Results: The Conviction [an unofficial challenge]

THE RESULTS ARE FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY IN!

So, big ol' elephant in the room, this post is so so SO late for a couple of reasons, but the big one is that I was having technological issues, and could not publish the results once they were made. I keep getting a "nested errors" message when trying to publish. As I have created several new drafts trying to get this submitted for review, I've noticed that the system is definitely happier with a shorter post and less links, so I'm going to skip through the fluff, and just write in the Top 3 (literally the BARE MINIMUM), and hopefully I can come back and add the notes and links after. So just... bear with me. (heh...)

THE TOP THREE

3RD PLACE: "I Was In The House When The House Burned Down" by Mike Singleton🌜Mikeydred🌛

In third place, we have Mike Singleton's "I Was In The House When The House Burned Down." Mike is an incredible Vocal creator, with (currently) 2361 stories! Insane! This short story, although only a two-minute read, is full of winding twists, a great amount of context, and a killer ending! Mike made great use of the space on his page, and told an amazing story. Well done, Mike!

2ND PLACE: "Trinket" by Kendall Defoe

In second place, we have Kendall Defoe's "Trinket." I was absolutely astounded by the lack of attention this one got, as it is truly something incredible. As an extraterrestrial/futuristic story, this story speaks on things that we can't possibly know about at this point in time, but creates and navigates a narrative that is exceptionally mysterious and gripping. Absolutely lovely, Kendall!

1ST PLACE: "Chapter ?: Bread and Bad Times" by M. A. Mehan

And in first place, taking the prize, we have M. A. Mehan's "Chapter ?: Bread and Bad Times"! Although M. A. has only been on Vocal for just over two years, they have clutched many achievments so far in their Vocal journey. Their entry for this challenge did not gather NEARLY as much traction as I believed it was worth, and I am SO glad to share it as the #1 story in this challenge! It deals with a topic that is entirely heartwrenching and uplifting at the same time... We ache for the main character and also yearn and relate, all feeling somehow in his shoes at one time or another, even though we could never experience what he went through (unless, of course, we have...). Truly astounding, M. A. Mehan! Congratulations!

Note to M. A. Mehan: I have subscribed to you, and will be reading, liking, and commenting on FIVE of your works in the next few days! Thank you so much for entering and congratulations on your win!!

EDIT: Thankfully I have been able to add the whole list of entries below (since tech issues were a problem before). Go check them out!

THE ENTRIES

Here is a complete list of all 14 entries, in the order that they came in. Thank you all so much for entering! I invite you all to go and visit the other entries, to like and comment, and show support and love for your fellow contestants! Thank you, again!

1. Mike Singleton🌜Mikeydred🌛 "I Was In The House When The House Burned Down"
2. Christy Munson "Two Rubies"
3. Shirley Belk "Unchain Us, Please"
4. Jaye Pool "Mrs. Stanton"
5. Katarzyna Popiel "The Right Thing"
6. M. A. Mehan "Chapter ?: Bread and Bad Times"
7. Kendall Defoe "Trinket"
8. Asanga Coorey "The Last Message"
9. Andrea Corwin "Still Using"
10. Andrea Corwin "Pick On Your Own Size"
11. Alexandria Stanwyck "Timothy"
12. Liam Storm "Time to Pay"
13. Mackenzie Davis "Freak"
14. Rachel Deeming "Serena"