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.

Who on Earth wants that Job? by Reuben C.

Most children know what they want to be when they grow up… or at least an idea! Perhaps a train driver, pharmacist or even a unicorn? But not Burt.

Burglar Burt.

Did he want this job? No.

Was he a good burglar? Absolutely not.

Is it ever right to take things? You can be the judge of that.

You might expect to find Burt's home full of extravagant jewels, glistening gold, silver candelabras hanging ornately or wads of cash stacked like a fortress; except it wasn't! Nothing of the sort. Let's follow Burt into the darkness.

Night time actually bothered Burt. He would be forever tripping over cats or walking into clingy cobwebs (that stuck like glue). Foxes would screech and rats would scuttle! But, he did have a job to do.

As Burt's collection was specialised, he choose each house carefully. His secret had remained safe for years, until tonight…

This just so happened to be a little girl's house. She was called Melissa. She was meek and mild, grateful and gracious, cool and calm.

Her parents were messy and wasteful, but loving. After having her macaroni cheese (it was a large portion as always, so there was a lot left going cold), her tummy was filled and she was ready for sleep. Her parents snored in the room next door. Yet again, they had new pillows and a duvet as they never liked things for long.

Melissa had heard a suspicious creak, which screamed into her ear. At first, she crouched, small like a mouse, but then spied down to the shadowy light. Strangely, she didn't feel scared, just intrigued. Laid before her eyes, was Burt.

His mismatched socks looked odd, but endearing. His coal black jumper was hand knitted. His face was hidden by a tin foil mask, but his jade green eyes peered through.

Gradually, so gradually, she creeped further down. Step by step. Then her eyes widened with shock; he took the batteries, not the tv remote (or the tv!). He took the threadbare cushions, not the sofa. The cold macaroni cheese, not the expensive crockery. The ripped wrapping paper, not the gift and the tatty wallet, not the cash!

As quietly as Burt had come, he snuck out silently. Melissa's curiosity was burning up inside her. Still, there was no fear for this stranger, just admiration and wondering.

She followed.

"Hi Burt," the voices called out at the end of a dark alley. "You are just in time."

"More treasure?" they enquired.

Burt smiled and emptied his beloved holdall.

"Plenty to reuse, recycle and reduce," replied Burt, Melissa's eyes had adjusted to the dark. Plants were growing in food waste, statues were made from obsolete junk and patchwork bags made from old clothes.

Burt's job was never what he imagined or dreamed of, but saving the planet one house at a time was pretty important.

He smiled and turned to look at Melissa. He knew that she'd been watching.

"You're in the club Kid!"

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