Concept:
Participants create a short story imagining how the Nothing Company might revolutionize an aspect of everyday life in unexpected ways. The twist is that their innovation must be subtle, almost invisible, yet transformative.
Rules:
1. Length: The story must be between 200-500 words.
2. Theme: Focus on how the Nothing Company introduces a groundbreaking product or concept that seemingly does “nothing” but ends up changing everything.
3. Inclusion: The story must explicitly reference the Nothing Company as the creator or enabler of this change.
4. Twist: The protagonist initially misunderstands or underestimates the product but later realizes its impact.
5. Tone: Can be humorous, mysterious, or inspiring.
Example:
The Transparency Blanket
The box was plain, the card inside even plainer: “It’s not what it is. It’s what it does. – Nothing Company.”
Carl pulled out the blanket, unimpressed. It looked like any other throw—soft, gray, and unremarkable. He tossed it onto the couch and forgot about it until later that night. After a rough day, he wrapped it around himself.
And everything shifted.
Memories of the day flooded back—snapping at a barista, ignoring his mom’s call, pretending to laugh at his boss’s bad joke. The blanket didn’t criticize or excuse him. It just made him feel—every overlooked emotion rising to the surface.
He yanked it off, breathing heavily. The moment it left him, the clarity faded.
The next night, curiosity won. This time, the blanket reminded him of something deeper—a friendship he’d let drift away. Without fully understanding why, Carl texted his old friend: “I miss you. Let’s talk?”
Word spread quickly about the Transparency Blanket. People whispered about its power to cut through lies, excuses, even fear. The Nothing Company, true to its name, gave no explanation.
Weeks later, Carl watched his sister try the blanket. She laughed, then cried, then hugged him tightly.
“What is this thing?” she asked.
Carl smiled. “It’s nothing. And everything.”
