The neon lights of the city flickered like a thousand fireflies, casting a vibrant glow over the bustling streets. Tonight was the night. After years of dreaming, planning, and saving, I was finally going to see my favorite artist, Taylor Swift, live in concert. My heart raced with anticipation as I joined the throngs of fans outside the arena, each of us buzzing with the same electric energy.

As the doors opened, I felt a surge of excitement. I clutched my ticket tightly, weaving through the crowd to find my seat. The stage was a masterpiece of lights and sound equipment, promising a night of unforgettable music. I could hardly contain my excitement as the opening act began to play, their music a tantalizing prelude to the main event.

But then, just as the final notes of the opening act faded, the arena was plunged into darkness. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of confusion. Moments later, an announcement crackled over the speakers: “Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen technical difficulties, the concert will be delayed.”

THE END

This was supposed to be

the most exciting night of my life

but then the moon

cast it’s shadow

On the Magical earth

Taking away the beauty

Of the fascinating sky

Crickets start chirping their

Midnight song

In a place with nothing bright

The moon is the ruler of the darkness

As I walked down the street and was three quarters way from her house. Ever since I left I felt like something was wrong or missing. When Sabrina messaged me she gave me a link to know that its me when i come to her house. But then that’s when i realized…I FORGOT MY PHONE!!! I stressed out so i tried to run home quickly but I saw a cat walking by and I tried petting it but it quickly turned into a buff cat!! It said “what the skibidi!!!!!!!” Then I asked it for a ride home but then it scratched me! I ended up having to be taken to the hospital and I never heard from Sabrina again. :(

This was going to be the most important night of my life. The winner of the writing competition was going to be announced! The announcer came out onto the stage, and the crowd fell silent.

“The winner of the Fall Writing Competition is…”

But before he could announce the winner, the lights went out. Everyone was thrown into darkness.

“Me.”

One light blinked on. There was a little girl in the beam of light. She looked about 12 years old.

“I wrote this story.” She said. “I wrote all of you.”

“Get off the stage!” Someone yelled.

“Tell us the real winner!” Someone else shouted. In seconds, the whole crowd was screaming. But then, they all turned to dust, and blew away in the wind. Only some people were left.

“This is my story,” the girl said. “And now it’s time for me to make some…revisions.”

I turned to run, but I could feel myself fading.

“Goodbye.”

And the whole world was erased.

It has been 10 days since the day of the concert being canceled, but I’m still thinking about what had happened that day, I had a flashback. Yet, the flashback had been about something that couldn’t be possible. I read through some books about history, then I remembered…NOTHING. Yes I know you might be thinking after 10 days of research, I should have found something. So after another day of working, I went to sleep. But little did I know, my life was going to change when I woke up. Why? You may be wondering. Well, it’s cause tomorrow, I become 12 years old! To be continued…

Atharv Kale

THE END.

I made my way through the murky wood, completely undetected. The adrenaline rushed through me. I would finally escape. But then I saw the bright lights, blinding me in the unilluminated woods. I heard the engines of the vehicles. They were coming to catch me, forcing me back to labor every grueling day.

I had to run. I had to escape. The cracks of the whips, the yelling and shouting of the master and horrified screaming of the tortured slaves. It left a scar on me that would never heal.

The master was cruel. He forced us to grow crops and harvest them by hand. We got nothing. No payment. No respect. No color or music or entertainment. Ever. We had to serve the guests. Always. We had to retrieve as much as they asked. If we dropped anything, we were whipped. Anyone caught trying to escape would be put down, killed on the spot.

I couldn’t get caught. But the dogs were onto me. I could hear them barking, being much faster than I could ever be. How did I end up like this? How was I born into this slavery, just to try escaping and being killed? I hated this. I HAD TO ESCAPE!!!!

NO! HOW COULD I END UP LIKE THIS?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WH-

And then I felt the hand of a person clamp over my mouth. I felt the barrel of a gun up against my head. It was over. I was done. All I could do was kick and scream and yell and flail aroun, but on the inside, I had already accepted my fate…

“Let’s go, Quinn!” My mom called. “You’re going to be late for your appointment!” “Coming!” I yelled. I sped down the stairs as quick as I could and jumped into the car. “Ready?” asked my mom. “Of course!” As we sped down the highway, I couldn’t help thinking about how great I was going to look after I got my ears pierced. I was so distracted by my thoughts that I didn’t even realize that we were here. “Quinn, let’s go inside.” “OK, mom.” We strode inside and told the lady working at the front desk that we were here for my ear piercing appointment. “Alright, you can go on in,” she said, smacking her gum. Once we walked inside, a young lady with brown hair, hazel eyes, and a warm smile came towards us. “Hi guys! I’m Brooke and I will be piercing Quinn’s ear today!” I grinned with joy. “Come sit down.” Brooke beckoned towards a nearby chair. “This will be a simple and harmless procedure, ok? I’m just going to stick the needle in and out, ok?” She started rattling down the list of things she was going to do, but I couldn’t care less. It was finally going to happen! As she rubbed the numbing cream on my ear, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Brooke stuck the needle in. Suddenly, Brooke screamed along with my mom. I opened my eyes and looked into the mirror. My ear was so bloody and my mom looked like she was about to faint. What had happened in those few moments that my eyes were closed?

— Aahana Tyagi

Recently, she had taken to finding my family. 3 weeks ago, Nanny found a family of 3 who had been on the cruise and lost a 2 year old daughter. She scheduled an appointment to meet them here tonight, and after 10 whole years, I was super excited to meet them. “This is the best birthday present ever!!” I said happily as I dug into my pancakes. I was turning 13 today, at 4:15 pm. The exact time my parents were coming. After talking to Nanny and doing homeschooling, we waited for them to show up. And waited. And waited. And waited. By the time Nanny got the text, it was 8:30 pm.

