American Murder Tale - By Ariane Hanger

Written By: Ariane Hanger

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Ariane Hanger presents a gripping short story titled "American Murder Tale." Hailing from an unspecified country, Hanger captures the essence of suspense and drama in her narrative. The story is set against a backdrop of poverty and desperation, exploring the psychological turmoil of a protagonist who finds themselves in an unthinkable situation.

About the Work

"American Murder Tale" delves into the psyche of its protagonist, capturing the raw essence of fear, anger, and regret. Hanger's narrative style is vivid, painting a stark picture of a tumultuous night that leads to a life-altering act. The story is rich with imagery, from the harsh streetlights to the chilling finality of a desperate decision, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between victim and perpetrator.

American Murder Tale

Original Submission by Ariane Hanger

American Murder Tale

The streetlights flashed their harsh, sharp colours in my eyes, making me feel as if I had Charles Bonnet syndrome. My eyes were filled with tears, Police car sirens fading in the distance as the hum of my mind pressed down on me.

All I could think about is what I’ve done to Mr. Aldrich, how his screams terrorized the entire street and how the hope in his eyes faded away with every thrust of the blade in my hands slowly agonizing his chest.

This would have all been prevented if Mr. Aldrich didn’t try to steal from my family. You see, we had been living on the north side (the poverty enriched side) of Edmund. We had to look for extra quarters at the back of the settee by the end of each month just to buy a loaf of cheap white bread, just to get by. So, you can only imagine the anger and indignation I felt when this selfish man tried to steal my very few, basically worthless possessions.

I always wondered if he specifically targeted me because I was an American living in England.

Oh, my apologies, I’ve been dwelling on my anger, and you don’t even know the story. Let me elucidate.

Around one in the morning, and a radiant tomorrow in the waiting, I heard these bangs on the side of my window. Monstruous, tautening, loud bangs. My body was too agonized with fear to even lift a toenail near to the edge of my bed. My mind went through 500 possibilities – it could be a murderer, a rapist or even something as simple as blind pigeon.

Whatever it was I merely had the guts to scope out the invasive noises. That was until I heard my bedroom window demolish in pieces and felt that freezing gale of wind against my confused countenance. A figure crept through my new cavity, falling hard and expeditiously to the glass infilled ground. I don’t think, no I know, I know I’ve never burst forth so fast out of my resting. I was instantly standing in front of this odd man. Clearly, we already had something in common, because as I sprung out of my bed ready for action, he got up from his accident way more hastily.

The closer I scrutinized this man; I began to realize how familiar he looked. What I found most odd was the circumstance of this man not moving at all- just frozen, seemed like not even a sigh, blink or heartbeat was coming from him.

He had a very visible cicatrix across his face, from his left eyebrow all the way to the bottom part of his mentum. His scar cut his beard in two, some would say it looked like a line in sand. He also had very thin lips- almost as thin as onion membrane. He smelt like an onion with a pinch of garlic, probably sweaty.

He told me I must back away; then nobody gets hurt. Who does he think he is? I will never let anybody impair and harm my family. There was something so familiar about his voice-a little too familiar. The abrasive part in his voice linked my mind back to Mr. Aldrich within two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

I reached for my drawer and retrieved my matches. I sparked one up and attempted to light up my kerosene lamp but before I could this lookalike of Mr. Aldrich quenched it out. I took steps back due to my extreme apprehension.

I figured he was trying to hide his identity, so this indubitably was Mr. Aldrich. My apparent friend was invading my home? This made me completely apoplectic. I immediately thought of a plan to expel Mr. Aldrich.

I told him to come to my scullery- to discuss things out more clearly. To my surprise, he agreed tremendously fast. We took what seemed to be the longest 30-second walk of my entire existence. I let him walk in first; he turned around immediately. I slowly reached for a dirty knife in the sink, without breaking eye contact from Mr. Aldrich.

I clenched a deba knife, one of the sharpest knives. So sharp when I gently brush my finger on it, it lacerates me.

I lifted my arm so fast it felt like my elbow would protrude. He didn’t even try to fight me, absolutely zero resistance. As I struck into his chest, his screams filled with pain only grew quieter and quieter. He fell to his knees with not a single sign of life in his body, falling in his own deluge of blood.

My breathing got more intense, I realized what I had done. I could hear sirens in the background. I deserved this. I was not going to run nor fight back, all I was going to do was explain the story and hope for a light at the end of a tunnel.

Well, now you know my story and how I got in that atrocious situation. I shall be continuing my writing, behind these 12 oxidized bars, for the rest of my life.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity worldwide. This competition invites writers to share their voices and stories, fostering a community of diverse and talented authors. Participants from various backgrounds contribute their unique perspectives, enriching the global literary landscape.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ariane Hanger for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her compelling short story, "American Murder Tale." Her narrative skillfully navigates complex emotions and circumstances, making a lasting impression on readers. We look forward to seeing more of her 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.