A Gift from Yesterday - By Aisaa Nuru Stanley

Written By: Aisaa Nuru Stanley

Category: flash fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aisaa Nuru Stanley's "A Gift from Yesterday" is a compelling piece of flash fiction featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant narrative captures the unexpected connections and enduring impact of kindness across generations. As participants from across the globe share their unique voices and stories, Aisaa's entry stands out for its vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, inviting readers to reflect on the lasting power of goodwill and familial bonds.

About the Work

The narrative of "A Gift from Yesterday" is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and warmth, exploring themes of generational legacy and unexpected kindness. Through a vivid market scene, Aisaa Nuru Stanley weaves a story that delves into the emotional resonance of family ties and the enduring nature of benevolence. The story's rich imagery and reflective tone underscore the message that acts of kindness can transcend time, touching lives long after they are performed.

A gift from yesterday

Original Submission by Aisaa Nuru Stanley

A GIFT FROM YESTERDAY.

By; Aisaa Stanley

“Mamboro, Mamboro!”

A name I hadn’t heard in years rose sharp above the market’s roar. I was weighted down by my haul, I had been fighting through the press of bodies, heavy bags cutting into my palms, potatoes in one hand, carrots, tomatoes, onions and bananas in the other trying to carve a path through the dense, moving crowd. I just wanted to get home. But the voice grew more insistent, piercing the noise until I turned, tracing it back through the crowd.

Behind a small kiosk, an elderly woman was waiving frantically.

“Mamboro! I knew it was you!”

As I bumped my way towards her, she grasped my hand with both of hers. I searched her face, but I couldn’t place her. Hiding my confusion beneath a warm smile, I met her energy halfway, greeting her in our language.

“You’re Maswai’s daughter Kyeku aren’t you?”

My breath left my chest. The question caught me completely off guard. My mother had been gone for some time now, and hearing her brought up so suddenly brought me to a halt. I could only nod.

Softly, with a truth that dripped from every word, the woman said, “Your mother was such a good person. She was so kind to me.”

There was no empty flattery in her eyes. She meant every word. Speechless, I managed a quiet thank you and turned to leave. But she stopped me, eyeing my heavy bags.

“What else is missing? What haven’t you bought yet?”

“No, mama, it’s fine” I said adjusting my grip. “I have everything I came for.”

Without another word, she reached into her stall, picked up two fresh bags of onion and carrots, and pressed them into my hands. I tried to decline, telling her that I already had what I needed, but she insisted I take her gift.

As I walked away, holding the two extra weight in my hands, it hit me how kindness done to another lasts for generations, how it outlives us, how it truly comes back. Rippling across generations, waiting in crowded markets to find us when we least expect it. Smiling, I hold the bags a little tighter to my chest, eager to get home to my daughters hoping that one day, when they hear my name spoken in a crowded room, they feel as proud as I did standing in front of that kiosk.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse and rich literary talents from around the world. This highly anticipated event provides a platform for writers to showcase their creativity through poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and essays. By fostering a global community of writers, the competition encourages the exploration of varied themes and stories that resonate universally.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aisaa Nuru Stanley for sharing "A Gift from Yesterday" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your touching narrative reminds us of the enduring power of kindness and connection. We look forward to seeing more of your exceptional work 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.