“We are so sorry we couldn’t show up. Denali got sick on the flight, so we will not be able to meet Carolina until she gets better. Doctor says we should go home, so we will meet you two in 3 more weeks. Can’t wait!!!” My family wasn’t showing up for another 3 weeks. It would’ve been the most exciting night of my life, but no, they weren’t showing up.

-Elliot J

Sherry Silverman 

Prish Shah

I died.

I was 95. I lived a moderately successful life. And I was about to turn 96. Now I’m dead.

The End.

I have to the point of my life, where existence precedes any an all accomplishment. I live to not die. When I am alive, I am not dead. Now I’m dead. I did not die in pain, because I am not feeling pain. But I am still around. As I walk through the endless expanse of darkness to meet my doom. If only I was alive. And suddenly I wake up. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. The sudden chime of the alarm clock jolts me out of my thoughts. I am alive, I thought. “Good morning!” A voice calls out. “Happy 96th birthday!” I walk out and make breakfast. Huh, I thought. It was just a dream. As I go through the comfort of my morning and afternoon routines, I think on how glad I am to be alive. I love existence. Finally at 9:30 PM, In front of my family and friends, singing Happy Birthday, I die… And wake up in a dark endless expanse.

5 hours before

We where yelling to the top of our lungs up, up, up, and down we went through loops up and down we went and then it was over we got off the ride with a smile from ear to ear

But then, as I was about to serve for the set, everything changed. A murmur rippled through the crowd, heads turned away from the court, and phones lit up the stands. I looked at my coach, who shrugged, also confused. The umpire leaned down from his chair, whispering that there was a problem. There was a power outage, and the generators were broken. The light flicked on and off, and with each jolt I was feeling more and more distraught. How would we play like this? Is my once in a lifetime chance going to be gone? I pushed it aside, determined to stay focused. I served the ball, but my timing was off, the ace I wanted now a fault.

The second set began, but the atmosphere and my mindset had shifted. The crowd was distracted, their cheers replaced with worried whispers. They shined their flashlights to replace the overhead floodlights, but it was just not the same. Alcaraz, seizing the opportunity, took control of the match. I struggled to keep my head in the game, my concern for what was happening in the stadium gnawing at me. The lights flickered again, a grim reminder of the chaos unfolding on the court. I lost the second set in a blur of double faults and unforced errors. The night that had started with such promise was unraveling fast.

As we entered the third set, I made a decision. I looked up at the anxious crowd, then at Stefan, who was bouncing the ball, ready to serve. I raised my hand, signaling to pause the match. “I am not giving up!” I yelled to the crowd. Carried by the jovial cries of the crowd, I focused and started cooking. I was going to win this. The next 2 sets were my blood, sweat, and tears. A new energy reverberated through me. “Let’s goo!” I had won.

Not threatening

-Aiden

The street lights flickered as we drove down the street. We were all silently squealing in our seats as we were driving to the airport to go to Hawaii! We were just discussing what the hotel rooms would look like and then the car came to a sudden halt.

 “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Ugg,” My sister moaned in the passenger seat, “Why a traffic jam?” And groaned some more. 

“No worries.” My mom said, about 1 hour later we got through! But we’ve already missed the flight!   

It was a rainy Thursday evening when your parents called you into the living room. The air was thick with anticipation, and you could sense that something significant was about to happen. Your mother, usually so composed, looked nervous, while your father fidgeted with a small, ornate box.

“There’s something we need to tell you,” your mother began, her voice trembling slightly. “Something we’ve kept from you for a long time.”

“What is it, Mother?” I said as I entered the cottage’s living room. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought she winced when I said “Mother”. Of course, I was totally imagining that. Why would she need to wince?

“Hon, don’t get mad or anything, but D-Dad and I need to tell you something,” She said. “How long will this take?” I ask, making sure it won’t sound arrogant or impatient. “It’s just, you know, Chris and I, we have a date tonight…” I trailed off as she said, “Sorry, you’re going to have to skip the date, sweetie.” “Ok,” I whispered.

“Kate, you… oh, Jake…” Mother burst into tears. “Mother, what is it? Dad, please, tell me!” I was scared now. Tears filled my eyes.

“Kate… your parents are dead.”

“But you’re alive?” I asked quizzically.

“That’s just it. We aren’t your parents.”

Kill me.

I’m not going to go into the details. It was pretty bloody. Either way, I’m dead now. Oddly, I can still feel my fingers. I can still see a faint white light through my eyes. Strangely, my face still hurts. A sharp pain runs through my body, nearly causing me to wince, but I can’t. Am I dead? My vision begins to cloud, darkening as my muscles grow tighter; and then it clears. I can see clearly now. I cannot move, I cannot speak, but I can see. My life will go on, but my consciousness will stay. I can see the wreckage of my living, torn apart by the explosion that took my life. I can see my parents picking up my body and hiding it below the floorboards. I wonder if they felt any regret. I can still see through a hole in the floorboards now. My parents are eating dinner. I blink. My parents are driving to work. I blink. My parents are rebuilding the bookshelf. I blink. My parents are carrying heavy boxes. I blink, and blood rushes through my head, the feeling returns to my fingers, and life returns to my body. Burning with rage, I pick up a shard of wood and jump out of the floorboards. A few moments later I am the only living thing within this house. A few moments later, I realize the people I killed were not my parents.

Note:

This story is about how you should always think clearly so you never do something you will severely regret.

