A Daughter’s Freedom, A Mother’s Fear - By Liyanda Jonas

Written By: Liyanda Jonas

Category: Fictional short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Liyanda Jonas brings us a captivating fictional short story titled "A Daughter’s Freedom, A Mother’s Fear." This piece, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, delves into the complexities of familial ties and youthful rebellion set against a backdrop of fantasy. Through the eyes of young Ellisia, Jonas crafts a narrative that explores the tumultuous relationship between a daughter seeking independence and a mother’s protective instincts. The story is a poignant reflection on love, magic, and the consequences of choices.

About the Work

"A Daughter’s Freedom, A Mother’s Fear" is a stirring tale of emotional depth and magical realism. The story's mood shifts from tension to introspection as Ellisia grapples with her desires and the weight of her mother’s fears. Liyanda Jonas uses vivid imagery to capture Ellisia’s emotional journey and the mystical elements that shape her world. The narrative beautifully intertwines themes of freedom and responsibility, underscoring the powerful bond between parent and child.

A Daughter’s Freedom, A Mother’s Fear

Original Submission by Liyanda Jonas

A Daughter's Freedom, a Mother’s Fear

“Mother please!”

Ellisia yelled as she propped herself upon the kitchen stool in frustration watching her mother pace on the other side of the wooden table.

“No, I have told you multiple times and you know I dislike constant repetition.” Lucinda replied to her daughter’s plea.

“But you said upon my 17th birthday-”

“I said no such thing about you leaving this cottage!” Lucinda snapped.

Ellisia stared dumbfounded at her mother’s outburst. Silence filled the room, Ellisia was sure she would’ve heard a pin drop. Ellisia looked down at her lap, tears slowly welling in her eyes as she fidgeted with her amethyst necklace. Lucinda realised what she’d just done, breaking the silence, she hesitantly walked around the table to place a shaking hand on Ellisia's now balled fist, removing a strand of blond hair from her own face.

“My Raven, you know I did not mean to yell-”

“You do not get to call me that.” Ellisia pulled away from her mother’s grasp, not looking back at her she hastily made her way to her bedroom. She aggressively slammed the door behind her, with her back against it hot tears trickled down her cheeks like fresh flowing rivers. Her mother was always the one parent she could never seem to get along with.

She hated these weak emotions, feeling vulnerable was like falling right into a psychological trap. The more she clutched onto her necklace, the more tears fell from her now puffy eyes, which as she attempted to open dimly reflected on her hand a bright iris purple.

“No… no, no, no!” She rushed to the bathroom mirror to examine her reflection, “Not again!”

She hurried back into her bedroom and rummaged for her intermediate spell book that her father gave her. Her father… the mere thought of him made her heart ache with so much pain. She inherited this feature from him, when feeling strong emotions. She knew this was his way of showing he was always with her, in his own different yet uncomfortable way.

She began to have a flashback, the day her father gifted her the necklace.

“Remember my little Raven, this will enhance your power for as long as you practice and perfect your abilities. It is also to keep you safe when I am not here, to let you know I am always near your heart.” Gavin, Ellisia’s father, smiled whilst putting the necklace around her neck.

“It is so beautiful Papa.” little Ellisia said in awe.

“Just like you my Raven.” Gavin kissed her forehead, picked her up and tossed her in the air, catching her and laughing, repeating the joyous action again and again, until the laughter was just an echo in Ellisia’s thoughts.

Having not realised that she was tearing up again, quickly wiping tears, she walked to the bathroom mirror to cast the relaxant spell for her glowing eyes.

“From hence was blue, return as if never made anew.” The colour slowly dissipated back to their original colour. A wave of relief soothed over Ellisia, during all the distress the sun was long engulfed by the horizon. She lit her two lanterns on her bed’s nightstands. She opened the closet, took a dark brown cloak with a hood of which she draped over her shoulders, paired with a pair of boots she opened the large window in between two smaller ones. The breeze left a perfectly cool tingle on her skin, and stars, oh how she wished to be up there, those millions of tiny twinkling spots were things she always cherished. Before she knew it she was deep into her forest freedom. Moments later she stumbled upon a camp fire but with the trees obstructed her view. Snap. A twig crunched under her boot which caused the figure to abruptly get up and hold a gun in her direction but thanks to the foliage of the trees the figure could not see her but she could see it.

She stood still like a deer in headlights, dangerous headlights. She tried to step back only to be met with another snap.

“Shoot.” She murmured under her breath but as if on cue, a shot was fired through the trees and Ellisia found herself in a sprint in another direction from the figure and its weapon. She ran so deep into the forest she no longer recognised the trees but at that moment she was just glad to be alive ‘til she felt a sting under her ribs, she touched the area only to be met with a warm, dark and wet liquid on her hand. She’d been shot. She ventured deeper into these parts of the forest, pitch black, she tried to conjure a light ball but in its materialisation it was dim due to her own lack of strength. The pain grew unbearable as she continued deeper until she came across a dark oak tree and laid against it, she was cold, lost and wounded. Was this how it ended for her? Was this truly how she would leave this world, through a stupid rebellious act? She closed her eyes in hope of a saviour when instead her necklace glowed brightly, so bright she needn’t open her eyes.

“Father…” she murmured with whatever strength she could use, “Is this how I finally meet you? Without saying goodbye to mother?” The warmth of a tear contrasted to the numbness of her face. She only wanted to protect me. I should have listened. Please don't blame yourself mother. The necklace and light ball grew dimmer and dimmer ‘til there was nothing but the moon’s light dimly illuminating Ellisia's weary body.

“So this is freedom.” The last word barely a whisper as it was carried through the night only to hear the wail of a mother in the distance.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed event celebrating literary talent across the globe. Writers and poets are given a platform to showcase their creativity and share their stories with a diverse audience. The competition fosters a community of artistic expression, encouraging participants to push the boundaries of their imagination and craft.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Liyanda Jonas for sharing "A Daughter’s Freedom, A Mother’s Fear" with us. This captivating short story, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a unique perspective on the delicate balance between love and freedom. We look forward to seeing more of Liyanda's talented storytelling in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.