Between the Tummy & Humility - By David Obasi

Written By: David Obasi

Category: Short story, comedy

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

David Obasi presents a delightful short story titled "Between the Tummy & Humility" in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This comedic narrative takes readers on a whimsical journey through the tale of a notorious glutton who encounters a humbling experience. Set amidst the backdrop of a festive eating contest, the story humorously explores themes of excess and humility in a town besieged by one man's enormous appetite.

About the Work

The story employs vivid imagery and a light-hearted tone to paint a picture of Ricky, the town's infamous eater. Through engaging narrative techniques, Obasi humorously details Ricky's antics and the unexpected challenge he faces from a mysterious stranger. The narrative's mood oscillates between comedic and suspenseful, as it ultimately delivers a thought-provoking message about humility and self-awareness.

Between the tummy & Humility

Original Submission by David Obasi

The Story so far…

A town glutton, feared and despised at the same time comes in contact with a stranger who teaches him a lesson in humility… in a weird fashion…

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Between the Tummy

&

Humility.

Obasi David

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Ricky was a big, mean, headstrong and boastful fella. But, worst of all, he was a glutton. He could eat an entire feast and still have room left to fill another.

Many avoided inviting him over to parties, lest he be the only "guest" you would have to feed.

Ricky was a glutton, oh... yes, he was... Was? Uh, I meant... Is... Hehe... What am I saying, he's the greatest...?

A grunt was heard amongst the crowd as there stood Ricky, well hidden in the shadows, staring at me with a dagger-point gaze before leaving… None noticed this save for I, the storyteller...

Ehem... Oh, yes... where was I?

Ricky was a glutton and an abnormal one at that. Once he attended the King's banquet to celebrate his daughter's hand in marriage...

Who would've thought the King's pantry would be run dry, even way before the celebration got to its peak... All stood in awe as they watched him guzzle down the last roast pig, finger licking, lip smacking with relish as he burped aloud to a silent crowd, a weeping princess and a king turning red with anger. Turning back to face bewildered faces; "How could one eat so much?" "Such a pig."; they muttered amongst the crowd.

Ricky seemed oblivious to the angry eyes trained on him, and it was not until he turned to face them uttering just the word "What?" that the king lost it and had him removed. One could see that he wasn't pleased as the king was blowing steam, and I mean literally blowing steam as hot vapor rose from his ears and nostrils. I tell you, it wasn't a pleasant sight at all.

On all fours they were, the king's strongest and finest in the land were beaten. By a mere slap and knock to the skull, they lay wasted on the floor. It was said that his blow felt like a sledgehammer as Ricky toppled them all down, walking away with nothing, but a drumstick that he was angrily "presented" with by the groom. And when I say presented, it wasn't a pretty sight, for after his... well, warm up, as he stepped forward towards the king, his family and the court at the table... With a snare, greasy palm with moist lips, watching as the faces at the high table grimaced with fear...

Sweat pouring as the King watched his incoming assailant slowly near his table. His soldiers frozen with fear wouldn't step forward, nor draw their swords as the example set earlier with the four strongest had already been enough to take in. Eyes locked as the king silently watched Ricky's expressionless face, hands trembling beneath the table for he knew, this day might be his last.

The gaze seemed like a lifetime as the King's heart beat loudly before he turned to his son-in-law, who sat at his right with his already terrified bride.

The Prince, not sure of what to make of this change of plan sat frozen on his seat, sweating like never before. It was not until Ricky slowly stretched forth his hand towards him that he felt his heart leaped from his chest, prompting the Prince to catch it from getting away…

"Wait, this can't right... How can the hea...?" my thoughts trailing off as I stopped myself before the eyes that suddenly turned in my direction, casting with them a gaze of disgust and anger... as I was shrouded in that awkward moment…

"Okay... Uh, I'll be quiet now." I said to myself as the crowd slowly turned away from me. "You better!!"; was retorted back at me as I held myself with embarrassment.

Anyhoo, the Prince, saving himself from a massive heart attack watched as Ricky grunted, not in annoyance, but at him for holding the roast turkey drumstick. And without being told, he presented it on his plate with shaky fingers to Ricky, who snatched it, chomping it down in an instant as he licked his fingers with relish, burping in his face.

With nothing more to do, Ricky bows before the King and his court before taking his leave. In his wake, people sighed with relief and panicked as the servants fervently fanned the Queen who had already passed out from shock.

Ricky in his own way was never disturbed for fear of being beaten, or worse, eaten, so he was left alone. Boastful of his eating prowess, none could challenge him as he always came out the victor far across the land in any competition that concerned food.

Livestock and wild animals were just food to him, as long as it can be boiled, fried or roasted, they are all food for his abysmal tummy. The people could do little to stop him, since he didn't really commit any crime of some sort. None could match his voracious eating until... one day, it all changed. How? I guess fate must've been pissed at him as well for on the eve of a great festival, a traveler found himself in the city...

