The magic world with your love

entered the prison doors. As I closed the cell door his body tensed, his back was turned against me his head down. “Ash, it’s okay, it’s just me,” my voice broke the silence. Nothing. Not even turning around to see me. “Ash, come on. You know I’m not going to hurt you,” I said taking a step closer. His body shifted, that was a sign. Whether it was a good or bad one I wasn’t quite sure. “E-Ember-rr,” his voice was a hoarse whisper, but it was music to my ears. “Yes, it’s me,” I answered. “Wh-what happened to me?” His voice strained as he turned around. His dark green eyes looked deep into mine, searching for an answer I had already given him a thousand times. I stood in the cell trying to gain the strength to explain the truth he had forgotten once again. The truth was I didn’t know what exactly happened to him. All the problems started when he was drafted in the war, even though Sector 2- the sector he lived in- wasn’t supposed to be drafted. And being the kind and determined person Ash was, he went anyway. Naturally, I tried to stop him, tell him it wasn’t his job to fight these battles, but I couldn’t. So he left one dark and rainy night, and I prayed he would come home to me safely. Then about two months later I got the message. Ash and two other soldiers were captured by the enemy during battle and they hadn’t been seen since. After the message it was all a blur, no word came for weeks. Till about a month ago when I was informed that the three missing men had been found, and Ash was on his way home. As soon as I got word that he had arrived in Sector 2 I raced over to the hospital hoping to find him there. When I arrived they said he was transferred to the palace prison. The nurse informed me that Ash was accused of taking sides with the enemy and his charges were soon to be determined. After I was informed of Ash’s whereabouts I made my way to the prison to find him, and I will never forget the feeling I had when I first saw him. A mix of sorrow, pain, and anger all in one, his body was littered with scars, a living tapestry of near misses. His once jet black hair was overgrown and crusty, his eyes once full of color and life were drained and faded. And I knew he wasn’t going to be the same Ash he was before the war. “Ember wh-what happened to m-me,” His shaky voice brought me out of my thoughts. “You were taken by the enemy,” I answered taking another step closer to his fragile body. “H-how long?” He questioned as his eyes dropped back to the floor. “For about a month,” that was the one thing I was sure of. The worst month of my life. Pure misery. Not knowing if I would ever see him again, ever get to be held in his strong arms. Ever get to talk to him about my problems and learn from our mistakes together. The fear of never hearing his soothing voice again or seeing his handsome face was constantly in my mind. “But you’re back now. And you’re going to be fine,” I slowly placed my hand on his shoulder. Instantly, almost as if I flicked a switch, he spun around grabbed my throat and pinned me against the wall. His face was red and contorted as he began to strangle me. My mind began to race, fear pumping through my veins. As he lifted me off the ground I kicked in protest. I tried desperately to release his hands from my throat, but I was no match for his powerful grip. His eyes were filled with anger as his forceful hands pushed into my neck. It was like he didn’t recognize me like I was a different person through his eyes. The air started to drain from my lungs as he pressed harder into my throat. My vision was turning fuzzy and I began to feel light-headed, and in that split second, I thought I was going to die. My heart began to beat faster as the last breaths from my lungs were being squeezed out. Then all the sudden he stopped. His hands released my throat and the color drained from his face as I slid down the wall to a sitting position. He backed away as he realized what he has just done. The cell remained silent for a minute or two until my voice returned to me. “I-I’m al-right,” I gasped as the precious air began to fill my lungs again. “What is wrong with me?!” He exclaimed, his hands began to shake as he continued to back away from me. I sat on the cold prison floor, my eyes closed trying to erase the memories of the last minute from my mind. “It’s alright Ash, I’m going to be fine. This isn’t your fault, it’s the psychos who took you, they must have done something to you. Do you remember?” I asked as I slowly stood up, regaining my balance. “Blood. So much blood. On the ceiling on the walls, blood everywhere.” He whispered I sighed, this wasn’t the first time this had happened. He seemed to go off into a daze whenever I asked him what they did. “Ash, please. You must remember something,” I pleaded “The walls are bleeding, the floors are bleeding, blood, blood everywhere.” He continued to whisper as he walked over to his bed and sat down with his hands over his head. I took this as a sign that it was my time to leave. “I need to go upstairs to a meeting now,” I lied, there was no meeting, but it didn’t matter. He wasn’t listening. