Red

Prose by Maddie R.

9th-12th GRADE FINALIST FOR THE 2023 YOUTH CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST. Prompt: The story must be between 150–300 words, and must include ALL THREE OBJECTS: Birdhouse, glow stick, soap.

Avery jolted awake, memories of the night rushing back as she picked the glow stick up from her nightstand, rubbing it between her palms. The glow had faded, no longer lighting up the dark room. What was a brilliant red the night before was now a useless stick.

Later she found herself in the bathroom, washing her hands roughly with the hotel soap, and staring down the reflection, but not seeing herself, only seeing Steph.

Avery couldn’t deny it, she loved her unconditionally, the way a dog loves its owner, while Steph saw her as a pet to play with. Last night, Steph had dropped her by her tail.

Before the party, time moved quickly around her, so fast she worried about missing something, letting the pleasant face that entertained everyone slip. Now that things were over, there was so much time. Time to do anything she wanted. But she couldn’t think of anything she wanted. She couldn’t even make herself leave this hotel, where she and Steph had been only days before.

Avery had given it all up for her in a heartbeat, and she worried that if she could find a person to fill her void, she would do it again.

Someone knocked on the door, interrupting her thoughts.

Avery sighed, forcing herself up and opening the door. No one was there, just the rush of cool air and… a birdhouse?

She almost threw the door closed, but her eyes lingered on a string of red lights that decorated it. She picked it up, appreciating the glow. She’d always loved birds.

Maybe she didn’t need Steph to glow red and take flight.