Runner Up’s story

Anna Lawrence is one of our three runner up writers, and she said “I was inspired to write this because I kept thinking about all the pressures young people are under. I was outside, and it was a beautiful sunny day, I was in nature, and this story came to me.”

I was lost…

By Anna Lawrence (age 12)

Perfection, a word that broke me. It dug its toxic fangs into my life and suffocated me until I was lost inside my own thoughts. One word, one breath, one sound, it isolated me. Perfection is a snake.

Sunlight twists and twines as the ripples flicker throughout the pool. Lemonade sparkles in the summer heat. Icy splashes soar through the air, as my brother plunges into the water. Today should be a perfect day. A perfect family, at their perfect pool, in the perfect weather. Not a single cloud dares to stain the sky, but through my eyes, it’s not good enough. I can’t seek out the beauty in imperfection, and while they hide it, I know these people resent me for it.

Loneliness strums a repetitive soft rhythm, as my walls shield everyone from my feelings. Here I am with a crowd of people, and yet my voice is left unheard, and my mind is left unspoken. Anger burns inside me. Somehow, someway, I’ve ruined everything with my family. I’m the disappointment, the shadow, and the burden that they wish they never had. How did I screw up my life so badly?

I watch on as my uncle spills his drink because he is laughing so much. I watch my mum gossiping with my aunt about everything and anything. I watch my little sister frantically swimming, trying to catch our cousins in a game of Marco Polo. The way my dad’s eyes sparkle as he tells his stories. I used to be like that, I used to be able to laugh and chat. But my mind betrayed me. Now my memories mock me.

Desperate to shake off my thoughts, I place my towel on my chair, and sit at the edge of the pool. The cold pricks at my skin, but I ignore it. I jump in.

My head clears as the water numbs my face. Almost instantly, my pain edges away. I like it down here, in the depths of the pool. The one place my thoughts can’t chase me and corner me. Closing my eyes, I let my body sink down further. I let the water blanket me and cover me.

“They don’t need me though, they don’t want me.” Voices whisper at me from somewhere inside my head. My body sinks lower, hitting the bottom of the pool. Craving air, my lunges ache and burn.

A muffled scream reaches out into my silence. Strength drains from me. This is it, the moment I have been wishing for since the monsters moved into my head.

More screaming, desperate splashes. In my final seconds, I open my eyes. Sunlight leaks through the water, dappling and dancing. A hand reaching, cutting through time and space. Now, I get to choose. I can keep fighting, take my sister’s hand. Battle for every second. Because deep, deep down I know I’ll be able to seize joy again. Or I can surrender and close my eyes.

I choose to fight.

I use all the power I have left to clutch my sister’s hand as she hauls me up into the air again. Sobbing and crying erupts as I’m pulled onto flat ground. My mum grabs my hand squeezes it, whispering in my ear.

“You’re stronger than I’ll ever be.”

This is what causes me to open my eyes. Tears are soaking my parents’ faces. My siblings look stunned. I squint as the bright light crashes into me. Silently I pray that I am alive. Because in that moment between life and death, I knew that I was loved. And just like that, I know I am saved.

I didn’t realise I was lost, until I realised I was found.

by A. TABLEHOPPER

Kunara Caf

– 330 MONS RD, FOREST GLEN, 4556

Iam an ‘average joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology! I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the hinterland eateries I visit, for their service/ ambience and presentation/flavour.

Maleny Hills Motel

A staple favourite of mine as I travel about the Sunshine Coast, is Kunara Café, inside Kunara Marketplace, so I thought I would head across with a friend and taste their recent wares.

This building with its extremely high vaulted ceiling is home to the biggest fan I have seen in Queensland, keeping customers nice and cool in the summer. It’s spacious and full of gifts and plants, spiling over from the garden nursery outside.

You queue to order, and everything is on display looking colourful, or decadent. Then grab your number and find a table inside or outside. It’s usually quite busy, but I’ve always found a seat.

The food came within about five minutes, and it was well presented, especially mine! By the way, all the dishes are certified organic, and the cafe caters to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and paleo diets.

My friend chose a spinach and feta roll which had a lovely buttery pastry. The filling wasn’t overpowering, which many people like, but I think my companion felt she should’ve chosen a dish which packed more of a punch. Still, she certainly enjoyed her blueberry and banana smoothie!

I chose the salmon (and rice) slice with caper aioli and coleslaw. It was delicious, and quite filling, with the tangy aioli hitting the spot along with the crunchy homemade coleslaw. You can’t really go wrong with capers and fish, but this slice was so good I was tempted to ask for the recipe.

I felt quite virtuous eating so well, which made me decide that I needed a sweet afterwards, so I opted for the Caribbean lime tart. Creamy, with a hint of citrus, it fondly reminded me of condensed milk, which I used to love as a kid. I should mention there are tons of tempting desserts on display here, from Chocolate Cinnamon Crunch or Vegan Banoffee Tarts, to Chocolate Beetroot Cake or Raw Bounty Bars.

The coffees here are also great, so whether you are having a pit-stop or staying for a meal, this is certainly on the list for filling food that makes you feel good!

Discover a slice of paradise