First Line Friday: “My heart pounds against my ribcage, like hands begging for someone to open a locked door.”

In our quest to encourage creativity, we post a writing prompt every other Friday. Write a story with the prompt as the first line. Share your story below or on social media using the tag #FirstLineFriday. We can’t wait to see your stories!

“My heart pounds against my ribcage, like hands begging for someone to open a locked door.”

My heart pounds against my ribcage, like hands begging for someone to open a locked door. My shallow breaths make me feel lightheaded, but I cannot stop running. I run as if heartbreak can be escaped, and when I finally cannot breathe anymore and my legs give up on pushing me forward, I fall into the grass at my feet. As I lay in the cold, tears rush out of their homes in my head and I swat at them with my long, gloved fingers. No wonder so many songs and poems are dedicated to heartbreak. It torments the soul.

Sarah Morris

My heart pounds against my ribcage, like hands begging for someone to open a locked door. I knew this moment would eventually come, but I had not anticipated for it to feel like such a dream. I had been dreaming of my wedding day since I was a young girl, and I could not believe the day had come so soon. My heart could explode with excitement as I approach the doors to walk down the aisle. The wedding was taking place on the beach, my dream location, and I would soon be marrying the love of my life.

Gracie Cox

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About Jillian Murphy

Jillian Murphy served as the Assistant Managing Editor of the UNG Press from 2017 to 2021. She is a writer and editor who specializes in kid lit, copyediting, and lame puns. Murphy is a UNG alumna, class of 2016.

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