ISA WRITING COMPETITION ENTRIES

couldn’t get out. We climbed trees and rocks, through bushes and rivers but still no sign of life. Just emptiness. Mum pleaded to come with us but I insisted not to, how foolish. As the sun began to set I knew we had to find shelter, so I began searching for long pieces of wood, leaves, and anything else to shelter us through the night. Luckily she stayed by my side, helping me lift the things I was too weak for. Eventually I was too exhausted, so attempted lighting a fire. Once it got started everything was much clearer and I could see us both with ease. I looked around, checking for danger or help. In doing so I came across a figure, larger than human. At first I was scared but built up the courage to explore. Pushing through any loose branches I fell in front of what looked like a large car. My interest took over and I motioned for her to come too. After exploring we found food, water and a small mattress to sleep on. When I woke up, she was beside me and the fire was still lit. After gently nudging her awake we both ate food and extinguished the fire. At this point mum could’ve had the whole police force looking for us but they wouldn’t find us, not if we kept moving, so I suggested to stay here by – what I now realised was a caravan.

We rationed all and any foods we had. After breakfast she stayed behind as I went to look for raspberries and blackberries – the only food I knew was edible around here. By the time it got to lunch my hands were full and dripping with juice as I made my way back. We both sat there enjoying the food and although what was happening to us was terrifying the surroundings were enchanting and unreal, I couldn’t believe I was spending these horrifyingly incredible times with her.

Hours passed and it was once again night, so we went inside and listened to the owls talking. I could feel her soft breath on my skin as the night grew and I continued to be untouched by the sandman. Day came and we went back to eating, picking, playing and sleeping. This felt like it went on for weeks and although I missed mum it was delightful being with her during these moments. The time came for me to go picking fruit and now also hedgehog fungus mushrooms, before lunchtime came around. I took longer than usual as we had already taken the foods nearby. Finally I’d finished and went back to the caravan. I placed down all my findings ready to cook the mushrooms and squeeze some berries into juice, but the fire wasn’t lit and our cups weren’t out. What had she been doing all this time if not getting everything ready?. I looked around after realising I hadn’t actually seen her yet. Panicking I began shouting for her. “Where are you!”, I exclaimed “This isn’t a time to joke!”. I panicked I’d already been without her before, I didn’t want to again, not like last time, NO! I blacked out. My eyes felt tense. My mouth glued shut. Finally they opened, jolting up I looked for her again without realising I wasn’t by the caravan anymore nor in the woods. I was at home, in my bed, head pointed towards the ceiling. What was going on? Mum walked through the door. I burst in tears, hugging her with any strength I had. “Mum I’m so sorry I should’ve let you come, I should’ve listened to you.” She said nothing. She just looked at me with most warming smile I’d seen for weeks. I didn’t want to break the moment but I had so many questions. “Where is she?”. I asked knowing that was the only question worthy. “Who darling?”, she asked. “Stephany”, I said, fearing the answer. “Oh darling not again, Stephany …… she………. Isn’t here anymore, remember?”. I gasped “NO!”. Then it struck me, I was the one lighting the fires, setting the table, making the hut. No one was there but me. I remembered Stephany had died of cancer 2 years ago, I was alone all this time. “But she felt so real mum, where is she?!”. There was silence and mum’s eyes watered. “She was there sweetie, just in you heart.” Mum hugged me as I felt Stephany’s presence, I looked up and saw her. “Stephany”, I cried reaching for her. But mum held me back while I watched her drift away.

By Elena H. Yr 8

My last trip to Columbia was eight years ago. I was twelve when I last went, and I had all my family with me. Now I have no one, but I was once again on my way to Columbia. As I stood in the queue, I pondered on what my family would be like.

My cousins, when I last saw them, were six and eight. Now they would be fourteen and sixteen, almost grown up! And my aunt and uncle, two of my favourite people in the world. My abuela I’d missed so much, and I couldn’t wait to see her again.

I’d been excited for this moment for years, and it was definitely worth the wait. As I started to board the ship, my pace quickened, my heartbeat rose. If you could not already tell, I was thrilled to be getting on that ship.

Through the corner of my eye, I spotted something -the most magnificent boat I had ever seen. It had the whitest sails and the smoothest deck. Up close, it was the biggest, greatest ship of all time. I had to get inside. Checking that no one was coming, I hurried across the port and into the boat. Footsteps had started walking along the corridor behind me, so I dived into a room and behind a sofa. “We can’t continue like this!” Two men had come into the room and started talking. “What choice do we have?” the second person was saying to his companion. “The boss will never let us quit, not with what we know.” Thoughts were rushing through my head, what were they talking about and who was this ‘Boss!?’ About five minutes later they left the room. “Phew I can breathe again,” I muttered to myself. I quickly realised that talking was a mistake as it brought a tickle to my throat, and hiding behind a sofa full of dust was not helping. “Achoo!” I tried to be as quiet as possible, but at that precise moment the captain of the ship walked past the room. Suddenly, I was dragged to my feet.