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 Whispering Forest by Jack B.

Jake adjusted his hearing aid nervously as his family stepped into the forest. It was his first day wearing it, and everything sounded louder, crisper-like someone had turned up the volume on the world. The birds sang, the wind crackled through the leaves, and even the crunch of their feet on the cobbled path felt like it echoed.

Jake didn't like it, it was TOO loud.

"You okay, bud?" his dad asked, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Jake nodded, though he really wasn't sure. As they dug deeper into the forest, the sounds changed. The usual chimes of nature were replaced by something… something different.

There were soft gentle whispers that seemed to dance on the breeze. It was strange-his parents didn't seem to notice it. "Can't you hear that?" Jake asked his Mum.

"Hear what?"

"Erm nothing…" Jake replied

But there really WAS something. When his parents stopped to admire the view, (for the millionth time) Jake crept away, taking steps closer to the sounds that only he could hear.

The deeper he went into the forest, the louder the whispers became. They weren't just noises; they were words. He could just make out what they were saying. "We're waiting for you…"

Jake's heart thumped, but he wasn't scared. He followed the leafy trail, stepping carefully over jagged rocks. Soon, he came to a part of the forest where the trees were towering above him, the whispers were clearer here.

Suddenly, Jake noticed something odd. There, hidden among the trees, was a mysterious door, carved withing the trunk of a colossal Oak tree.

As he got closer, he adjusted his hearing aid. The whispers were beautiful but spine-chilling. He crept close and placed his cold hand on the shiny door handle and creaked it open.

He stepped back in amazement. It was as if the beautiful forest had been waiting for someone who could hear its voice. It was alive with colour, like a secret party of all its creatures and wonders. With his hearing aid, Jake was able to unlock a secret that had been hidden for forever.

He pulled the door up quickly and sat down on the damp grass for a while,

He wasn't just a boy with a hearing aid anymore-he was special and had found something magical.

After a while, the whispers began to fade, like the forest was saying goodbye. Jake smiled to himself as he found his way back to his parents, feeling like he had discovered something no one else could imagine. The forest had shared its secret with him, a secret just between them both.

"There you are! Ready to head home?" his Dad smiled as Jake came into his sight.

He nodded. As they walked back through the trees, he couldn't help but feel a new feeling of confidence. The world sounded different now, but that wasn't a bad thing.

Sometimes, hearing things in a new way opened doors to places you never expected

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