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.

Murder on Stage by Arabella G.

The grand theatre stood dark and silent, its velvet curtains drawn tight against the world. Inside, the stage lay empty, save for the scattered props from the previous night's production. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of aged wood, but the silence was shattered by the frantic footsteps of Anna, the theatre's young stage manager.

She had arrived early to prepare for the day's rehearsal. As she navigated the labyrinth of backstage corridors, her heart raced with an unshakable sense of dread. It was more than just the lingering tension from last night's performance; it was the way the air crackled with something ominous.

Anna had always felt a connection to the theatre, a place where dreams were born and lives transformed. But last night had been different. During the climactic scene, the lead actor, Robert, had collapsed on stage. The audience, believing it was part of the performance, erupted in applause, but Anna had known better. She rushed onstage, her heart pounding, only to find Robert unresponsive.

Now, the police were involved, and the theatre buzzed with whispers of foul play. As she entered the green room, she found the remaining cast members gathered, their faces pale and drawn. Among them was Claire, the ambitious understudy, who had always envied Robert's spotlight.

"Did you hear?" Claire asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "They think someone… did it on purpose."

Anna swallowed hard. "It's a terrible accident. Robert was a brilliant actor. He wouldn't… it can't be murder."

"Can't it?" Claire shot back, her eyes narrowing. "There were plenty of people who wanted him out of the way."

A chill ran down Anna's spine. Robert had been demanding, and his temper could ignite like a match. But who would go that far?

As the rehearsal began, Anna's thoughts spiralled. Claire's resentment was palpable, but so was the tension between Robert and Victor, the brooding director, whose artistic vision clashed with Robert's ego. Then there was Martin, the quiet stagehand who had often complained about Robert's arrogance.

The rehearsal was a farce, filled with half-hearted performances and nervous glances. Anna's instincts kicked in. Something felt off, and she couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked among her friends and colleagues.

After rehearsal, she decided to investigate. In the dimly lit prop room, she discovered a broken prop dagger that had been used in last night's scene. It lay ominously on the floor,

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