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.

The Adventures of Rusty Tom by Adi P.

Back in 1888, when I was abandoned in an old theme park, it was not the first time that this had happened to me. I was angry, annoyed and agitated. My dream had always been to be used and exchanged for lots of exciting and colourful items. In all of this I tried so hard, tirelessly day and night, to be my usual cheerful self. However, this was getting harder every year that went by.

I sat watching the New York skyline grow bit by bit. I saw specs of people climbing like ants on a wall and massive towers getting lifted from tiny toy cranes. I saw people coming towards me and I became hopeful and excited, but they walked on past me. A few minutes later I saw a little head poking out the bush, her hair scrunched up with leaves tangled in it. She smiled very brightly, like a shooting star, I could feel a connection already. She picked me up with her small, warm, soft hand, and instantly felt loved.

Finally, I felt free as she ran with me across the hills. Suddenly, I heard her shout, "Mum, Dad, look what I found!" Her parents looked down at me, "That is a really cool, old coin Lessie," commented Lessie's dad. "Come on, I can spend it at the carnival!" Shouted Lessie as she ran down the hill, her parent's following.

The first thing I noticed when we got closer was the piercing, shrill screams of children. I heard bells ringing. I heard a ding, ding, ding. I heard rock and roll music. Then all of this noise got louder and louder as we approached a stand. I could hear Lessie's muffled speaking, from inside her hand. Excitement was building in my heart. I felt Lessie's hand moving. As she opened her hand I could see a massive, ruby red toffee apple which glistened in a bath of colourful lights. I was stunned. I was finally being exchanged. My dream was coming true.

From there I was exchanged by the teenager from the carnival for a 1988 science revision book. After that it was for an emerald coloured candle. Next, I was left on a small dirty table. Then a packet of onion seeds, then a cyan paint sample, then a McDonalds saver menu burger. It was thrilling but exhausting fulfilling my dream.

It was a cold winter's day when a clumsy teenager dropped me down the drain. I was trapped in a dark slimy sewer feeling horribly depressed. Gradually, I swept through the sewer, to the deep blue salty sea. It was such a relief to have a break from being exchanged, in the oscillating ocean, filled with colourful fish. I was just beginning to feel lonely and angry again, when suddenly I felt a familiar connection. I could see a skinny, curious diver coming towards me. Her hand reached in my direction. After my amazing journey, Lessie had come back to save me, again.

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