Miniprompt: A {Plot Twist} in One Sentence

You’re reading a sentence and it takes a hard left, like “You used to be my cup of tea, but I listen to Playboi Carti now,” or “I’m not racist, but [insert stereotype].” In this miniprompt, we asked our writers to give us their best one-sentence plot twists.

Jesus Christ

“I am the Alpha and the Omega.”

Mikael Johnson

“If you’re not racist, but you’re the alpha and the omega, you’re at least a little racist…”
-Apostle “Doubting” Thomas in his letter to Jesus

Carmen Baca

What I thought mattered mattered not at all, and what didn’t matter before now did; it mattered all the more.

Jillian Conochan

“You should’ve seen it, Dad, I hit a home run but when I stepped on the plate the umpire told me I threw my bat so I was out.”

Sarah Razner

“Yeah, I went to 287 Park Drive like you said, took care of him, ditched the — wait, what do you mean it was 278?”

Jay Heltzer

“I solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States… after I switch my political affiliation.”

Natalie Brandt

“I said I love you, and I meant it at the time.”

Eric Mochnacz

I said Hi to my Dad in the kitchen today which I wasn’t expecting because he’s dead.

Devin Householder

[holding her husband’s phone, calling out from across the kitchen] “Your mom just texted us happy anniversary… and… who is Jackie?”

Mr. Joe Walker

“I know I’m late Porky, but Bugs said take the left at Albuquerque, which I did, and that just led me to a ‘Turn Right Only’ sign!”