The time has come for us to announce the semifinalists of the 9th edition of our Mini Saga Contest!
We've had dozens of submissions and have carefully read and marked them all until we shortlisted 15 stories. Thank you to everyone who entered; we have really enjoyed reading your stories!
Help us choose the 7 finalists by reading the 15 mini sagas below and voting for your favourite story here. Public voting will be enabled until March 24th.The jury, who will be composed of members from the teaching staff of the English department, will judge the 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes and award 3 prizes based on their originality and linguistic quality. Winners will be announced on March 31st.
A Flying Bee On A Girl’s Arm
Once there was a bee enjoying a warm summer day. She flew over a terrace, and landed gently on a 12-year- old girl’s arm. She was sunbathing with her eyes closed, unaware of her visitor. Mistaking it for a fly, the girl swatted at it but missed. Thank God!
A Surprised Husband
Her mind spun around the last conversation she had
had with her husband. As usual , they had sat
drinking wine talking about nothing to avoid the
issue that lately kept them awake.
Have you got the letter? -asked Clara.
What letter? What the f..k are you talking about?
A Transition For The Better
A subtle perception of dissatisfaction has been trickling in her mind since adolescence.
Why wait more? The appalling sense of a prisoner in her own body was the turning point. It will encompass a challenging long process starting with family, friends, doctors, bureaucracy and body changes. Joyfully she became he!
I Will Never Leave You Alone
You believed you could finally get over this. I know you've been trying to forget me but I'm not going to let you escape from me. I’ve been watching you and can see your anxiety. See? I'm back again.I've just said it to you: No prozac will defeat me.
Is this my car?
Fifty words! This has been my mantra for days. The submission deadline is tonight, I need an idea right now! I was thinking about this when I got into my car after shopping in the mall. It smelled of tobacco but I don't smoke. This wasn't my car. Goodness me!
Last Minute Thought of an Addict
In my last breath, I watch the curtains sway to the rhythm of the bustling market. With my nose against the floor for one final hit, only one thought lingers: Fuck, love consumes more than cocaine. Then, I close my eyes, surrendering to the void, losing myself and my dignity.
Please Don't Wear Yellow
In Spain they'll wish you loads of shit, in England they'll hope you break a leg, in Italy they'll try to shove you up a whale's ass.
Very mindful, very demure.
But nothing, believe me, NOTHING boosts your career like pushing the leading actress down the stairs when nobody's looking.
Sound of Duality
I don't know what to say to my mother, I'm so confused, without sleep, all this seems like a dream. My grandmother has just passed away after an impossible fight against dementia. Sixteen years with a feeling of total helplessness. Now, sadness and happiness, now, all finishesand all begins
The Awakening
It is almost over. The time is coming, and I can do nothing about it.
Well, maybe I can pretend not to hear it.
I can completely ignore it.
I keep telling myself: "Keep your eyes closed, the key is to pretend".
Sure, but it is time to wake up.
The Fall of a Dictatorship
“We’ll attack them! They’re weak!” the leader bellowed, relishing the fear and admiration in his followers’ eyes. He flashed a gap-toothed grin, drunk on power. Without warning, a woman seized his arm and dragged him away from the playground. “Mum!” was his final cry as his dictatorship crumbled to dust.
The Madwoman On The Rooftop
- What if I try?
- (LOL) Haven't you seen the talent level? What's the point? You don’t measure up!
- Perhaps comparing myself to others is the failure while trying is the prize... What if for once I...?
- C'mom! That's the relief of losers!
- Ok. You're right! I’d better not write it.
The Last Time
Don’t worry, love!
I know, I understand
It was all my fault
I forced you to raise your hand
You’re gonna change
‘Twas the last time
Gotta pull yourself together
Everything will be fine.
Last time, for sure!
Tomorrow I’ll be free
The beer you’re having
Has poison in it
The Unexpected Winner
I was standing in front of the picture that had been awarded the first prize. I wondered who on Earth could have portrayed a woman with a cat on her head to participate in an International Photography contest. Thank you so much, Frank! I had never dreamt of being famous!
The Vast Absence of War Could Not Break the Passion of Eternal Love.
She was sent to the battlefront. Their joy shattered. Endless wait at home. Nearly losing hope, his soulmate finally arrives on horseback. Time hasn’t dimmed their love. They ride together. At their journey’s end, still in uniform, he shows her the grave he claimed—one they will share for eternity.
True Crime
‘What do we have?’
‘Woman, fortyish, Caucasian, ...’
‘Time of death?’
‘Around midnight, I reckon.’
‘Cause?’
‘Trauma from a blunt object. Probably a hammer.’
Not a hammer; it had been a bludgeon. I’d tried to explain myself, but then the undertakers put me on a stretcher and took my body away
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