It’s #FallWritingFrenzy season! Thanks so much to co-hosts Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis, plus guest judge Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, and thank you to all the incredible prize donors. The challenge was to write a kidlit story in 200 words or less, inspired by one of 14 fall-themed images. I chose the image below.
The Road Ahead
By: Katie McEnaney
The only path was forward. Alone. He knew the headmistress was lying about his arrival at the orphanage. This final quest would reveal the truth.
Aylmer slipped away from the camp. Early fog rose from the marshes, obscuring him from view. He crept carefully, looking for the path his heart told him was nearby.
Aylmer had traveled many paths before, following the deep longing in his soul, but they were never right. Flat and endless ones, pin-straight across the plains. Rocky and winding ones, meandering through mountains. Paths so thin they could barely be seen, and thoroughfares so wide two teams of oxen could pass without noticing each other.
Nothing prepared him for this. The fog lifted, and a glow emerged from the forest ahead.
Bending trees framed a canopy above, while leaves of all hues made a carpet. The wind carried faint echoes of memories. His footfalls were a whispered crunch.
Aylmer began to run as he saw the cottage; windows aglow just like in his dreams.
The door opened. Her eyes stared back; their hazel shine was like looking into a mirror. “Mother? I’ve found you at last!” Her arms opened wide. The only path was forward.
Together.
Read more about #FallWritingFrenzy and view the other entries here.
I am so curious now to know the rest of Aylmer’s story.
Fantastic!
So lovely! The story, the language . . .just sweet and beautiful!
I’m hopeful…but concerned that it’s an illusion, a dream. It seems too beautiful to be real. Good job and good luck!
@mowrex (Twitter)
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