Lost and Found - By Cassandra Wijesuria

Written By: Cassandra Wijesuria

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Cassandra Wijesuria presents "Lost and Found," a poignant short story that delves into the themes of survival and human connection. Set against the backdrop of an unforgiving urban landscape, this narrative explores the delicate interplay of vulnerability and resilience through its main characters. Wijesuria's contribution stands as a testament to the depth and diversity of entries in this celebrated competition, showcasing the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.

About the Work

"Lost and Found" captures the gritty reality of life on the streets through vivid imagery and a raw emotional narrative. Cassandra Wijesuria crafts a tale that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, with themes of survival, compassion, and the possibility of change. The story's characters, defined by their stark circumstances and the tentative bonds they form, invite readers to reflect on the power of empathy and the courage it takes to break down personal barriers.

Lost and Found

Original Submission by Cassandra Wijesuria

LOST AND FOUND

By: Cassandra Wijesuria

(950 words)

Living in an ang lor district was not for the faint-hearted.

Lowering her eyes and bent as a hunchback, the dark-skinned, scrawny waif navigated the alleyways of Setapak with practiced ease, wary eyes flickering to the police station not too far off. Her rags concealed a misshapen bundle meant for her, and she had no intention of getting caught.

Finally reaching her destination, a small stairway of an abandoned shoplot, the girl nibbled on her hard-won prize of bread as she cuddled her scrappy teddy bear. I am free. No more pain. This belief kept her alive.

Until…

“Hello? Hello, ade orang kat sini?”

On instinct, the waif immediately grabbed her stick, a mere tree branch used to shoo dogs away. But what stared at her in return wasn’t the four-legged variety.

A young girl about the waif’s age staggered back in shock. The girl looked thin but had seen food in better days. Her skin was fair though she did seem scruffy. Long, somewhat greasy hair went down to her tailbone, and a faded-looking nightdress completed the look. Forlorn eyes met a pair of unrepentant ones.

The waif hissed and swung her branch at the girl in a menacing manner. The fairer girl seemed to have enough sense to back away, albeit with tears pouring down her cheeks, whispering, “Maaf, maaf…”

***

“Pontianak!!! Mana lu? Masuk sekarang!”

The long-haired girl scattered the pebbles she was playing with like burning coals as she hastily made her way inside.

Having kept a wary eye on the intruder, the waif deduced that “Pontianak” belonged to one of those houses. Sometimes they would not see each other for days on end.

But when they were around each other, they remained at a distance, one keeping an eye on the other. A fragile impasse had been built between them, and neither wanted to break it. Eventually, they learned to share scraps between themselves, but still not daring to speak.

Once, after Pontianak had given the waif chicken feet to eat, the latter smiled, until she caught Pontianak looking back at her curiously. The waif realized it had been her first smile towards Pontianak and she hated herself for it.

Pontianak remained a constant thorn in the waif’s side. While the latter had since realized that the former was harmless, the waif’s heart was closed to the possibility of compassion.

***

A loud bang and a yelp of pain woke the half-asleep waif, who was attempting to keep herself dry from the thunderstorm pounding outside.

The sound of a hand smacking skin several times resounded in the alley. The waif peered around the alley in shock.

A woman’s voice kept echoing “Budak bodoh! Bodoh sial! You make me lose customer!! Stupid, useless Pontianak!”

The waif’s hand itched towards the branch but thought better of it. Balling her hand into a fist, the waif hardened her heart further. Memories of a similar time flashed through her mind. The waif shuddered. I am free. No more pain.

A door slammed and deafening silence followed. The waif retreated into her hiding spot, shielding herself and her teddy bear from the rain as much as her little body could muster.

Plop…plop…plop…The waif’s eyes narrowed.

“To-tolong…” Pontianak pleaded, hand moving towards the waif

The waif shoved Pontianak’s hand angrily, yet the girl did not fight back. This made the waif all the angrier. Fight back, stupid Pontianak! Fight Fight Fight! Mocking chants haunted the waif… foolish girl, stupid girl…

The chants metamorphosized into a boiling rage. Rage against Pontianak for disrupting her life. Rage at Pontianak for not fighting back. Rage at herself…

The waif struck Pontianak on the shoulder and watched, satisfied, as the weakened girl stumbled into the puddle of rainwater.

The minute the waif realized what she’d done, she was stunned. She fled, the chants stupid girl stupid girl echoing in the blackness of her mind.

***

In the morose grey of daylight, the waif returned to her spot. Tiptoeing around, she spotted Pontianak huddled in the corner at the back of the shop, shivering.

How long could she go on like this? Her stubbornness kept her alive, but it also turned her heartless. The waif stroked her cheek, where her past wounds remained skin-deep.

The waif realized that she had to change. Maybe, just for one moment, if she did things differently, would they both be alright? It would mean that she needed to leave her stubbornness behind. But could she?

The waif crept close, quickly bringing out her semi-damp rags, and crouched next to the shivering girl. The waif noticed that Pontianak seemed to have some blood between her legs. When the waif attempted to touch her, Pontianak pushed her away.

Anticipating the rejection, the waif turned but stopped herself. Remembering her newfound resolve, she timidly draped the blanket over Pontianak. The girl didn’t refuse the gesture, but she didn’t acknowledge the waif either.

The waif then cautiously crept up next to the miserable figure and pushed her beloved teddy bear into the girl’s bruised hands. Stunned, the girl finally allowed herself to relax.

***

“Pontianak! Mana budak ni? Haiyaaaa…”

The two girls winced at the screaming like nails on a chalkboard. Impulsively, the waif grabbed the girl’s hand and yanked, gesturing towards the open part of the alley.

They looked at each other and towards the alleyway, fear gripping them both.

“Pontianak!!! Nanti saya tangkap lu baru you tahu…”

The manic woman stomped outside to catch the girl, only to be met with the teddy bear remaining on the pavement. Snarling, the woman kicked the teddy bear, frustrated screams echoing in the unforgiving alleyway.

THE END

Lost and Found/

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of storytelling across genres. It invites writers from around the globe to share their unique voices and perspectives. This competition fosters a vibrant community of writers, offering a space for creativity and expression. It is a celebration of the written word, bringing together diverse narratives that enrich our understanding of the world.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cassandra Wijesuria for sharing her compelling work, "Lost and Found," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her narrative of survival and empathy resonates deeply, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of human connection. We thank her for her contribution and look forward to witnessing more of her literary journey.

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.