500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

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.

Curious Rose by Harriet M.

It was a sunny afternoon. Michael Williams was in his faded red armchair, reading his newspaper.Suddenly impatient knocking was heard. He rose and stormed towards the door. On opening he saw an elderly lady wearing an overcoat and holding a clip board, "Wot d' ye' want?", his fists were clenched in temper. The woman's face strained to a smile. Michael boomed "Not interested in buying owt!""Pardon me but I am the Billeting Officer for this area. I am calling to drop off your allocated ward - Rose". At that point Michael noticed a timid, pale, little girl behind her, holding tight to a tatty teddy bear."I'll see you soon Rose" said the lady then turning to the man "Oh, Mr Williams, you really need to work on your manners! Good day""Come in then" barked Michael "are you waitin' for the tide t' come in?"Apprehensively, Rose stepped into the house. She could see crimson embers dancing in the fireplace. Above was an old photo of a couple on their wedding day, the man looked like a young version of her host. With astonished eyes she looked about the room. There were two comfy chairs, a desk with an impressive wireless on it , that was chuckling away. As Rose turned she felt the size of a mouse beneath the towering man who watching her.Michael mumbled awkwardly "I guess ya best gan upstairs ta back bedroom". "Ya can then make ya self at home, but the room with the flowery door is private. That room stays that way" he said with a stern tone, "But it'll be nice having a young'un around the house".Rose went upstairs and found the room at the back of the house with 'nursery' on the door. The bed inside looked plump and inviting, so Rose climbed on and was absorbed by the quilt.She heard Michael say "I'm off ta shop, won't be long". Rose fizzed with excitement and daring immediately. What was in the forbidden room?Outside the floral door Rose questioned herself but her curiosity got the better of her and she pushed it open.The room was dim and smelled musty. Rose's eyes adjusted to the light and she looked around, she saw more old photographs and items covered with cloths. On a nail hung what looked like a dress but it was covered over. Rose lifted the heavy wooden hanger to take it nearer to the window for a better look.Almost instantly there was a strange crumbling sound and a crack started growing from the nail hole getting bigger and wider. As the crack grew , a dazzling bright light started shining from it. Petrified Rose stood frozen in shock as a ladies arm reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her in.As quickly as it appeared, the crack started healing itself. Just then Mr Williams came home catching sight of the disappearing crack, arm and little Rose.He dropped to his knees shouting "NO NOT AGAIN!!"

Need more inspiration?