Nursultan Tuleiakbay's Clock-Radio Fetish

Speaking as a writer, you should write it the way you want it. During the editing/revising process you will inevitably find things that are merely window-dressing and don't add any real value to the story. But if what you have left is still too long for the contest and you are absolutely in love with the story, keep it the way it is and sell it somewhere else. If you aren't already aware of this website, Ralan.com lists the guidelines for pretty much every science fiction magazine out there. Good luck!