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If your story is listed in the top 5 below, congratulations, you are among the 125 writers moving on to the 2nd Round kicking off at 11:59PM EDT this Thursday, April 11th!   Congratulations to everyone that submitted a story, narrowing down a top 5 in each heat was incredibly difficult and everyone should be proud for rising to the challenge and creating a story outside your comfort zone from scratch in 8 days.  We hope the challenge was inspiring and hope to see you in our next challenge!

#1 'Pill Betrayal' by Matthew Conley SYNOPSIS - Martin substitutes placebos for many of the pharmaceuticals in his drug store, defrauding his customers and franchiser. But John has found out, and pays Martin a visit.

#2 'The Brightness of Stars' by Jenny Peterson SYNOPSIS - Tiberius Tudor has a panacea for his patient’s ailments; but a cure for some is a curse for others. Tiberius is faced with the reality of his work when he is taken in by a family.

#3 'Side Effects' by Scott Merrow SYNOPSIS - Pharmacist Gus Gower lands the perfect job in his hometown drug store. But when an overbearing new manager threatens to upset his idyllic way of life, Gus gives him a taste of his own medicine.

#4 'Drug Habits' by Noelle Nichols SYNOPSIS - A man is suspected of stealing pills to fuel his developing drug habits and a nosy girl who has nothing better to do than speculate.

#5 'Over The Rainbow' by Jerry Constantino SYNOPSIS - OVER THE RAINBOW Liz had been alone all of her adult life and she never asked for more, but in one fateful month, she found two friends, with her to the end… a dog that stole her heart and a man who stole her money. Being a romantic at heart, she finally realized there was only one way to follow the yellow brick road and soar over the rainbow.

#Honorable Mention 'Another Day' by Sana Chebaro SYNOPSIS - The story of Johan Cernosek, a Czech pharmacist, who just injested a cyanide pill in his prison cell after being arrested for embezzlement and attempted murder. The cyanide was never intended for him.

#Honorable Mention 'The Pharmacist' by Evelyn Wiant SYNOPSIS - Robert does as he is told. He is always on track, he has always done what a man should. But a man is not meant to live his entire life at the beck and call of his wife. In his soul, Robert is ready for freedom.

#Honorable Mention 'The Vulture' by Natalie Grant SYNOPSIS - A healer and a priest go head-to-head in a battle for their village's trust.

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