Alina

“Earth to Luna!” My dad said, hushed and annoyed. His voice cut through my thoughts. There was a crawling noise that temped me o look down. Once I did I saw a dark, black shadow, creeping through the crack of the door. My dad removed the rug that was never allowed to be removed. The shadow hissed in pain. “ Run!” My dad shouted. He opened a panel and jumped in.

I heard ear-piercing screams. I looked back, giving a silent scream. My mom was almost lost as the shadow tried to take her. “Go!” She said, with tears wring up in her eyes. My heart started to break as I looked away and jumped in.

I landed with a thud. I was all alone. My. Dad had left me. I felt a warmth on my skin. I looked up and saw the moon, its snow-white glow enchanting me. ‘Don’t look at the moon,’ My dad had always told me. I quickly casted my glance away to a trail of footsteps.

A trail of footsteps. I followed them, the moon grew warmer as I looked on. I made my way to a little cottage near the trail. There were guards surrounding the walls. Odd. I’ll just go in. “The show must go on.” The guard said, his voice low and somber. ‘ The show must go on.’ My mother used to tell me. ‘But it shall stop for you.’ I would reply. ‘But it shall stop for you.” I replied. The guard stepped away revealing a door.

When I entered, it was dark and gloomy. It must have been a prison cell. “This is where traitors belong.”The guard said as he instructed me to sit down. Gears moved with a rusting sound as the doors closed me in. “Wait, let me out!” I screamed out. My voice echoed off the walls. No one had heard my cry’s for help. Now no one would ever hear my voice again, because of a family secret that couldn’t be revealed.

After my father finished his story, I was in tears and scared. Scared for the queen (my mother apparently??!??!?), scared for my adopted parents, scared for the future. My mother had left the room in the middle of the story, sobbing for her life. I sighed. “So I have to leave…?” My father nodded grimly. “It appears so.” He got off his chair and hugged me. “Your mother and I love you so much, Zara. You’ve been such a great joy in our lives.” A tear rolled down his cheek. “You’ll be picked up by the Queen in a few hours. I’ll go see if your mother would like to say goodbye.” And with a last kiss on the cheek, he left the room.

Knock knock! I frowned. The Queen was early. I ran to the door and swung it open. A pale face with emerald green eyes greeted me. Blond hair dangled on the side of her face. Plump glossy lips curled into a soft smile. “Hello love.” I bowed down. “Your Majesty…m-mother…mom……..” The Queen motioned for me to stand. “No need to bow Zara. I’m sure your…adopted father explained….the situation?” I nodded. The Queen smiled. “Perfect. Now, I need to talk to you in private.” She led me out the house and towards a dark alley. Once we were in the alley, the Queen smiled. “Stupid girl. Children’ll believe anything nowadays.” As she spoke, her beautiful form shriveled and her face seemed to melt off. Her voice turned distorted and her eyes grew wild. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“ Come inside we need to tell you something” said her mom “Ok mom coming in five minutes!” A dark look crossed her mom’s face but she thought she imagined it “no no honey now” her mom said sweetly. Katie entered the room, “ok mom and dad what were you telling me?” Her eyes widened her mom and dad where sitting on the bed except they weren’t her mom and dad. Their hair was growing and turning a dark red, their skin was a sickly shade of what it looked like when you mix yellow and black. Their smiles were getting wider and wider and their teeth turned as sharp as the claws “hello honey” her dad hissed. Wait hissed? Katie stumbled towards the door but it was locked.

She jerked the door open somehow. Her hands were shaking. Behind her, her parents? She didn’t know what to call them leisurely followed baring their teeth. She ran to the lake and jumped in and hid the best place she knew she saw the faces of the things ,she still didn’t know what to call them. She saw their faces retreating after she couldn’t hold her breath she ran for it.

The next day she went to school they safe place she knew they wouldn’t go after the day ended she ran again.

But in the corridor where two kids lying on the floor with two marks on their necks, her bullies.

No one saw her again or the people who did see her didn’t see light again.

***

I went to the hospital, like normal to see my mom. She had tubes, wires, and stuff on her to keep her alive. She was suffering from a unknown diseases. For the first year when she was here i wasn’t allowed in because people didn’t know what is was . Now, we know its not contagious but for security measures they make wear this yellow suit. I looked like an astronaut. “You can’t go in today.” Said the tall man who always opened the door for me to go in. “Why?” I asked. “She needs to umm sleep?” HE said. I knew he was lying. I. Saw a glance through the window the was covered with the curtain and she was gone. Missing. I screamed. “WHERE IS MY MO-!” HE covered my mouth and gave me shot. The last this i saw was duck tape

***

When i woke up i saw a him. The tall man. I was tied to a chair with tape around my mouth. I was screaming as loud i could

“No one can hear you, okay. Just stop screaming” he said. That’s when i saw my mom, alive and fine. Not sick?

I lifted my leg to point at my mom. The man turned around and brought her in. “Tell her” he said. “I’m sorry you had to see this” Said my mom. Her voice, i forgot how it sounded. I cried trying to free myself and run to her and hug her. “Listen i don’t have too much time but I was born in island far away, so where you. Your hand, it has a blue mark on it, i told you was marker but that is the mark from the blue fire. It means there tracking you. The blue fire, is where I was from, i left there because of there tactics. They try to find whoever has the blue mark, the blue mark represents Magic. You have the power to destroy and create the earth. This means if the BlueFire finds you they’ll use you for bad. You need to find-“ She stopped “I have to go now bye” i she whispered giving me a kiss on my forehead. And left. “COME BACK” I said. It was so muffled and she walked into the dark. I looked at my arm. I saw a green mark not blue. Something was different. Something is wrong. I need to figure out what.

