Another Chance - By Teneal Naidoo

Written By: Teneal Naidoo

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the vibrant realm of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Teneal Naidoo presents "Another Chance," a thought-provoking short story. Through an intriguing narrative, Naidoo delves into the theme of choices and the allure of alternate lives. This evocative story invites readers to ponder the profound question: If given another chance, would you choose a different path? Hailing from a place of introspection, Naidoo's work captivates with its depth and imagination.

About the Work

"Another Chance" weaves a narrative that balances the tension between fantasy and reality, encapsulating the inner turmoil of its protagonist. With the mysterious presence of a Jin, the story explores the human heart's complex emotions and the weight of familial loyalty. The narrative style is engaging, presenting vivid imagery and introspective dialogue that leaves readers reflecting on their own lives and choices.

Another Chance

Original Submission by Teneal Naidoo

Another Chance

Would you do it? What if you were promised it would be better, that whatever suffering you’re going through would be but a distant memory? If you were told whatever you needed to hear, would you give up your life, give up everything that made you, to live another life entirely?

These are the thoughts running through my head. It feels like I’m in a dream; technically, I am. ‘A dream with a wish, that’s what he’d said. Not that any of this makes much sense. One minute I’m helping one of the regular customers take groceries to his car; the next I’m in some wish bubble being told by a Jin (yes, apparently, they exist) that, as a reward for my good heart, I get the ultimate wish. I get a do-over at life.

I see the appeal. Of course, you could have a different life, be a different person, maybe you could live through less tragedy. However, there’s no guarantee; of course, you could get a much worse deal than the one you have now. It’s like playing the lottery, and I don’t gamble.

The mysterious Jin is standing off to the side, watching me closely, giving me time to think it all over. He’s chosen what he calls a shell, because, and I quote, ‘if I were to see his true form, my simple mortal mind would not be able to comprehend it, and I would go mad.’

The “shell” is a middle-aged man I’ve known as Mr Alberts. He’s been coming into the market where I work for the past year. Always comes to my till, always asking me questions about myself. I always help him take his bags to his car whenever he asks. I see now that it was all some kind of test.

He looks amused about something; I’m pretty sure he can read my mind.

‘I know what you’re thinking.’

He says in that gravelly voice which is now both familiar and foreign.

‘I knew it.’ I snap, without thinking,

‘You’ve been reading my mind. Okay, I don’t care that you’re some kind of powerful being; it doesn’t give you the right to poke around in my head- ‘

He smiles as if this is something he gets accused of often.

‘I can’t read minds. I read hearts.’

‘I don’t know how your heart works or if you even have one, but all mine does is keep me alive. Despite what you may have come across in our world of fiction. It doesn’t control emotions.’

‘Oh, you humans.’

I’m not sure how I should react to this statement, but he said it with a sigh, and he rolled his eyes. I’m taking offence even if I don’t quite know what I’m offended about.

‘I read your emotions, your feelings waging war in your head right now.’ His face softens as he continues,

‘You can’t hide what you feel; you wear them all on your sleeves, as your saying goes.’

‘Sure, and what is my heart saying to you?’

‘It’s in disarray. But the point you keep coming back to is, you’re unsure how you feel about your family.’

This I’m a bit taken aback, but I will not let him see that he rattled me more.

‘I love them obviously; they’re my family, and I do what I can for them.’

‘Sounds more like loyalty.’

His tone shifts again, boredom? Irritation? Amusement? He’s hard to read.

‘I do what I can every day for them so we can get through yet another month, towards yet another year. Of course, I’m fiercely loyal.’

‘Sounds like you resent them for that.’

That was a hint of amusement; I’m sure of it.

‘How could you think such a thing? Are you incapable of feeling?’

‘The issue is you’re incapable of accepting the truth about your feelings.’

‘Your truth, not mine.’

I’m so annoyed, and I just want to get back to my life. Wake up from this dream.

