10-Minute Writing Prompt: Running

Prompt: In ten minutes, write about what you think is happening in this image.

My story:

I paused at the top of the stairs with a heavy sigh. That day in court could have gone better. At least it was a low-profile case, so if I were to lose, maybe my reputation would still be salvageable. Still, I would have a long night ahead of me if I hoped to have even the slightest chance of redemption the next day.

It never would have occurred to me at that moment that the rest of my day would be anything less than hopeless and miserable. That was when my phone rang with the call that would change my life.

It was Stacy. I hesitated before answering, knowing she would be disappointed that I was not going to be home for dinner. My shoes made a light plodding sound that echoed along the stonework as I slowly started down the steps. Answering the phone, I began, “Sorry, Stace, but I won’t be….”

I stopped both speaking and walking abruptly when I heard heavy breathing on the other end of the line. “Stacy? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” A thousand horrible scenarios ran through my mind at once. All of the gruesome crimes that I studied every day as a part of my job were no help at all in calming me down.

After what felt like forever, she said between quick breaths, “Get home now. The baby’s coming!”