“ Come inside we need to tell you something” said her mom “Ok mom coming in five minutes!” A dark look crossed her mom’s face but she thought she imagined it “no no honey now” her mom said sweetly. Katie entered the room, “ok mom and dad what were you telling me?” Her eyes widened her mom and dad where sitting on the bed except they weren’t her mom and dad. Their hair was growing and turning a dark red, their skin was a sickly shade of what it looked like when you mix yellow and black. Their smiles were getting wider and wider and their teeth turned as sharp as the claws “hello honey” her dad hissed. Wait hissed? Katie stumbled towards the door but it was locked.

She jerked the door open somehow. Her hands were shaking. Behind her, her parents? She didn’t know what to call them leisurely followed baring their teeth. She ran to the lake and jumped in and hid the best place she knew she saw the faces of the things ,she still didn’t know what to call them. She saw their faces retreating after she couldn’t hold her breath she ran for it.

The next day she went to school they safe place she knew they wouldn’t go after the day ended she ran again.

But in the corridor where two kids lying on the floor with two marks on their necks, her bullies.

No one saw her again or the people who did see her didn’t see light again.

****************************

A few years ago….

“MOM, I need to get ready for school!!!”. My mom shook her head and smiled sadly “I’m sorry honey but your inner spirit is starting to show itself and I need to train you, please just listen to me and skip today”. My inner spirit wait what!? I tilted my head in confusion and slowly nodded my head. My mom then continued “ Look, you know how strange things have been happening right? Well…” she sighed “So you are a descendant of the Great 6.” I shook my head not knowing what that meant. My mom continued “ You know how we always pray to the gods right? There are five main ones, Shiv, Parvati, Vishnu, Laxshmi, Brahma and Saraswathi. The children of these gods have powers, powers people will want, and now that you have started in revealing your inner spirit they will be after you. My mind started racing wondering ‘who were they, why did they want my powers, what were my powers, did I really want them?. My mom snapped me out of my thoughts and said “ I know this may be confusing and I’m sorry for not telling you earlier but I couldn’t, you looked so happy living a normal life and I couldn’t take that away from you at such a young age.” “ You’re probably wondering who is “they” is, they’re are people who know about the legends of the children of the Great 6, they want those powers for themselves and killing one of these children would give them that power.” My eyes welled up with tears. I didn’t want powers not if they came with this price. I asked my mom “C-can I g-get rid of these p-po-powers”. My mom shook her head. I let one tear roll down my face as I accepted my new reality. My mom pulled me in for a hug and I let my tears go free. I was only 7 what did I do to deserve a reality in which people want to hunt and kill me? I asked my mom “D-does Dad know?” My mom froze. I didn’t think that was a yes and got up to tell him the bad news. As cool as it was being a god’s child I didn’t want this to be my life. I ran up to my dad and hugged his knees. He looked at me confused and then patted my head a little concerned I told him “ Dad, I’m a god’s child” My dad almost immediately pulled away and shouted at me “Why, WHY IS MY LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF YOUR WORTHLESS ONE!” I fell to the floor sobbing as my dad walked out of the room after giving me one last look of hatred. I curled up into a ball when my mom came and hugged me. She kept whispering “ I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry” I cried for I don’t know how long. My mom got up slowly and said “Come on, its time to uncover your history” I got up and followed her sadly.

*************************************

I shook the sad memory away knowing that if I dwelled on it to much my powers that I work so hard to keep in check would resurface again. And that was how my life changed.

Lily was known for her curiosity and her love for adventure. One day, while exploring the attic of her grandmother's house, she stumbled upon an old, dusty lamp. Intrigued, she rubbed it, and to her astonishment, a genie appeared.

"You have freed me from my slumber," the genie said. "I will grant you one wish."

Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement. She had always dreamed of visiting far-off lands and experiencing grand adventures. Without much thought, she wished, "I want to travel to the most magical place in the world!"

The genie nodded and with a snap of his fingers, Lily found herself in a dazzling, otherworldly realm. The sky was painted with hues of pink and gold, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. She wandered through the land, meeting talking animals, dancing with fairies, and discovering hidden treasures.

However, as days turned into weeks, Lily began to feel lonely. The magical creatures were friendly, but she missed her family and friends. The enchantment of the place started to fade, and she longed for the familiarity of her village.

One evening, as she sat by a sparkling stream, a wise old owl perched beside her. "You seem troubled, young one," the owl said.

Lily sighed, "I wished to be in the most magical place in the world, but now I realize that home is where the true magic lies."

The owl nodded sagely. "Be careful what you wish for, for sometimes what you desire may not be what you truly need."

With a heavy heart, Lily closed her eyes and whispered, "I wish to go back home."

I jumped back. After it was over I slowly opened my eyes. A hooded figure stood in front of me. I shrieked. The figure had long curled fingernails and was holding a candle. Who are you? I asked my breath shaking. It spoke in a slow and eerie tone. You. It said as it pointed its long fingernail in my face. i felt every muscle in my body tense up. I was shaking.

Me? I asked. You have the wrong person. No It said . I am a scout. It is my job to find people like you. I breathed in and out. Me? You have the wrong person. No it said. I don’t. You are an ordinary kid. The mysterious kind. We need to bring you to the palace of darkness. What?! I shrieked. You could get. Me in there if you gave me a million dollars! Then you shall be cursed. It slowly lifted its hand then slashed an x into my arm. I braced for the pain but there was none. I have given you the mark of Bloody Mary. You shall carry on our legacy.

