Updated: May 9, 2021
In response to its weekly writing contest, and the prompt: "Chiaroscuro: Write a story that begins in the light and ends in darkness, or the other way around."

Gray Matters is submitted to reedsy.com's weekly writing contest, in response to the prompt: "Chiaroscuro: Write a story that begins in the light and ends in darkness, or the other way around." This is a re-occurring weekly writing contest, in which applicants are 'prompted' by several categories in which to submit short-stories (1k - 3k words). The weekly winners receive $50! It's a popular contest; The applicants for that week were over 1.300 and more than 59 in that particular prompt alone, the most of all five offered. They included:
Write a story set in a city where the power suddenly goes out, leaving everyone in darkness.
Write about a character who thinks they have a sun allergy.
Set your story in a countryside house that’s filled with shadows.
End your story with a truth coming to light.
Write a story that begins in the light and ends in darkness, or the other way around.