500 Words 2025/26: read a finalist's story from the 5-7 category

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 Old Man by Elizabeth B. T.

It was a really rainy Friday in London, and Rose was getting ready to drive to Scotland to visit her uncle Roddy. He was very old and he had been very sick in hospital all week. He lived in a huge, old mansion in a village, with just his housekeeper for company.

Rose had to be at the house by 9 o'clock, otherwise Mary the housekeeper would be very angry. So she jumped in her car. She drove and drove into the dark winter night. After hours and hours of driving, it was getting late but Rose could just not find the house. The wind made funny noises and the trees looked spooky in the dark. Finally she pulled up to the huge mansion. It was very late, almost midnight! All the lights were off. Mary would be so angry at being woken up.

Rose knocked softly on the big wooden door. Suddenly, the door opened. It was uncle Roddy wearing his dressing gown and fluffy slippers."Uncle Roddy!", cried Rose."It's so good to see you, I was so worried when you were in hospital.""I'm so glad that you made it, you must be so tired after the long drive. Come and sit down by the fire" Roddy said.

Rose sat down next to the fireplace. The fire was warm and crackly. Roddy made Rose a cup of tea and a turkey sandwich. They talked and laughed and Rose felt cosy and sleepy.

"I think I'll go to bed now," she said."Your room is at the top of the stairs," said Uncle Roddy.They hugged goodnight.

Rose had the best nights of sleep in her whole life. She woke up at 9 o'clock feeling great. She got dressed and walked downstairs for breakfast. There, she saw Mary in the kitchen.

Mary ran up to Rose."Rose! How are you, I'm so sorry about your uncle Roddy.""What do you mean?", said Rose."Did no one tell you?". Roddy died yesterday morning".

Rose felt all wobbly."But I saw him last night! He made me tea and sandwiches!"Mary just shook her head and said,"You must have been dreaming. Sit down, I'll make you breakfast."

Rose sat quietly. Then she looked at the fireplace. There were two cups of tea and two half-eaten sandwiches. She didn't know whether to smile or shiver.

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