‘Alright then, we can just call it a day, and I’ll find another soul to offer this to.’

The way he says this makes me stop trying to find a door and turn to him.

I could just agree to end this and move on with my life, but I don’t want to. I want to stay in this bubble; it’s safe, and I don’t have to worry about all the problems that make up my life. I take a deep breath and sit on the ground; he waits for me to collect myself and gather my thoughts.

‘My father was a great fireman; he loved his job. He adored us, I know he did, but no one told him to go back into that blaze. Sure, he saved those two lives, but he lost his. He chose to be a hero over coming back to his family; that’s how it feels, and all these years later, I still hate him for leaving us.

Since then, just to support us, moms have had to work double, even triple shifts at the hospital. But more than that, she hides in her work. She doesn’t remember what grade the twins are in; she didn’t even wish me happy birthday last month.

She’s a shell of the person she once was; Dad’s death broke her, and she never came back to us. I hate her for not being strong enough to care for her own family. And the boys, I raise them, I take care of them, they look to me for everything, and I shelter them. And at the expense of my own life, and yes, they’re only nine, but I hate them for being so dependent on me.’

My nails are digging into my palms and my breathings uneven. I think I was shouting, and at some point, I had gotten back on my feet.

‘How do you feel now?’

He’s right in front of me now, and I see that his eyes, once blue, are now a bright purple.

‘Strange.’

My voice is low and my throat dry.

‘How so?’

His eyes seem to sparkle now.

‘I don’t feel anything. I know I should feel somewhat bad for hating my family, but I don’t. I love them as much as I hate them, and I think that’s okay.’

‘Should I ask the question again?’

His eyes are dazzling now like stars, and his features are morphing slowly into something less Mr Alberts.

‘If I choose to go with you, what happens to this life?’

‘You won’t have existed; the universe repairs itself around that, so to say.’

‘Will I remember this life?’

‘You can’t have memories of something that never existed.’

‘Well, will I remember this time here with you?’

‘We’re currently in a space that sits outside of your time. In here, there is no concept of time. Once you leave here, you go back to moving forward with your flow of time- ‘

‘I’m really too tired to even pretend to understand.’

‘You will have no recollection of this encounter.’

I walk around the bubble a few times, mulling it over as he watches me closely. He seems to be vibrating as he slowly morphs back into whatever I assume is his usual self. What surprises me is how calming I find that thought.

‘How long have you been offering this to people?’

‘Many years, across many worlds.’

‘How many have said yes?’

‘Fewer than you think.’

‘You said you could read my heart; will I regret my decision in some way?’

‘No one has an answer for that.’

Time seems to stand still, even my heartbeat seems to stop.

‘Take me.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘I’m sure.’

‘Close your eyes and take a deep breath.’

I’m being nudged awake by giggling invaders. I reach out and grab them, tickling my younger sister and brother.

‘What’s this noise? Who’s being attacked?’

‘Sorry, Dad, I was being attacked by these mini terrorists.’

‘Well, everyone downstairs, Mom’s making waffles.’

The twins cheer and head downstairs. I roll on my back and look up at the ceiling, letting out a sigh.

‘Anything wrong, babygirl?’

His face is a little concerned as he sits on the bed.

‘Sometimes I wonder what life would be like. If I were living another life, one harder than this one.’

He’s about to speak, but I shake my head and continue,

‘I don’t dwell on these thoughts long; I guess it’s just my subconscious reminding me to always be grateful for my good life.’

‘Sounding wiser than your old man, I’m glad. Now we should get down there before the monsters eat everything in sight.’

Heading downstairs with dad, I can’t help smiling at myself- different or alternate lives, how absurd.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of storytelling and poetry. It brings together voices from across the globe, offering participants the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity. This competition is a testament to the power of words and the stories that bind us.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Teneal Naidoo for sharing "Another Chance" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story's exploration of choices and family dynamics resonates deeply, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your insightful storytelling.

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.