III. 60, 70, 80… - By Musanda Nene

Written By: Musanda Nene

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative short story "III. 60, 70, 80…" by Musanda Nene, readers are taken on an emotional journey through the complexities of self-perception and family expectations. A submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative delves into the struggles of identity and acceptance against the backdrop of societal and familial pressures. Musanda Nene, with a keen eye for detail and emotion, crafts a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with self-worth.

About the Work

"III. 60, 70, 80…" explores the poignant theme of self-image, portraying a young individual's struggle with familial judgment and personal acceptance. The narrative's tone is both introspective and raw, offering a window into the character's internal battles. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative style, Musanda Nene captures the painful journey towards self-acceptance, set against the expectations of a body-conscious society.

III. 60, 70, 80…

Original Submission by Musanda Nene

III. 60, 70, 80…

I always took as much as I could. The free bread you’d get served as a starter, the leftovers my friend brought to tea, the near empty bag of chips no one wanted. I desperately didn’t want to reveal myself.

At home it was the worst. The warden of the house forbade the consumption of anything that wasn’t fruit or veg. As a self-absorbed star athlete having an obese eleven-year-old broke him. Every rise of the scale chipped away at his image. If he could prove to every inspecting eye that he was a decent father,

he was, right? To the people it mattered to being a rigid, unregistered dietician was okay.

My childhood bedroom, the one safe haven I fully owned, stored all my deepest, filthiest secrets. The same secrets that classified me as a gluttonous swine, disgracing a family of six-packs and protein shakes. My sweet escapes hid under my pillow, in between shelves; anywhere a chocolate bar could fit.

It wasn’t the beatings that hurt though. It wasn’t the starving myself, praying to any god that would listen that my weight would start with a five, that hurt either. It wasn’t even all my distant relatives whispering blatantly, “how does

his dad deal with this fatty?” with genuine concern. No, above everything fathomable, it was the denial.

I wasn’t his. He would claim me in public but it was accompanied with that slight headshake he would do when someone said they could see the resemblance between us. No son of my father’s could possibly weigh 60, 70 or, god forbid, 80 kg.

…

Years later, I stood in my bathroom. It was sterile white – like the type of place where final goodbyes escaped lips. My stomach looked flat enough and the stretch marks carved in my waist and thighs reminded me of paediatrician visits when I could barely cover the bit of my stomach that stuck out when I wore my school uniform.

My cheeks were more hollow now from all the times I’d sucked them in for pictures and I’d upgraded from a double chin to a jawline. My fingers traced my Adam’s apple but I flinched as neared my mouth. The rosy pink had long

left my lips as mirrors and I had become distant. I stared at my sickly slim looking self seconds before my head slammed against the ceramic sink.

I’d grown to hate eating but the whole bottle of Phentermine pills would be the last full meal I ate.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of words. It invites writers from around the globe to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a diverse community of creative expression. This competition is a testament to the power of storytelling, encouraging participants to explore and share their deepest thoughts and experiences.

Thank you, Musanda Nene, for sharing your powerful short story "III. 60, 70, 80…" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work sheds light on the challenging journey of self-discovery and acceptance, and we are honored to feature it. We wish you continued success in your writing endeavors.

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.