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I love you,” I said as I walked out of the cell. His body still shaking as he sat on the bed. As I was walking back up to my bedchamber the tears began to leak down my flush face. Once the floodgates opened they wouldn’t close. That night I cried myself to sleep because I knew the man I loved, the thoughtful, tenderhearted, devoted Ash wasn’t coming back anytime soon. The bright morning sun peeked through my sheer curtains the next morning. The heat from the luminous rays landing on my resting face. I slowly got out of bed, my clothes from yesterday stiff and itching to get off my body. I quickly dressed and made my way to the dining hall. On my way as I was about to turn a corner I stumbled upon a conversation between a guard and my father’s chief advisor. Instantly I halted, trying to stay hidden and keep quiet so I could eavesdrop. “The Emperor himself has given me this message to deliver to you and only you,” my father’s chief advisor said. “Yes sir,” the guard stiffly replied. “I mean it, no guard gossip, this is between you and me,” the guard nodded in reply. “Alright then, the Emperor has charger Ash McCoy with high treason.” My world was put on pause. Treason. That meant death. And my father was the one responsible. The sound of the conversation was tuned out by the frantic error messages crossing my mind. I think I heard something about public execution, and it would be an example, but I wasn’t sure. All I was certain of was that I needed to get to Ash. I had to save him before it was too late. I quickly rushed down the halls towards the prison, hoping he wasn’t already being transferred. As I entered his cell door he glanced at me and quickly returned his eyes to the wall. “We need to get out of here now!” I yelled No change in his position. “Ash, please. We need to leave, my father’s charging you with the death penalty,” he glanced up at me, sorrow in his eyes. “I can’t go,” he replied bluntly. “What do you mean you can’t go? My father is trying to kill you are you’re not going to leave? Are you insane?!” “That’s what they’ve been telling me,” He muttered. “Listen to me,” I rested my hands on his shoulders, hoping it wouldn’t cause another panic attack. “You are not crazy! Please come with me, we can run away, start a new life.” “Ember, you don’t know how much I want to come with you, start a new life, a new family,” I smiled imagining what it would be like to have a family with Ash. “But I can’t. You saw what happened yesterday, I almost…I almost killed you.” “Ash it’s-” “Ember, you can’t say it’s not going to happen again because you don’t know. What if I hurt you, what if I kill you!” He was getting worked up. “I can’t come with you,” He pushed me away, “I think you should go.” My mouth was dry; words tried to form but none would escape. As I slowly turned to exit the cell the sound of oncoming footsteps stopped me in my tracks. Instantly I panicked, the fear of being caught racing through my mind. As the footsteps neared and the pursuer came into view my greatest nightmare became a reality. There in front of the cell stood two palace guards and in between them my father. “Ember, what are you doing down here!” His face contorted in frustration as I stood in shock, not knowing what to say. “And of all the creatures to fraternize with, you chose him!” He gestured towards Ash who was staring at the ground with an empty expression on his face. “This is unacceptable! If word gets out that my daughter! The future queen was found socializing with this man, accused of treason, it will be the end of our reign!” I flinched, his anger growing by the minute. “Guards take him away! I must deal with my daughter.” The two guards left my father’s side, entered the cell and grabbed Ash by the arms. He flinched at first touch but soon submitted to their death grip. As they escorted him out of the cell he glanced over his shoulder and our eyes met. And in that split second, I saw his eyes. Not the damaged, ghost-like eyes I had seen in the past weeks. I saw my Ash’s eyes, full of love. But just as quickly as they appeared, they vanished. And slowly as the guards lead him away, a single tear slid down my cheek as I realized this would be the last time I saw him. My father grabbed my arm, quickly dragging me with him to my bedchamber. “Father, please…he doesn’t deserve to die,” I pleaded as we entered the room. “Now you listen closely Ember, I am not about to have you tell me how to run my country! He is being executed within the hour and that is my final decision!” “I love him, father! You can’t take him from me, I need him!” I yelled, my eyes glossy with the tears threatening to fall. “You know how I feel about love young lady, it can’t last forever, don’t you remember what happened to your mother?” I fell silent, my mother had died three years ago when there was a rebel attack on the palace. Father never truly recovered, and ever since that day he has said that love and attachments lead to pain in the end. “Please, father. You can’t do this!” “Enough!” His voice echoed through the room. “I will not continue