Winners 2010 - Who RU?
Children 12 and under
WINNER Sakara Pritchard
WHO R U? Well that is a good question, I was born a couple of years ago to s wonderful mother who has taken care of me, its been hard for her as my father left before even laying eyes on me. Mum taught me everything I know, including not to be mad at my father because without him I would not exist. Recently I left my home to explore and find some friends, but one day I was searching and heard a strange noise, first a rattle, then a hiss, then I saw the most terrifying creature ever, it was huge, very, very long with a giant wide open mouth ready to gobble me up. I screamed with fear turned and ran for my life without looking and fell into a hole, I actually landed on something really soft and warm but was startled when it cried out “ouch”, I rolled away and looked up into the most beautiful green eyes, it was love at first sight. His name is Loui and he is afraid of nothing. I told him my name is Lizzie and he led me away from danger. There may be hope on the horizon, Loui promised me that even if we have little ones he will never leave me. Can you see us, there look, the two very happy lizards walking off into the sunset.
Runner-up Irini Hunnable
When I opened the door, my life changed for ever though I was a totally different person together. I opened the door, a red eerie light shone through, the walls made of scarlet rock. It was gloomy. Then I started to feel strange. I started to grow brown bristly hair all over me, me nose grew longer. Suddenly I understood. The door was a transformation chamber. I regretted it. I shouldn’t have opened it. I was transformed to an animal which has not been discovered yet, an animal that belongs to the underworld.
I must say I don’t regret it any more. I now enjoy this new life in hell more than my old life as being a snake. No one screams at me anymore in fact I am now loved by the devil I am happy it is like living in paradise.
Adult
Winner Julia Stevens
Lost: Happy, carefree, 36 year old female, last seen in Royston (Who Are You?)
The day started badly. The 3am wake-up call courtesy of her 4 month old had only served to strengthen her growing suspicion that Thursdays were invariably trying. Her husband, often late home anyway, was having a rare night out, and the thought of handling the impending bedtime bedlam alone weighed heavily on her mind throughout the day. The Pharmacy had once again failed to collect her prescription from the GP, and she swallowed the packet’s penultimate green capsule tearfully. She was seriously starting to wonder what had happened to that happy, carefree, pre-baby woman her husband had married. She certainly didn’t recognise herself these days – so who was she?
She presumed the other mums waiting outside the Nursery hadn’t noticed her under-eye concealer had been tear-swept away; at least no-one had commented. On being greeted (warmly, she thought) after his taxing morning, her eldest, 4, had decided to be furious with her for something he seemed completely unable to articulate. He refused to talk on the way home and threatened to Never Eat Anything Ever Again. Especially chocolate. He realised what a useless mum she was, even if no one else was prepared to admit it.
Slumped in the corner of the baby’s room, she shivered with despair as the downward spiral of unproductive thoughts overcame her for the third time that day: the lunchtime nectarine had been beyond bitter (she should have known better and gone to the other supermarket); the milk-off (she’d neglected to bring it in from the front step the previous morning); the library book on raising happy children –a fortnight overdue (she was intimidated by the librarian); the baby grow –too tight (she should have tried harder to breastfeed); her cardigan –smudged with baby sick (she was too disorganised and behind with the laundry); the tea-time pasta – overcooked ( she was a useless cook); and her husband… home early, on the 8.15 from Kings Cross – the most breathtakingly, wonderful sight she had ever seen.
Runners up - two so close Sarah couldn’t choose!
Julie Hiscock
Who RU?
Elsie smiled to herself as she sat on her favourite bench. It was a beautiful day. The sun was high in the sky and the sea was as still as a mill pond.
She sat and pondered on how the place had changed. Children built sand castles on the newly created beach and bold sea defences defended the Cobb from the tirade of storms that lashed the coast. She’d first sat on the bench as a teenager. It was there that she had met Bill, her sweetheart and soul mate. They had spent so many happy hours on this bench sharing their dreams for the future. They vowed to return each year on this date, as they did today.
Elsie turned to look at Bill. The years had taken their toll. The lines on his face were etched more deeply and he looked tired and gaunt but he was still her Bill.
‘He’s quiet today’ thought Elsie, but it didn’t matter. Conversation was no longer important. They were just happy to being in each other’s company.
‘He does look tired, though. I’ll go home, run a nice bath and make him a cup of cocoa.’
Elsie stood up and turned to leave but Bill didn’t notice. He was deep in thought and Elsie didn’t want to disturb him.
‘Grandad, Grandad.’ Bill jumped slightly as he looked up at the young man approaching.
‘Come on Grandad, its getting late. Let’s get you home’
Bill stood, taking one last look at the bench. Tomorrow they would return to replace it with a new bench in memory of his beloved Elsie, on the first anniversary of her death.
Shirley Clark
Margaret stared at the photo, she knew she recognised the face, but from where?
She had been looking for her black bag, the one she bought for Jenny and Tom’s wedding. It was the first grown up bag she had bought, but then it was the first really grown up date she had been on. Her lovely Richard even after all these years she still tingled when she thought of him. Yes her first and last grown up date, not exactly fashionable these days.
Looking down she realised she still held the photo, who could it be? Not that old, full colour not creased or faded at the edges. It was in a very nice frame too, might even be silver or at least plate. Someone had cared about it enough to keep it safe in a nice frame. She felt guilty not remembering who it was and why she had put it at the back of her cupboard.
As Margaret stared a distant memory surfaced of children’s laughter tinkling gently on the edges of the day as she called to him. He turned and looked straight at her, click, a perfect sliver of a perfect day.
“Gran,” as Margaret turned the smiling young woman came towards her hand outstretched to take the bag.
“You found it, you’re right it will be perfect.” The young woman took the bag then leant forward to look at the photo, “Oh Gran how lovely, are you going to put it on your dresser?” Taking the photo from Margaret’s hand she carefully rearranged the items on the dresser to position the photo. Spinning round she threw her arms round Margaret and hugged her tightly.
“Isn’t it great to have Granddad with you in your new home?