backed away until they had put some distance between themselves and Madison.
“What are you guys doing? Pay up,” he demanded.
One gang member pointed at the door.
“You rang,” uttered a huge man, as he pulled on the rip cord of his chainsaw.
Behind Locked Doors (150)
Abner paused at the entrance to the alley, shifting his basket from one hand to the other. He looked around furtively before continuing. His instructions were clear. No one was to see him. If anyone approached he was to abandon his assignment. He counted the doors but in the end it was not necessary. The gold padlock shone like a beacon in the darkness. Quickly he set the basket down and fumbled in his pockets.
Abner inserted the key and opened the lock. He pulled on the door handle, placing the basket inside the door. Within the basket came a cooing sound. He gave it a forlorn look as it rolled over. With one last look he closed the door and relocked it from the outside.
He quickly ran down the alley relieved to have completed the task. What went on behind the lock door was none of his business.