IV. JUST A TITLE - By Musanda Nene

Written By: Musanda Nene

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Musanda Nene shares a poignant short story titled "IV. JUST A TITLE." This compelling narrative invites readers into a deeply personal space, exploring themes of resilience, introspection, and the complexities of family dynamics. As part of the competition's short story category, Musanda's work stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the universal quest for understanding and belonging amidst life's challenging circumstances.

About the Work

Musanda Nene's "IV. JUST A TITLE" captures the essence of personal turmoil and the relentless pursuit of self-awareness. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, the story unfolds the protagonist's journey of grappling with difficult family relationships and finding unexpected solace in seemingly mundane moments. The narrative's raw emotional depth and subtle literary style invite readers to ponder the intricacies of love, validation, and personal growth.

IV. JUST A TITLE

Original Submission by Musanda Nene

IV. JUST A TITLE

You don’t have to be me. You don’t have to listen to me complain because it’s not worth it.

There’s something so interesting about sitting alone in a space where you wouldn’t normally be found. It’s the internal unease, it feels like swallowing a rubber ball. You succeed, yes, but you can still feel it deep inside of you. For me reflection best happened on the green blades of the furthest soccer field on the school campus.

***

What do you do after everything’s happened? Your father assaults you, but what do you do after? Your mother blacks out in a drunken haze or you try to end your story with a bottle. These things are all present tense, but what keeps you moving forward. You can’t live your entire life trying to escape prison by scratching at the wall with a spoon. The people that hug me and stay with me and paint with me in the afternoons serve as a reminder of this. Not by drowning me in empty love but by treating me like a normal person. And that’s always what I’ve preferred honestly. When the two people that conceived you question their relationship because of you, you learn not to seek for love. But love has a funny way of finding you anyways. The comfort I thought a bowl of two-minute noodles would supply turned out to come from hearing my friend rejoicing about a 51% for their maths test.

After another beating, another lashing out, another build of emotions, the love starts feeling conditional. I wasn’t rebellious or anything and I tried to impress him at every moment: good grades, a plethora of extra curriculars, respectful to those around me. So then what was it? What was it that kept the beatings coming?

“Surely the average fifteen year old shouldn’t have to think about things like this” I thought for a millionth time in my childhood.

My chest got tight. Like really tight. Why did I want validation from him? Of all people he cared the least. My peers were taught to ride bikes, tie their shoelaces and shave themselves by their dads and I have YouTube tutorials to thank. But through all this I never held a grudge. They are just people after

all though. I’ve realised that I expected too much from them. I’ll forever be grateful to them for providing for me though. Because a roof and food and clothes were the only things I needed. I do think about how I would get cussed out by those two people and it makes me wonder how their people were — their mom and dad. When my parents’ neglect and anger got married and then divorced I didn’t feel wronged, I just felt like I couldn’t wait to be own child’s parent and prove that it wasn’t that hard.

(It’s not hard to abstain from drinking your fourth bottle of wine in a day. It’s not hard to be there for the people that love you. It’s also not hard to abstain from killing yourself either.)

I knew she was struggling with alcohol and it took a serious toll on her. As a child it looked like she didn’t care enough to care about me and I see that now, but then again at the time, I was a child who just needed their mommy.

Being 13 and becoming friends with half empty bottle of pills because your parents had better things to love is an inexplicable experience. But at least I tried to here.

***

I go sometimes when I’m not feeling especially angry at my past.

My childhood bedroom stayed exactly the same. My posters hadn’t moved, besides the peeling tape and my bed was made in the specific way I liked it. The room felt smaller, but I don’t know what changed. I was just a kid back then trapped in a room, trying to understand why things hurt. And then, years

later, I realised that the room was never the entire house.

And the house was never the entire world.

“But did it matter?” I asked myself. Did it really matter? It’s hard to imagine how my story ends honestly. I’m a different person, but for better or worse?

The kid who hid his tears and his snacks didn’t disappear I guess, he grew up.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebrated platform that showcases diverse voices from around the world. It encourages participants to weave narratives and craft verses that resonate with audiences globally. This prestigious event provides a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions in categories like poetry, short stories, and essays.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Musanda Nene for their insightful contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "IV. JUST A TITLE" is a remarkable piece that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Thank you, Musanda, for sharing your story with us and enriching the literary landscape with your narrative.

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.