to stand here and have you defy me! I’ve failed once in disposing of that boy, I will not fail again!” “What are you saying?” I asked “I sent Ash to war.” His words were a bullet to my heart. “Why would you do such a thing?” I questioned, tears leaking down the side of my flush face. “That boy was never good for you Ember. He is not royal blood, as the heir, you have the duty to be queen someday. And I was not about to have a second-rate boy sit with you on the throne. Now I will not have this conversation any longer, you are staying in here for the rest of the night!” He said as he slammed the door shut, locking it behind him. I ran to the door, desperately pulling, trying to escape, but the lock held. I sank to my knees unable to contain my emotions for any longer. And as I sat on the floor locked away from the outside world I prayed that Ash would be able to overcome this. That he would somehow make it back to me. *** As the guards lead me away I locked eyes with Ember. Her kind and strong eyes I knew and loved were replaced by ones filled with fear. And at that moment I felt like nothing could stop me from getting to her and making her feel loved again, but the thought quickly vanished as I remembered my current situation. The guards continued to escort me to my execution block, taking me outside to the courtyard. The air was fresh, for the first time in weeks, I felt free again. Out in the world, under the never-ending sky. Crowds of people stood around the town square, waiting for my execution to take place. The guard’s arms were no longer around me, they stood on either side, walking me to the center of town. As I walked alongside them, the conversation with Ember flooded through my mind. I hurt her, she may have been fine now but the guilt was still trapped inside me. I had failed her, she was my everything, the love of my life and I left her alone and hurting. The guards halted and pushed down on my shoulders, signaling me to kneel. As I sat there in the center of town memories of the men who had captured me flashed through my mind. The sound of the fibrous whip slashing and tearing blood-soaked flesh away from my bony body. The overpowering and constant metallic scent of scarlet blood. The image of dark, crimson liquid splattering across the room while my back throbbed was continuously replaying within my mind. I closed my eyes and bowed my head, ready to face death and escape from the fear and guilt inside of me. But when the gun was placed on my head something inside changed. Suddenly I heard her voice, her sweet, calming voice telling me to come back to her, pleading for me to survive. And I knew that somehow I was going to make it back to her. And as if it was an answered prayer, suddenly bullets erupted through the crowd. I quickly searched the streets as more guns were fired. Then I noticed him, a young man with a dusty scarf over his face. He stood in the center of town, his gun raised proudly in the air. He shouted a muffled command and that is when I realized it was them. It was an attack, a rebel attack, more of them burst from their hiding places in the crowd. Guns continued to fire as guards raced towards the attacking enemy. This was my chance, my heart raced as I slowly stood up and then bolted. I ran, straight for the palace. All the guilt and shame once in my mind was washed away by her soothing voice. The pain from my battle in the past was gone, all I could think about was making it back to Ember. *** I sat resting against the door when the nob began to turn. I tilted my head in confusion when all of a sudden the door burst open, pushing me across the floor. “Ember?!” His voice shouted as he ran through the door. I quickly stood up. I stayed in front of him waiting for him to make a move waiting to see that is was my Ash. He stood for a second and then raced into my arms. “You’re alive!” I said through tears of joy. “I’m alive, and I am never leaving you again,” he answered “Ash, we need to leave. And I know you’re still scared that you could hurt me, but I trust you. It won’t be easy but I know we can get through it together. We can run away, start our lives over again.” I said “I’m convinced, there’s just one more thing,” he stated “What is something-” but before I could finish he pulled me closer and kissed me. *** Three years later… *** That night we ran away together, starting our new life, free from the guilt and shame of our past battles. Today we live in a cottage on the outskirts of a little town far away from the palace and any threats it may bring upon our family. We recently welcomed our beautiful daughter Ella into the world, she is and will forever be our little princess. Some people say we are traitors, maybe we are. All I know is that we did what we had to do to have our happily ever after. The end. 2nd Place, Ella Steyer with “The Bucket List” On writing, here’s what Ella had to say: My name is Ella and I am fourteen years old. I enjoy playing soccer, and have since I was little. I love to be outside. I recently discovered photography, which I have been enjoying. Reading has always been a hobby for me, along with writing