Stuck In Another World by Brianna Curbelo Inspired by Henrick Selick’s film Coraline
Today started off like every other day. I woke up to the sound of my screeching alarm *ERCHHH ERCHHH* Gosh, I hate that sound so much. My mom is already up, cleaning as always. The smell of Fabuloso hits my nose quickly. She has her music blasting. Nothing like Romeo Santos playing early in the morning. She bobs her head lightly and starts dancing with the mop. I say, “Mom, stop, you looking crazy.” “Oh shhh you’re just a hater,” she tells me. I laugh and grab one of the bagels she has on the kitchen counter. Why is it so hot it burns the tips of my fingers? I eat anyway. I head back to my room. Finally I can relax and watch some movies. I open Netflix on my Firestick TV. What should I watch: Mean Girls, Coraline, Winx, or the Avengers? The obvious choice was Coraline. I’ve loved this movie ever since I was little. Everything about it amazed me, from the talking cat to the other mother with the button eyes. I wanted to be just like Coraline ever since I first watched the movie. I click the “play” button but this option pops up asking me, “Do you agree to enter this world?” There’s no turning back now. I press the “yes” button. This loud ringing starts as an arm reaches out. It looks like Coraline’s. I grab it. *THUDDD* Suddenly I wake up in the middle of Coraline’s bedroom, the peeling paint hanging and the dead-looking fireflies hanging around her bed. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.” “Coraline??” I say, looking confused. “Obviously. Stop acting weird. We have to get out of here before my mom gets back from the grocery store.” “Where are we going?” “To the Other Mother. I´m tired of being here, trapped inside this house with nothing to do.” We then run down the stairs to go to the tiny doorway in her living room. She opens the door to where it’s full of bright colors. It’s a cool-looking tunnel but with a nasty smell, the smell of something dead. Gosh this really stinks. Can we hurry up?! “I’ll go first, then you follow behind me. Ready?” 285
