Little Details - By Asia Terrelonge

Written By: Asia Terrelonge

Category: flash fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Asia Terrelonge invites us into a world of emotions with "Little Details," her entry in the Creative Writing category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This flash fiction piece delicately explores the interplay between memory and presence, inviting readers to reflect on the subtle nuances of loss and solace. Through her keen observations and vivid imagery, Terrelonge captures the essence of moments that linger in the heart long after they have passed.

About the Work

"Little Details" is a poignant exploration of memory and the lingering presence of a beloved companion. Through a tapestry of vivid imagery and introspective narrative, Asia Terrelonge weaves a story of subtle comfort amidst the echoes of loss. The work's quiet elegance lies in how it captures the intersection of the mundane with profound emotional truths, encouraging readers to find solace in the remnants of cherished memories.

Little Details

Original Submission by Asia Terrelonge

Little Details

I stared at the pre-dawn light that seemed to be a perfect blue grey I haven’t found anywhere else, not that I want to; it only looks good at this time, with my slight sleep-fogged sight gazing upon it through my thin curtains awash in the colour.

It was as chilly as most mornings were, but I woke up a bit more rested than in the months before, and a smile was even on my face because it felt different on this day.

I pressed my hand beside the pillow that used to be occupied by a small warm thing. I raised my hand up to get off the bed, steadying myself immediately at the sensation of warm air on my leg hair.

I stared blankly at my legs, but I gave a rueful smile and shook my head. I’m fine; everything’s fine.

After showering, I got dressed in plain black clothes, making the starkness of the single white fur on it more eye-catching. I almost began to frown, but I quickly stopped that downward fold. I told myself the white fur was from some debris in the air yesterday, as this would be my second time in a row wearing this outfit.

I sighed deeply, carefully not thinking about the other thing that had such a colour to it too. I did my best not to remember the flash of a small-shaped blurred thing outside my fogged shower door earlier as I cleansed myself; it was just the water of the shower messing up my vision, which was the thought process I forced myself to agree to.

I took the hair off and went to cook.

As I ate, I heard the faint sounds of a bell jingling; I couldn’t suppress my frown this time. I gave away all the things related to what would usually be up and about in the house making that sound; I should have been drowning in silence, not pulled along by things no longer there.

I couldn’t really be as present for breakfast as I should have been, and the strange coincidences were a bit pressuring on my already tired mind, so there should have been no reason why I still felt this odd sensation of comfort, a displaced type but still technically in the realm of what I labelled as a comfort to me.

I didn’t dawdle as much in the actual process of getting the final things I needed before I left the house, mainly because there was no reason anymore to delay.

It is what I thought as I looked over a scratch in the door; the few pieces of physical evidence left of something small and deeply loved.

I took my car out to drive. I was initially hesitating; I haven’t driven in months, not since what happened then, and my thoughts every time I tried to drive it before today weren’t pleasant, safe thoughts.

Even so, today really felt possible, and I didn’t question it. I didn’t want to question this bit of positivity, not right at this moment.

I entered it and drove; my mind was clearer than it felt before.

I arrived at work in one piece, both mentally and physically.

I greeted my coworkers, and I went through the mundane process that having a job usually was, but at least it gave me ways to take care of myself, which felt harder now as I didn’t have the extra thing I loved to make happy with my money anymore.

It was lunchtime, and I rested my head on my desk for a bit.

It was a nonsensical dream, the peace of the bizarre, until it got flung aside to plunge me into hyper-vivid memories.

Soft paws, silky snow-bright long fur, and brilliant big blue eyes were the key features of my deceased cat; Estelle was her name. My star was back to me; it hurt. It hurts so much that here, only in memories, she felt so alive.

I chuckled brokenly in the dream as she licked my cheek and then nuzzled it, like she was trying to tell me to be well, to remind me that I still breathe, so I shouldn’t act like the earth already claimed me.

When I eventually awoke, the fragments were all I had left. The contents of it escaped my mind like water through a sieve, but I couldn’t help but give a low, choked, grateful sound, tears brimming but not falling from my eyes as I saw my picture of Estelle and me on my worktable upright again. I never had it up after she died, and I couldn’t bear to give it away like I did all her things at home. This, this was something. Whether an unconscious action of my body or something more, I wanted more of these “phantoms” to keep following me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression. It brings together writers and poets from around the world, offering them a platform to share their creative voices. This prestigious competition seeks to inspire and recognize the diverse narratives that shape our world, fostering a vibrant community of literary talent.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Asia Terrelonge for sharing her evocative piece "Little Details" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to convey the profound through the seemingly ordinary is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful and moving 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.