Story Contest 2016 #2 Results » Highly Commended Story - The dancing willow tree

Finn Gilbert Keene

“The dancing willow tree” by Finn Gilbert Keene, is the Highly Commended story in the sub-junior category of the second biannual Short Story Contest 2016.

The dancing willow tree

I heard the creak of the wooden floorboards as I walked down the steps of our house. Our house was a small one. It was mostly made out of wood. It stood by a peaceful river. But the willow tree on the other side of the river, I loved best of all. I used to call it a dancing ballerina because when its branches swayed from side to side it looked as if it was dancing. Me and Papa go to the willow tree all the time. Sometimes I go by myself.

One day, I came back from school and I found Papa sitting by the willow tree crying. My bag fell as I ran across the bridge. “What’s wrong Papa” I shouted in terror. “Mama, she fell” he said behind a curtain of tears.

“Is she gone?” .My head ached, my throat hurt and my eyes were pools of water. I couldn’t hold back the tears, they came like a waterfall. Papa leaned out to hug me I pushed him away. “I’m sorry darling… she’s gone”. My heart stopped, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t speak… so I ran. Where to? I didn’t know.

I felt the grass caress my feet as I ran through the forest. The cool breeze brushing my cheeks. I hurtled over tree stumps and then came to a halt. I stared up through the arms of a tree and I climbed. I climbed to the top. From there, I could see the waterfall and the rest of the world.

I sat at the top of the tree and gazed at the sunset. I felt her warm arms hugging me like a baby, I saw her vast blue eyes watching over me like a hawk, I heard her sweet laugh drifting through the air, every little perfection of her hugging me like a blanket.

“Good bye Mama, my dancing ballerina”

Was this article useful? What should we do to improve your experience? Share your valued feedback and suggestions!
Help us to serve you better. Donate Now!


CBSE All Subjects Key Questions and Answers for Free