—————————————————————————————

1 year later

—————————————————————————————

Everything was perfect with all my wealth but I still felt that feeling like something was off. Seconds later my heart starts to pain, I lose my breath and faint. I died. and all I can remember is that wizards voice chanting, “ Be careful for what you wish for.

the End

Thunder roared the got up her cheeks wet from crying earlier. Nobody was there she was all alone. She didn’t have anything, she noticed she was sleeping on a cardboard box. “Anyone!?” She screamed. This time clearly distressed. She saw a road in front she roamed the streets. Cars zoomed past and she jolted back. “Excuse me? ANYONE?” No she was all alone. Night fell and the sun rose. This time nothing was there the whole place was deserted. She needed food but had no money and nobody was there, no one sold anyone. She was left there alone forever. None found her but she survived living in pain for all internity.

“Jenny! Jenny! Come over here!!” My mom’s voice woke

me as I groaned before waking up from my peaceful slumber. I woke up and found a man in a business suit staring down at me. Just as I was about to scream he covered my mouth with his hand, he let go after he was sure I wouldn’t scream again. I narrowed my eyes at him prompting him to speak. He said “You and your family have been living you whole life in poverty and now I have an offer for you, I will give you the money you need for living a happy life if you agree to bear one consequence.” I considered what the consequence could be, it wouldn’t be anything too bad right? I could love my dream life if I say yes, and I can deal with one consequence. “Yes I agree” I declared in a firm tone when on the inside I was scared about what the consequence is. He said “Ok you and your mom will get the money you need and in return….you have to marry me.” I stared at him in shock, what is wrong with this guy!? “I’m not marrying you!” All he did was smirk at me……

The end..

Her anger bubbled up, making her face turn red. Her heart was pounding. It wasn't just unfair; it was unbelievable. Alex had always been popular and knew how to talk to people, but this was too much.

Maya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She had to do something. She couldn't let this go. But what? Confronting Alex might cause a scene. Telling the teacher might make her look like a tattletale. She needed a plan, something that would show the truth without making her seem mean.

As she paced her room, an idea started to form. She would gather all the evidence—emails, drafts, notes from their meetings—and show it to the teacher. She would prove who had really done the work. But more than that, she would keep doing her best. She would keep coming up with great ideas and working hard. Eventually, the truth would come out.

Taking a deep breath, Maya sat back down at her desk. She opened a new document and started typing, her anger now focused into determination. She wouldn't let jealousy or frustration take over. Instead, she would use it to push herself forward, to show everyone—and herself—that she could stand up for what was right.

Like always, they start to blame it all on me because I’m small can’t do anything about it, and I’m also the worst at football anyways. But most of the time I’m not even the one at fault AT ALL. So at one point I’m sick of it and I go home and I’m so freaking MAD about why they can just do that. But now I don’t care about those type of comments and I sometimes make jokes about it too!

THE END.

“Hey guys!” Mrs. Stephen’s said. “We’re gonna do a pillow fight for this Friday’s fun Friday! Do not hit hard and play nice” she walked over and flipped the light switch off.

Eliana had one thing on her mind. Aditee is dead. She grabbed a pillow off the carpet and in her most innocent voice she called out, “Aditee?” A faint “yea?” sounded in the distance. Eliana ran toward her voice and when she could feel her next to herself. She swung. The pillow hit her straight in the neck with a sickening crack. Aditee had collapsed. Eliana manipulated by the rage. By everything. The chick-fil-a sauce, her converse. Well that was about it. When Eliana heard the sound of a body slamming the floor. She pulled up her foot and stomped straight onto Aditee’s neck. A raspy scream escaped her throat as blood and sticky chick-fil-a sauce dripped down her torso. When Mrs. Stephen’s flicked on the lights, all that was left was a lifeless form decorated with red and yellow.

THE END.

To be continued.

Instantly, the entire classroom seemed to stop, mouths wide open with shock. Amelia’s eyes widened, What did Janice mean? What did she do? The thoughts seemed to swirl through her head, making her unable to think.

Instantly, the teacher’s voice boomed through the classroom, “Amelia, Janice, out now!”

A cold breeze seemed to fill the room, and Janice and Amelia went outside. Janice seemed to have a grin on her face, but as soon as the teacher asked what happened, it changed to a fake expression of hurt and sorrow.

“Amelia, she.. she took credit for all my work! And I couldn’t say no because I was afraid,” Janice said, eyes filled with tears.

“I didn’t do anything!” Amelia shouted, bewildered. The teacher glared at her, saying, “Enough with the lies, unless you want to be sent to the principal’s office.”

Amelia went quiet immediately, she wanted to say that she didn’t do anything, that nothing happened, but the words didn’t seem to come out of her mouth. She listened as the teacher scolded her, head down and frustration boiling inside of her.

Why won’t my teacher listen? She thought, fist clenched and nails digging into her palm. She never wanted this to happen, it had just been a normal day. She never expected to be accused of something she would never dream of doing.

But of course, Janice was too good at acting, tears spilling from her eyes. Finally, Amelia couldn’t take it anymore, “But she’s a liar!” Amelia exclaimed, voice rising to a shout of anger.

“Enough.” The teacher said angrily, her finger pointing to the hall, “Principal’s office. Now.”

At those words, a bolt of fear went through Amelia. She never did anything. Why wouldn’t the teacher believe Janice and not her?

I got up and walked out, a tear streaming down my cheek. Being backstabbed by my best friend, no, she isn’t my best friend. I can’t call her that anymore, she is a worthless backstabber, someone that I’m ashamed to know. She would trade me for an ounce of glory.

I left, walking out the black-rimmed door of the place I was trying out at, vowing to never come back.

That night I put myself to work, thinking of my anger, and my plan for revenge. I knew that Anna would never check what she would present. I opened my book of ideas and started making my prototype.

I worked on it for weeks, until I was done. I called Anna and waited for her to pick up.

