500 Words 2024/25: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

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This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

Where is Home? by Annayah A.

Amira was a happy ten-year-old girl living in a city in Syria. She loved music more than anything else. Every day, she sang and played songs on a small guitar her mom had given her. Music made her feel joyful and gave her hope, even when life was hard. Amira was kind and brave, always ready to help her friends.

One day, everything changed. War started, the joyful sounds of music were replaced by loud bangs and the scary noise of guns. Amira and her mom were very scared as their peaceful neighbourhood turned chaotic. Amira tried to stay brave by singing softly to herself, hoping the music would help them feel better. But as the fighting got closer, they knew they had to leave.

One night, after hearing explosions that shook their home, Amira and her mom decided to escape. They found a small, shaky boat hidden near the water. With fear in their hearts but hope in their minds, they climbed aboard. Amira's heart raced as they drifted away from the only home she had known. Her mom held her close and whispered that they would find safety and a better life.

As the boat sailed into the dark sea, Amira felt a bit of hope. But then everything changed quickly. Shots rang out from the shore, Amira froze in fear. She watched in horror as her mom was hit. Amira screamed, but it was too late. Her mom fell beside her, Amira's world felt like it was falling apart. All she could do was hold her mom tightly, tears streaming down her face, feeling completely alone.

When the boat finally reached a new place called England, Amira stepped onto the shore with a heavy heart. The world felt strange and different. She could no longer hear the comforting sounds of music, only the busy noises of people around her. Then, a man in an immigration uniform came up to her. He gripped her arm tightly, and Amira felt scared. Where would he take her? Would she ever find a place to belong?

In the days that followed, Amira was taken to a shelter for kids. She felt lost and lonely, missing her mom. But she remembered the songs they used to sing together. Slowly, she started to hum those melodies, finding comfort in the music that had once made her happy.

As she met other kids in the shelter, they shared their stories. Amira realized she wasn't alone; many had gone through similar things. Together, they sang songs of hope and strength, using their voices to heal and connect.

Even though her journey was full of sadness, Amira found strength inside her. She promised to keep her mom's memory alive and let her music shine through the darkness. With each note she sang, she felt a little braver and more at home in this new land. Looking up at the sky, Amira knew she would keep her spirit alive through the beautiful music they would create together.

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