High school writers are eligible to enter The Hallway’s contest. Theme: Wish. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 28 at midnight E.S.T. Visit our contest page for all the details.
Welcome to The Hallway!
Welcome to The Hallway, the high-school branch of Five Minutes. Click through to learn more!
Dinner Disaster
I tried to sound witty during dinner, addressing the guest with what I thought was clever. The words tumbled out—wrong, awkward, jumbled.
Just a Game
My vest’s red effulgence played in the mirror across the hallway, the distorted nature of the reflection giving the illusion of another player coming towards me. I was running alone after losing my group.
Better to Quit
Rays of sun beat down on my back, so sweaty my shirt stuck to it.
Crush
This is not desire, a hot and burning ache that sputters and growls. This is gentle. This is soft.
McNugget Family
Six flimsy boxes, ten McNuggets each, and hot fries?
Masquerade
Back in my synagogue after too long for a bar mitzvah.
Five Minutes
“You’re so pretty. You take after me,” she used to say as she stroked my hair.
Pitter-Patter
“Tell me a story,” I ask. Grandma sits in her chair, smiling at the rain: pitter-patter.
Icebreakers
I’m not supposed to know what kind of piece I’m getting yet so my figure skating coach leans in, voice lowered.