“Hi this is Anna calling,”

“Hi Anna, it’s me, I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for getting mad. I was a terrible friend. I have another idea for you, would you like me to sent it over?”

“Yeah, sure. That really makes it up.”

I bubbled with anger, she was selfish and entitled, thinking that she could do no wrong, she was the WORST. Instead of flipping out, I calmed down and sent her my prototype files, except with a twist. It had the wrong information, tweaked to look normal. I waited knowing what would come next. Anna deserved this.

At our next pitch, Anna went first. She talked with a spark and a smile, presenting the files. The businesspeople murmured and conversed with each other, talking anxiously and with their eyebrows furrowed, my plan was working.

The next thing I knew, I was pitching the correct files and talking confidently, modeling my prototype. Anna’s face fell as she saw that I had set her up. Once I finished, my audience clapped.

The next week I received an email, offering me a job at a high rank. I accepted immediately, since this could change my life forever. Everything was worth it, my failed first idea, Anna tricking me, and her being so gullible. The wait was long, but it was worth it, revenge was sweet.

I walk into the campus library, it’s filled with the sound of my crush and another girl I have heard before. I turn into the corner and see Alex and Masie sitting together at a corner just like how me and him used to.Tears well up in my eyes. Alex looks up from the book he’s reading and asks “Jealous much?”

Daisy couldn’t sleep. Something was wrong. What it was, she didn’t know. Rain pounded on her bedroom window. The thunder yelled and the wind howled. Lightning illuminated her room and trees cast menacing shadows. Daisy could hear people down stairs having a heated argument. She closed her eyes but they snapped back open. She couldn’t help it. Without thinking, she got out of bed and creeped over to the staircase. She quietly stepped down as the stairs whined and creaked, but it wasn’t loud enough to alarm the speakers. She could hear their voices more clearly now, for they were just around the corner. “I can’t leave Carvay!” “You must, John. It’s to dangerous for your family now.” Why did her father need to leave? Why is it too dangerous? These questions pounded in her head but she continued to listen. “Jason, Carvay can protect us. It has been for years!” Her father argued. “John, this old house is magical and has been helpful for generations, but it doesn’t stand a chance against our enemy. You have to go. For your daughter. For Daisy.” Daisy couldn’t believe her ears. “Fine. I’ll wake her up. We’ll leave immediately.” Daisy father rounded the corner to find her standing there, wide eyed. “Daisy? What are you doing here? How much did you hear?” After a moment of silence, Daisy found her voice. “I heard it all. What’s going on?” “Daisy we must leave. It’s not safe here anymore. I’ll explain on the way.” She stood her ground. “What’s going on?” She repeated. “Daisy, please. We don’t have much time.” “What’s happing?” But before she could reply, someone interrupted. “It’s too late. They’re here.” And with that, the house exploded because Leo Valdez and his magic dragon Festus came in and set fire to everything because Daisy’s family was evil. The end.

“Hadley! How come you didn’t make it, but Esme did?” My friend Leila asked as I walked up to them. I was fuming as I said, “That little punk is acting as me. She’s putting our twin-alikeness to shame!” “Hey, Hadley, have fun in the bleachers while I am the star,” that evil little girl bragged as her and some of her nerdy friends walked by.

“Coach! Coach Winston!” I shouted across the hallway. “Yes, Hadley? If this is about Esme again—” “No, ma’am. This is about why I didn’t make it,” I stated. “You were a horror in the goal, you let a kindergartner look good at soccer compared to you playing defense, and don’t let me begin on midfield,” Coach shuddered. “I’m sorry, I was trying out for forward and midfield, not defense and goalie. You mixed up the twins,” I laughed. “Miss Hadley, you will not steal your sister’s place on the team. You’re trash, she’s golden. Deal with it. Oh, come watch the first practice. Esme will show you how to play soccer.” I let out a sob. My stupid twin was stealing everything from me! The main role in theatre—she said she was me, for crying out loud!—star of the soccer team—I’m definitely better—and even my grades. I plotted my revenge during lunch with my friends. We would put her on the spot—destroy every fragile lie she had woven. First, theatre. “Esme, you claimed to have memorized every single one of your lines. Can we hear them without the script?” Ms. Smith asked. I smirked. The plan was going perfectly. “Um…Hadley, hand me my script,” Esme said. “No, you memorized it, Esme. Or are you lying to Ms. Smith?” “Oh…FINE!! I’m sorry, I just hated it when Hadley stole the spotlight. I’m sorry, Hadley should have the main. She memorized it all, every last line.”

Next was practice. I was super happy that my emails were working. 20 minutes later, the spot on the team was mine.

My revenge was perfect.

As he wandered through the aisles, he noticed a peculiar book on the top shelf. It was old and dusty, with a faded cover that read "Secrets of Maplewood." Intrigued, Alex reached up and pulled the book from the shelf. To his surprise, the entire bookshelf began to move, revealing a narrow passageway behind it.

"I couldn't believe my eyes," Alex continued, recounting the story to his friends. "I squeezed through the passage and found myself in a small, dimly lit room filled with ancient books and strange artifacts."

The room was like a treasure trove of forgotten history. There were maps, journals, and even a dusty old globe. Alex spent hours exploring the hidden room, uncovering secrets about the school's past that no one else knew.

"One of the journals belonged to the school's founder," Alex said, holding up an old leather-bound book. "It talked about a hidden treasure buried somewhere on the school grounds. I knew I had to find it."

The end

It’s short I know.

