So the final round came along and the remaining writers were given our word. And it was an appropriate one, since I had forgotten it was coming that night and was out at a concert when I checked my mail and read, "SURPRISE"!

So, sitting in a bar while two guys played excellent acoustic guitar three feet from me, I wrote some 140-character stories that incorporated the word "surprise." Got home in time to write another, and here's what I submitted, with titles added later for fun.

First, here's the one that the judges selected as one of the top 25 finalists, which was really cool. Go here to vote for me to win!

Timeless Memories

I never want to forget the surprise on her face when I proposed.

And, thanks to a sharp knife, some fixative, and a frame, I never have to.

Here's the other two:

At the End

Together 70 years, her illness still came as a surprise.

"I love you," I said.

"You know," she smiled, "I'm starting to think you mean it."

Tactical Advantage

He had soldiers and knights aplenty.

So our tanks were a surprise, but that’s time travel for you. Tomorrow we’re off to settle Napoleon.

And here's the ones I wrote that I didn't submit:

Be Careful What You Ask For

"Don't try to surprise me," the birthday girl said as I led her in the dark, "it never works."

I smiled, and released the flaming monkeys.

Present Tense

Time travel works! Went home to surprise my wife and there was future me! Unfortunately, I shot him.

Quick, help me destroy this machine…

Did I mention voting? I might not have mentioned voting. Go here to vote for me to win! G'head, I'll wait. It's good for you!