Since 2015, Primary School Kolezija has been taking part in Gimnazija Vič World Book Night Event. We have joined their Book Club Short Story Competition, which has proved to be an interesting way of boosting creativity among young people by encouraging them to work on a combination of new ideas and writing discipline.
The focus theme for 2023 was the work of Judith Kerr, in particular her classic book for young children, “The Tiger who came to Tea”. In addition, her own life story depicted in “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit” allowed for important conversations to take place regarding the history of the 20th Century. 2023 marks the centenary of her birth.
The selected titles for the short stories were all based on the words from the titles of Kerr’s works. As always, there was no particular style or genre requirement for the students when it comes to their own work. Rather, they were encouraged to use their creativity to showcase a full range of emotions, ideas, and thoughts as they let their imaginations run wild and come up with their original stories.
Primary School Kolezija’s students contributed a considerable number of unique and enchanting pieces of writing and, proudly, I can announce our eighth grader Cora Chowdhury Pukšič as one of the winning authors among primary school students. Her story “I simply Want to Be” as well as a majority of other exquisite stories written by our pupils have been published in Gimnazja Vič publication, which is available for reading at our school’s library. Of course, all our stories are now also presented on our web page, so feel free to take a glimpse into our children’s vivid imagination. And enjoy the ride with Cora Chowdhury Pukšič, Mila Bezjak, Lili Stanič, Lola Nabergoj-Pavlović and Nejka Zupančič.
Stories
Title of story: Maybe
I was imprisoned. They were holding her. There was nothing I could do.
There is always something you can do. Everything is your fault.
No, please…leave me be…
It is your fault! You should have done something… anything! They are all dead because of you.
Her eyes went blank. Nothing in the world mattered anymore.
This isn’t real! You’re just an illusion. Perhaps I’ve drunk too much beer. I’M NOT CRAZY!
Maybe. But why are you then talking to yourself? Why are you blaming yourself? You are your own biggest enemy.
By Lili Stanič
Title of story: In the stillness of the night
It was getting late but, nevertheless, I rushed to the park with my dog. It was dark and chilly. Suddenly my dog started barking and running away from me. Trying to catch him, I noticed a little girl racing by as if running for her life. The trees around me and the quietness became eerie, so I turned around and then it all went black.
The next thing I remember is waking up next to the little girl from the park. But it’s all really dark and quiet…..
By Lola Nabergoj-Pavlović
Title of story: Guilt
I don’t know how many people know the feeling of guilt.
The feeling that doesn’t go away, but haunts you and eats you. Slowly.
It’s hungry for your terrible memories so it can feed from them.
I would do anything to find a way back in time and make things right so I don’t have to feel this way again.
But I can’t. So now it’s just stuck with me forever. I can even say that guilt and I will be ”best friends” for life.
By Mila Bezjak
Title of story: Go on
It’s red. My bathroom is covered in blood. My blood. I’m just sitting in the bath. Should I pull that knife out of my stomach? I think it doesn’t matter anymore. The pain is going away. Am I really leaving already? Do I have any regrets? Well, I do regret not locking the door! But otherwise, it’s fine. I’m just sorry for my family. Wait a second! Am I strong enough to write two more words? I’ll just write them on the wall. “Go on.” And now I’m going to fall asleep for the last time…
By Nejka Zupančič