We used to run in the day joyfully, like puppies. And when the light faded, we sat outside, daydreaming of days where we could catch the moon and play with it like a ball, and pluck the stars off the sky and hold them for a while. We used to beg for just a few more minutes outside, all to gaze into the night. The beauty astonished us and changed our lives completely.” With those words, grandma closed her eyes. A permanent smile stuck itself on her face. Back then, I didn’t know that she would never open her dark, twinkling eyes ever again. I made sure to never forget her dying words. Goodbye grandma.

On August 23rd, 2025, me and my friend had found a small door on the floor. I crouched down, wiping away the dust that had gathered on the door. Strange symbols covered it, and a hint of fear lingered in my mind. I had seen it in the movies before. What was beyond that door were probably unimaginable things.

I was not going to explore it.

My friend, Misty, looked at me with a wide, almost scary grin, and exclaimed, “Let’s open it!”

“No way.” I panicked, my voice urgent.

“We should.” Misty urged.

“I said no. I am not going in there.”

“But I am.”

Before I knew it, Misty was opening the door with a large creak. She tossed me a radio. “Here, it’s for communication.”

I was about to protest when Misty hopped in. It was already too late. I stayed there for a few minutes, unsure of what was happening on the other side.

“I’m inside,” Misty said, “I see something. It’s coming towards me.”

I felt a surge of panic through me, “Are you okay?”

Misty’s voice was now a scream, “No! The creature, help!”

That was the last message Misty sent me.

I instantly opened the door, falling into the darkness of the room. For a moment, I wasn’t sure what happened, it was quiet. Then, I heard a loud ringing in my ears.

It was a white room. Empty.

“Hello?” I shouted, my voice echoing. I felt the walls, searching for an escape. There was no escape. None.

My fear almost crushed me. How would I get out? What happened to Misty?

These were my previous questions, but as time passed, my will to ask them faded. I have not yet found out a way to leave. It is December 12, 2028.

It all began when Max and his friends decided to skip school and hang out at the local arcade. They thought it would be fun to play games all day instead of sitting in boring classes. But things took a turn when Max accidentally broke one of the arcade machines. The owner, Mr. Jenkins, was furious and banned Max from the arcade for life.

Max felt terrible. He knew he had to make things right, but he didn't know how. He spent the next few days thinking about what he could do to fix his mistake. Finally, he came up with a plan.

Max decided to apologize to Mr. Jenkins and offer to work at the arcade to pay for the damage. He walked into the arcade with his head held high and approached Mr. Jenkins. "I'm really sorry for what I did," Max said. "I know I messed up, and I want to make it right. Can I work here to pay for the damage?"

Mr. Jenkins looked at Max for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Max. I'll give you a chance. But you have to prove to me that you're serious about this."

Max was determined to show Mr. Jenkins that he meant it. He worked hard every day, cleaning the arcade, fixing machines, and helping customers. Slowly but surely, he earned Mr. Jenkins' trust and respect.

Mia had the misfortune of having Jace Middleton in every single one of her classes. If there was any one person she loathed more than anyone else in her school it was Jace. He talked over everyone, including the teachers, and made every class period they were in the "Jace Show".

The only time Mia had a moment of peace was when she was able to take her daily detour after school to the old library at the edge of town. The library was dusty and rarely visited, but Mia found comfort in its quiet corners. She would spend hours there, reading books about faraway places and magical adventures.

That all changed the day she decided to venture off into a different section of the library in search of a book and saw none other than Jace Middleton himself. The boy looked around himself curiously before disappearing behind one of the shelves.

It took Mia all of one second to decide to go after him and find out what her classmate was up to...

Deku then trains with All Might and passes the entrance exam to get into UA. Then deku gets accepted to UA with his former bully bakugo.

“Come on.. come on!!!”

“Oh my god, you’re totally winning!”

Celia held her camera up, ready to take their picture for yearbook. Prize buzzers went off as Georgia won the game.

“Georgie!” Celia said, holding the camera at the two girls holding their prize. The camera clicked and Celia walked back to her friend group.

“Flying hammer… done.. that just leaves the rollercoaster.” Said Zoe, listing off the rides.

“Our ticket is for 8:30. Come on, guys! If we miss it, we’ll have to wait another day and a half!” Said Nick who was running ahead.

Celia laughed at him, then stopping to hold out her camera to take a photo.

“Let’s stop there first! A corn dog won’t hurt” Paul was pointing at the corn dog stand, Nick grimacing.

“Before the Electric Cell ride? Yeah, that might kill me” Nick said, walking away from Paul.

“what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, man!” Paul said, walking over and hitting Nick on the shoulder. Celia and Zoe looked at each other then scoffed. Celia looked up at the Electric Cell ride sign. She pulled out her camera but stopped. It was almost as if something was telling her to not go. Like an invisible force pulling her away. Like something was going to ruin everything.

Jane stepped up onto the podium, gazing down at the people below her. She had been called a child genius and a young innovator after she won the physics competition. She froze, feeling the guilt claw at her back. But, Jane’s parents wanted her to do this. With a shaky breath, she gave a speech.

At school the next day, Jane spotted Elliot at lunch. Nervousness struck her as she saw her old friend turn towards her. Elliot was the one who should’ve gotten the awards. Jane thought, walking quickly to a different table before Elliot tried to speak to her.

The truth was, Jane lied. She wasn’t a young science prodigy. All of the inventions Jane made was Elliot’s work. Jane wanted to confess to everyone about it, but she didn’t know how to. She couldn’t say anything, everyone would know she was a cheater. She would lose her popularity and all of her awards. Even if she felt guilty every time she one a competition, she knew confessing would be worse.

So she decided to not think about it anymore, going through the day with a nervous mind.

Dear diary,

I regret the wish I previously wrote about. The two of us went through so much in the past 2000 years we were young. Unfortunately, we were sent to war, and dear Holly is no longer here. I think I want to revert the wish. I was happier living as elderly Hadley Jane Kingsford than the person I am right now. I must make my second wish now.

