Home     About    Books    Authors    Services    Competitions    Submissions    Contact
 

NOTES:

YOUNG WRITERS' SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2008/2009
THIRD PLACE

Please note: this work is copyright by the author and may not be used, copied or shared in any way whatso-ever without his/her express written permission. If you wish to be put in contact with this author, please contact us.

This story text appears exactly as sent in by the writer. No changes or corrections have been made; however, all stories to be included in the published Anthology will be edited for grammar and punctuation before printing.

.

"The Journey"

by Amy Haeffner (11 yrs) - UK
(Ages given are at time of entering the competition)
 

Photo: A tree frog; Amy loves them!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Haeffner: "I started writing at the age of six. I think the reason I enjoy writing so much is because I am an avid reader. Normally the books I read alter the genre and style of my writing. I am glad to have come third and will carry on writing."

COMMENTS FROM JUDGES:

A very short but meaningful story. The writer has put herself into the body and soul of something outside of herself, and achieved a glimpse for us through her eyes of this life cycle. The writing itself was intense; the writer is passionate about the subject and conveys that well. Technically the structure was fine, but I would have liked to have seen much more detail and input. I had only just got into the story when it finished, which meant I felt that the ending was a bit weak. But much enjoyed this one!
 

THE STORY:

As I wake the soft water is pulsing over my back. The calm glow of the sun reflecting on the water creates tunnels of light; serenely sloshing from side to side.

Today my journey begins. My slow and treacherous journey. Many have perished while doing this, but we have no choice; fate draws us there-against the odds- yet whether we survive is totally up to us.

I am in the Atlantic Ocean, up near Greenland. I swim freely, where I wish. Or I did- until they came. I must journey to the Pacific Ocean now, off the coast of Australia, to our breeding grounds. This will be my first time; I am young and inexperienced, yet have more strength than my fellows.

I start the swim and it feels like any other day, except, there is a strange feeling in my stomach. In the distance I hear a fog horn.

A signal that they are out there; progressing through the mist, like an unstoppable force. They are always looking for you… searching.

As I swim I lose track of time. I hardly ever stop. I eat on the go and sleep very little. I have joined a group and we swim together now, casually chatting about the days to come.

A long time into my travel we feel something vibrating in the water. We ignore it and press on. Although… it reminds me of something, from when I was young…

They’re here! Them! The hunters!  A mechanical gesture sweeps us up in a net of certain death. Everyone is shouting for help. “Swim downwards,” I scream, “come on! Swim downwards!”

We swim in a united effort to get out. It works! The net breaks! We swarm out of it, safe. Free. Exhausted.

We must keep going, we are nearly there. I will not give up! Just one more…

I am sinking, deep, my limbs ache, I am so tired… No! I must keep going; I surge forward in a sudden burst of energy. I reach the top.

I see the beach, it is there! Really there! My last few strokes and I’m there. The warm sun beating down upon me…

I am a turtle. I have achieved my goal.
 

Copyright (c) 2009 by Amy Haeffner - do not reproduce
without the author's written permission!

Back to Results Page