A Duffle Bag - By Hamoodh Hassan

Written By: Hamoodh Hassan

Category: short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of short stories, Hamoodh Hassan, writing under the name "a duffle bag," presents a gripping narrative titled "A Duffle Bag." This engaging piece is a contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The story propels readers into a suspense-filled journey that begins at a seemingly innocent motorsport event. Hassan's storytelling captures the thrill of racing intertwined with an unexpected twist of fate, revealing his adeptness at crafting compelling narratives.

About the Work

"A Duffle Bag" is a suspenseful short story that encapsulates the excitement of a motorsport event, quickly spiraling into a tense, unforeseen situation. With vivid imagery and a gripping pace, Hamoodh Hassan skillfully unfolds a narrative that keeps readers on edge. The protagonist's journey from excitement to a life-altering discovery is marked by dynamic storytelling and a keen sense of atmosphere and suspense.

a duffle bag

Original Submission by Hamoodh Hassan

A DUFFLE BAG PART 1

As I paced through the tree’s, the thorns and twigs flew past my arms scratching them like an art canvas, the painter was nature, as I continuously turned around looking at the fate I knew was about to lead me to certain trouble, trouble I can't be involved in.

It all started on a normal morning. It was a day full of sunshine, almost like a fairy tale. I was fast asleep, when the rakus of bags and a frying pan sizzling in the damp house kitchen, woke me up. “ typical Ron Weymand” I whispered to myself, he’s my brother, short, shy,blue eyes, dark brown hair, book freak, but most of all ,he’s a massive motor sport fan, specifically “F1”, he wasn't a fan at a young age but my dad was, after dad died Ron started to feel that F1 wasn't just a sport any more it was more like a memory of dad.

So since he was old enough now, I decided to buy him something he won't forget, I bought him tickets to the largest race in Europe, a race in Monza Italy,

which brings us back to where we are now, on the day of the race, as I hear him chanting his favorite drivers theme song “ it’s Friday then it's saturday Sunday whaaaaat !!!!” he sings in the most unwelling voice, which seems to be scaring the birds outside.

Fast forward twenty minutes and we're outside loading 3 bags into the car, as Ron screams at me for being too late, and we're off.

The drive is two and a half hours so I told Ron to take some rest before we got there, but clearly he looked like a lab rat ready to explode from adrenaline, so I let him be.

A few hours later we arrived, were unloading our bags into the hotel and that's when we were really ready for a race, this is where the problem starts.

we arrive at the race track and get comfortable in the seats that are questionably UNcomfortable for the price I payed, as I sit there questioning my life choices I hear the load unforgettable sound of an F1 car zoom in for the test lap, this is where the crowd starts to pour in, millions and millions of people cram in, this is where the fun started, the race began as Ron completely lost it when he saw the racers face to face. in their rockets.

When the constant urge to pee pulled me back to my senses I told Ron to stay put and wait till I'm back, after a well held, let off, I rushed back, but while I was in our alley I met it face to face…

DUFFLE BAG I didn't think much of it but then I realised I was also a rookie cop so it was technically my duty, so I came closer, and, closer, until I realized, I'd already had my hand on the zip, I opened it like usual expecting clothes a phone glasses or a card maybe, but what met me was something no one would want to meet in any world, there laid still, beeping like a heart monitor, ticking downwords, A BOMB…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in the literary world. This prestigious event invites participants from around the globe to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess across various categories. It stands as a testament to the power of words, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hamoodh Hassan for his contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "A Duffle Bag." His narrative skillfully captures an unexpected twist at a motorsport event, leaving readers eager for more. We look forward to witnessing more of his creative endeavors 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.