Dear diary,

It worked! Holly and I are in the museum still, and everything is back to normal. We’ve discussed what to do with our final wish, and we feel it’s for the better of the world—we’re going to end world hunger! Now that we’ve gone through everything, I’ll make the wish, and then we’ll hide the lamp. My hands are getting too old to keep writing, though, so I’ll need to pass this to my young granddaughter Wesley soon. I hope she reads these and experiences my joy like I did. I’m about to sign off for the last time, I’m afraid.

Love,

Hadley Jane Kingsford (Grammie Jane to you, little Wesley!)

This means something. Think about it.

“This world exists in a cycle that we are trapped in” said the man. Continuing, he said “We seek escape, but with the wrong things. We do not continue the cycle. We end it. We leave it entirely. I have found a new way”. The people around him scoffed, then went back to their machines. Typing endlessly. Spinning endlessly. Running endlessly. He came back the next day with a witness. “I attest to what he said”, he said. It is a world where things end. We all want end. We want the day to end, the week to end, our lives to end. This will give us the end.

“Do you know anything about Adelina Castles?” Another police officer asked me. I screamed and looked up from the newspaper I had been pretending to read. “Ma’am, are you okay?” He asked, grabbing my shoulder to steady me. “I—yes, I’m alright,” I stuttered, regaining my composure. “Do you know anything about Adelina Castles? She looks like this,” he asked again, showing me a poster of myself before I had cut and dyed my long blonde hair. “No, sir, I’m afraid I cannot help you,” I lied. “Are you certain? Say, your eyes look…familiar,” he persisted. “I guess I just have those eyes,” I said, trying to shrug his hand off my shoulder. “Huh. Sorry for the inconvenience, we’re just trying to find her. She murdered the young prince, after all,” he explained. I felt my lunch turmoil in my stomach. “I’m aware. Thank you for protecting our country,” I replied. He gave me a nod and I went on my way. 

“JOB OFFERS! AUTO SHOP REPAIRS! JOB OFFERS!” A young man yelled, breaking the silence. I paused, then walked over there. 

Maybe this was a new beginning, especially made for me, I thought as I walked up to him. “Hello!” He said cheerfully. “Welcome to Jillian’s Auto Shop! Do you need help?” He asked. “No, I’d like the job,” I requested. “Ah, I see. Come, we’ll have to let Queen Jill decide,” he replied, a smirk on his face. Queen Jill? I thought. Sounds an awful lot like Her Majesty Queen Jillian. Coincidence, I decided as I followed the man through the shabby auto shop. And, lo and behold, behind a grand mahogany desk, sat Queen Jillian, mother to Prince Paris. “You thought you could get away, start anew, did you, Miss Castles?” She asked slyly. “Well, the world is not that good. You are under arrest by order of law.” I cried, “I didn’t mean to! He was bullying me—I panicked—the brick—I didn’t know he was Prince Paris, I swear!” I begged. “I’m sorry, Miss Castles, but there is no such thing as not meaning to murder. You will be sentenced to execution tomorrow afternoon,” the Queen declared. I sobbed, realizing I deserved it. “I’m so, so, so sorry,” I whispered as two police officers led me to the car. “You should be,” the Queen told me. 

It was Jane’s first day in Great Rock High School, and everything seemed to be okay. The classes she went to didn’t seem bad, lunch was average, but there was one more thing she had to do, go to her final class of the day.

Entering the science room, Jane observed everything on the walls and desks. Students, posters, and equipment were all things she could spot. She sat on her place on the seating chart, looking at her oddly familiar looking lab partner. After a few moments of staring at her partner’s face (which probably creeped the other person out), Jane came to a shocking conclusion.

“Elliot!” She exclaimed, thinking of how it was a big coincidence that her long-lost friend was her lab partner.

Disclaimer: Not True Story

The cat sits on the windowsill. It’s not my cat. She’s a stray just sitting on my windowsill. Well she’s now my cat after a series of crazy coincidences. So here’s the one that started it all.

When I was 7 I had the prettiest little calico cat, she had the cutest little splotches of color and the prettiest brown eyes. She walked like she owned everything, because she did. But most of all she owned my heart.

But one day she was gone. She had just disappeared into thin air. Gone like the sun on a rainy day. I had run outside and frantically searched for her since the sun had risen, till the stars were out.

When I had returned home I was sobbing hard. It was like someone had ripped out my heart and tore it apart. I had refused to eat or drink ever again. The only comfort that I had found was in my best friend.

Fast forward to college and I was just lounging in my dorm. My former-bestie-now-also-roommate called me outside. I ran out, thinking it was a college professor or something.

When I finally looked out, there she was the calico. Well she wasn’t the exact same calico but she looked almost identical. She had the same messy splotches and an identical meow. Suddenly a girl ran after her and called her back. We had introduced ourselves to each other and then we had parted.

Now let’s go to about a year ago. I had just gotten my bachelors degree and had moved abroad for better job opportunities. There when I started my new job I saw her, the calico girl. I wasn’t sure she would remember me until she brought up the random cat encounter.

Now you’re probably wondering what all of this has to do with the end of the story, but just wait.

Now we are currently best friends and roommates. I still work at the same job, as a nurse, yes we went to med school and are trained. We now work really closely now at the same hospital. But wait, there’s more. The biggest coincidence of all is that the calico, is actually related to my cat. Crazy right?

As I walk, I come upon a cave. I go inside. It feels so refreshing when I come upon the cool air inside. But, when I go inside, I see something very shiny. What could it be? A genie lamp! Is this possible!