by Maureen Forsythe
BCA Youth Director
In December 2021, the Blackburn Community Association invited local youth aged eleven to seventeen to write a very short story that reflected what it’s like or what it means to be growing up in today’s world.
Eighteen aspiring young writers, aged eleven to thirteen, took up the challenge! The BCA congratulates each one of them and hopes they will participate in upcoming writing contests.
We are delighted to announce that the first place winner of the contest is Elizabeth Todd for her very short story “Melancholy Observations”. Her story is lyrical and unexpected and reflects a unique perspective on some of the realities facing young people today. Elizabeth is twelve years old and attends Emily Carr Middle School. She will collect a cash prize of $75.
We are also proud to announce the following winning stories: “My Withering World” by Nura Rowhani; “A Special Day” by Taiki Tomori-Carrier and “Marcus and Online Pet Day” by Sophia Matthews. Each of these young writers will receive a cash prize of $25.
Each short story was reviewed and scored by a panel of three independent judges, each of whom is a published author. The BCA extends a big thank you to each one for volunteering their valuable time to support the contest.
Special shout-out to volunteer Kate Beshiri, a grade eleven student, for designing and translating an original poster for the competition.
You are invited to read all of the winning stories below. Each of these stories has been published in the February 2022 issue of the local BANAR.
Melancholy Observations
by Elizabeth Todd
An alleyway cat strolls outside, her black fur making it easy to hide in shadows. She watches young children trudge by, and she notices something strange. A blue piece of cloth is upon their faces, while they stare at a small screen in front of them that emits light. She looks at the restaurant next to the sidewalk. “Out of business”, a small sign says. Hoping to see the stars dance among the darkness for a distraction, she gazes up. Instead, she watches black, toxic emissions cloud the sky. She lets out a loud cry, before being swallowed by the shadows.
My Withering World
by Nura Rowhani
Down trails and golden fields we ride, until the sound of rushing water fills our ears. Our path is severed by a broad river, the only way across: a thin log. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we cross, mud slick at our soles. Lilies envelop us in a sweet cloud of fragrance. Sunlight streams through canopies, engulfing us in warmth. For hours we craft crowns, entwining flowers in full bloom. Vibrant hues dotting the sea of green fade into a barren asphalt wasteland. The tranquil joviality of the forest eludes me in the cluttered commotion of the city. I weep.
A Special Day
by Taiki Tomori-Carrier
Ethan was sitting at the dinner table eating his nutella coated waffle, as he did every morning, when his sister Olivia came and sat in the chair next to him with a smile on her face. «What’s got you so excited?» Ethan asked his sister. She simply replied, «It’s a special day for me», at which point a loud bang resonated from Olivia’s room. Ethan turned around, surprised, and went to check in the room. He started going up the stairs but went only a few steps before Olivia started laughing. She took Ethan’s waffle and simply said: «April’s fool!»
Marcus and Online Pet Day
by Sophia Matthews
“Today’s the day,” thought Marcus. Yesterday Mrs. Wendy told her class about online pet day. Marcus knew it wouldn’t go well because of his dog Georgia. She was a puppy and went to the bathroom often. As his turn approached, he got more and more nervous. Marcus got through most of his turn, but at the end, he felt something on his pants. “Oh Georgia,” thought Marcus. He suddenly could feel his face getting red and hot. But even as he turned off his camera he could hear the giggles of his classmates getting louder every second.