You know, let's just pretend whoever it was strolled into the city, it's not like they suddenly appeared into town out of thin air.

On the day of the festival, people were in high spirits as they awoke to a beautiful and terrifying morning when they heard Ricky rampaging through the town in anger. Not because he was grumpy which he always was, but because there was another name on the list of contestants for the food eating contest.

People rushed in their numbers to know who would be foolish enough to do such a thing as the event was a only Ricky participation contest, even the King and his court couldn't believe it until they saw it for themselves. And it was there, boldly written, underneath Ricky's name; The Stranger...

Well, I must admit, it was hilarious, but at the same time troublesome, for before contestants started dropping out of that particular event, Ricky was constantly known for devouring both his and the contestant’s meal and that usually caused a huge scene. Even the King, who smirked away from prying eyes, couldn't help but wonder who this contestant was as he approved of this change to the anger of Ricky. I'm guessing he was really pissed and fed up with Ricky and his antics.

Other events were slow as people clamored for that one event, the food eating contest. And for the first time in a long time, that event became special...

Who would've thought that day would come where a simple event as the food eating contest would be held in high prestige.

Seats were filled, halls were crowded as everyone, and I mean everyone was there at the coliseum leaving their homes, the streets, including the castle empty. For all wanted to see who was there that wanted to challenge the monstrosity of the man called Ricky.

The arena was laden with assorted types of meat, from livestock to wildlife; prepared in all sorts; roast, boiled & fried.

The air became filled with the aroma of meat as one could feast on the air as well because of its delicious scent. Just a whiff of the air would get you salivating.

The stage was set and the King with his household took their place to oversee this monumental event for the first time, in a long time.

Seats were placed with food laid out on tables facing each other hidden behind a wall of meat. Crowds chattered and waited as they eagerly waited upon this Stranger who decided to challenge the gluttonous Ricky. Moments later, Ricky in all his greasy glory strutted in like a boar taking his seat.

THERE HE IS!!"; said someone from amongst the crowd as she pointed in the direction of the dark doorway in the arena. A hooded figure, stepping out from the darkness was a mystery all right. No one had ever laid their eyes on him before. And the cloak surrounding the stranger did nothing to reveal any features as the stranger walked in to take his seat. The crowd watching in silence wondered if this was going to a massacre or a simple competition as they watched horrified at the mountain of food to be devoured. Servants stood at the ready to bring each portion on a tray for the contestants.

The Stranger on nearing his seat was accosted by Ricki who stared at him for what seemed like forever before showing his thumb and moving it across his neck. The crowd cheered uncontrollably, this is going to be a bloody one.

Properly seated, the king gave the go ahead and the competition began. Servants were running back and forth delivering food upon food on trays to the contestants who kept demanding for more. Ricky ate with extra voracious vigor as the mountain of food seemed to go down fast. Soon, they both caught sight of each other as the devoured the tasty treats. But then, something bothered Ricky as he watched his rival in action.

It wasn't that this rival was proving to be a worthy opponent, but the way he was devouring his food. It felt like he was just tossing stuff into a pit and this scared him. But Ricky was not to be deterred, oh no... He was the champion and he always wins. Ricky deciding to amp his game, started swallowing his food in hopes of leaving this new challenger in the dust. The race was on and then... It was over... And to his chagrin, he stood like a victor as the crowd cheered in utmost satisfaction…

Waving to the crowd as he always did whenever he won this competition as before.

It wasn't until a baby cried that he realized he was just standing and waving to a silent, horrified crowd that he realized what happened... He had lost, but how?

With blind fury, he lunges at his rival tackling him to the crowd as he rained punches at him. The rival only smiled like a creep as he received each blow without a flinch. Blood wet the sands as he kept punching to what seemed never-ending. It was when a lady screamed that he realized he was punching away at the sands of the coliseum. Nothing could be found of the stranger save for a piece of cloth on the ground beside Ricky. Ricky was petrified as he wept like a child.

The crowd in tow was dumbfounded and wouldn't speak of this event without some foreboding. The King even ordered the coliseum to be closed as to what transpired that day.

For the stranger, the one who beat Ricky, ate not only the entire meat set before it, but the tray, the furniture it used and Ricky's right hand. Many assumed the stranger ate himself, others assumed it was a phantom…

But none came closer to the truth for Ricky did not only leave the town in shame, no one knew I was the one that actually made him leave.

But, what do I know, I’m just the narrator…

The End…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating creativity across various literary forms. This international platform invites writers and poets to showcase their unique voices, offering them a stage to share their stories, essays, poems, and creative works with a global audience. The competition highlights diverse narratives and fosters a vibrant community of literary talents.

We extend our gratitude to David Obasi for his engaging contribution "Between the Tummy & Humility" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His storytelling brings humor and depth to the theme of humility, leaving a lasting impression on readers. We look forward to witnessing more of David's 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.