You Had One Job
By Melissa-Jane Nguyen
194 words
Feels like fireflies are darting around in my insides.
My family has left it up to me.
‘We’ve got the treats. You entice the kids,’ they said.
They shoved me on a stick and left me here.
Alone.
No skeleton hanging from the tree.
No spiderwebs draped over the mailbox.
Just me.
You had one job! They’re gonna say when no one shows up.
Ooh kids across the road!
‘Helloooo! Over here!’
I’m trying to wave. But my family didn’t give me arms.
The kids don’t even look my way.
The sun’s almost gone.
And so is my hope.
I’d hang my head in shame … if I could.
I can’t face my family.
I need to run away.
But they didn’t give me legs.
Arrgghh.
I swivel on my stick.
I bob up and down.
I’m moving!
I’m almost there.
One last jump …
Arghhh! What’s that light pouring out of me?
Oh! My family gave me a light!
‘Let’s try that house with the pumpkin on a stick,’ comes a voice from over the road.
Kids are heading my way!
My insides are lit up like fireflies.
But this time I’m glowing.
This is my entry for the #FallWritingFrenzy contest 2021. To enter, non-agented writers choose a picture from a selection on Lydia Lukidis’ blog and write a kidlit story within 200 words.
It was my first time participating, but it was such a fun exercise that challenged me creatively so I’m looking forward to joining in again and again and again!
For more info on the contest check the link below:
Fall Writing Frenzy Entry 2021
Haha! Love the title and the pumpkin's voice.
Very funny! I love the sad little pumpkin that inspired it too.