ever since I started taking the 5000 Words Writing Class. My goal is always to better my writing with each story/essay. That’s why I am proud of my recent story, “The Bucket List.” The Bucket List The word “dying” is not a word to be taken lightly. I should know. After all, I am. I have been for six months now. Those months were packed with many, many emotions. Tears seeped into my pillow, my head regularly pounded, and my stomach was in an eternal tight knot. These were all side effects of the fact that I knew a gruesome, destructive, wayward disease was creeping through my body, working to find the simplest way to bring me down. My mom would tell me to rely on God, that He has a plan, but I knew her pillow was as damp as mine in the middle of the night. My dad wished for me to be brave and to remember that it wasn’t merely me battling this sickness, but everyone who treasured me as well. My best friends, Sophia and Carter, just wanted me to have a good time. They always have, but now more than ever. That’s what makes them the best people for this job. I gaze out the window of the passenger seat, my long blonde hair twirling around me. My mind becomes dizzy from all the thoughts swirling in it. There was this face that people shot me whenever they discovered I had kidney disease. It was an expression that said, “Oh, that poor girl. And at age sixteen? What a tragedy…” Oh, how I despise that expression. Thankfully, I won’t have to see that offensive, sorry-for-you look for a while now because the following weeks are entirely about me and completing all my life goals. We won’t give my illness a single thought. I can thank the four people in this car for it. Sophia, who’s sitting directly behind me, has been there for me since the first grade. When I discovered my disease, she didn’t leave my side for a week. That’s when I recognized just how important she was in my life. She would remain next to me, crying along with me or doing whatever I needed her to do. Carter isn’t exactly that kind of person. He’s more like the one that gets you laughing when your down. The rare times I smiled after hearing the news was with both of them. However, my parents also amazed me–and still do. They mentioned a positive view in the darkest times but didn’t force me to believe it all the time. They understood if I needed some time to sulk. The heartbreaking discovery about my disease was just as difficult for them as it was for me. Though this trip might be regarding me, those special people are the ones that spent weeks preparing, scheduling, and adjusting each detail flawlessly. The only thing I had to do was make a list of anything I ever fantasized about doing. They made sure to emphasize anything. I had dwelled on the unimaginable options for various days, making sure my ultimate conclusion was one I wouldn’t regret. As we drove to our first destination–Glacier National Park, located in Montana–I couldn’t help but be interested in the days to come. Some could describe this list of courageous events as a bucket list. For me, it was more of an escape from the appalling realities of my life. Every one of these events was thoroughly thought over and chosen with purpose. I yawn. My exhausted body is overcoming the energetic thoughts as the car smoothly drives to our destination, it’s movement swaying me to sleep… *** I rub my eyes, my memory still foggy. It isn’t until I open them when I see the genuine purpose I came to this park. The waterfall in front of me is more than beautiful. It’s something much more. So significant I can’t form words with enough value and excellence to describe it. The way the water pours with ease, the enormous amount never ceasing. How it plunges far below the surface, creating splashes like a child in a bath. The surreal view distracts my flooded brain from the reason we came. Carter steps over to the path that guides you behind the waterfall, Sophia trailing close behind. My parents and I follow. I’ve always dreamed of standing behind a waterfall, breathing in the crisp natural air. Ever since I was young, something about them fascinated me. Once I made one descent from the bathroom sink. My mom was awfully mad, but it was a tremendous achievement for my five-year-old brain. A light mist sprinkles my face, drawing me back from the memory. I shut my eyes, truly grasping the beauty of God’s astonishing creation. . . My ears catch the sound of running and then a loud splash. I immediately open my eyes to see Carter hovering in the water beneath. He lets out a holler. “Come on,” he pleads, “Jump in, Sabrina!” I blink at the sound of my name. He wants me to jump in? It’s about a twelve-foot drop from the ledge we were standing on. He does stuff similar to this often, even though most are against the rules. However, Carter is the kind of person who believes rules are more fun broken. “It’s warm! Not even the slightest bit cold!” he winks, and I swear I notice him shiver. A new thought pops into my head. What if this is the last risk I ever take? Wouldn’t that be worth it? I’ve stayed on the safe side most of my life, but I feel like this trip is different. I have to make it different. One that will be worth every minute. “Come on. It’s fun!” he begs again, but he didn’t have to. I’m already soaring through midair, the decreasing water spraying me before I plummet into the brisk lake below. It might be the opposite of warm, but he was right; it is fun. *** “I don’t know about this…” I mutter, frightened as I gaze at the lengthy rope dangling over a two hundred foot drop. Sophia places her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, ‘Brina. It’s going to be amazing!” My stomach jolts again at the sight of the zip line. What made me think sliding across a cliff on a tiny thread would be an enjoyable, life-changing event? We had previously completed three events. Visit a waterfall in Glacier National Park, go kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The previous ones were chosen because of my enjoyment of nature. The next ones were more daring and adventurous. However, right now I’m highly doubting the bold side of me. I feel paralyzed as I stand in Aerial Adventures located in West Yellowstone, Montana. I’m still attempting to understand why I believed zip lining would be pleasant only three days ago. Around me is a small platform where the equipment will be placed on me. A guide stands near the harnesses and ropes, assisting each person thoroughly. Sophia is already in her harness. After the guide triple checks, he nods his head. She glances at me for half a second before zooming away over a cliff, shouting in excitement as she goes. My stomach is doing cartwheels as the guide fastens me up. He finishes way too quick. After motioning for me to start, I capture one steady breath. Then I’m sliding away from him, gaining momentum immediately. As my mind grips the situation, I instantly look down. Not a good idea. My mind grows shaky and my heart is beating furiously. Far ahead, I notice Sophia waving her arms wildly. She stands alongside the zip line, her harness off, a grin on her freckled face. I can tell she’s pleased I put this on the list. I suddenly recognize it. I’m flying through the sky, like some of God’s most magnificent creatures. I’m doing something I would have never imagined me doing. It’s magical. The wind thrashing against me, my feet suspended in nothing but fresh air. I feel free. Free from my sickness. Free from the anxiety or distress. Free from the repulsive, haunting things in this world. For once, no thoughts swirl through my mind. It’s just me, escaping from my dramatic life as I soar from one thing to the next. *** The bucket list is rapidly decreasing. After zip lining, the five of us swam with sea turtles, took a surfing lesson, and tried many foods that other countries considered a delicacy. Each one made me overflow with enthusiasm. As we travel to our next destination, I feel the same energy I did in the beginning. I can tell whatever happens next is going to be spectacular. *** My mom looks at me as if I’m a little girl as we lift into the sky. Today, it’s just her and I on our own adventure. There was this book that Mom would read to me every night before bed. I believe it was titled Once upon a Balloon. It was the first book I read all by myself. I’m sure my mom was insanely tired of reading it, but she always did. It was our little book. Now it’s simply a memory, but one we’ll never forget. It’s the reason why we’re floating peacefully in the sky in Denver, Colorado. The rainbow hot air balloon is nothing short of enchanting. The view it provides is like a piece from heaven. It’s truly astonishing. The grass appears greener up here. The world seems larger. I feel like a preschooler again as we float in a basket, bright colors above and the wondrous world below. *** The bar locks, forcing me to stay. I certainly can’t go back now. Besides, this is the second to last thing on the list. The machine lurches forward. I gulp. Even with my dad sitting next to me, this was going to be the wildest event yet. Metal clicks together on the track in front of us. Even before twisting upside down, my stomach is a wreck knowing I’m about to ride the Valravn at Cedar Point. My dad and I have enjoyed the thrill of rollercoasters together since I was little. When I had the idea of riding a massive one side-by-side, it sent chills of excitement and nervousness down my spine. Especially since it could be the last one we ride together. A quick dip makes me shriek. The coaster rotates in a complete circle before starting up a hill that makes me wince. I can hear distant screams and view more and more of the park as we grow higher. Eventually, the loud noise of the chain stops, and for a second, we’re frozen on the top of the hill. Then everything switches. The coaster flies down the hill, dragging me with it. My stomachs in my throat when we tip over in a corkscrew. I can barely tell if we are right side up when a steep dip leaves my stomach at the top of the hill again. The coaster is speeding its way back where we started in about a minute. A laugh escapes me, but my legs feel weak as I step onto solid ground. I approved, but my stomach didn’t. I stood near a garbage can for the next five