Meet Cute - By Issy Alderson

Written By: Issy Alderson

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Issy Alderson, an adept storyteller, brings us "Meet Cute," an evocative short story that captures the essence of daily life's fleeting moments and unspoken fears. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, this narrative immerses readers into a world where morning routines intertwine with deeper reflections on existence and relationships. Through poignant imagery and introspective prose, Alderson invites us to explore the delicate balance between the mundane and the profound.

About the Work

In "Meet Cute," Issy Alderson masterfully weaves a tapestry of introspection and tension, merging the quotidian with the existential. The narrative’s vivid imagery and rhythm capture the relentless pace of life, while simultaneously hinting at the undercurrents of vulnerability and fear that often go unnoticed. The story's emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of human experience invite readers to contemplate the often-unspoken challenges and connections that shape our everyday lives.

Meet Cute

Original Submission by Issy Alderson

Meet Cute

Your alarm slices cleanly through your dreams.

You switch off the incessant jangling,

but the fog of sleep has not yet released you.

She can't remember the last time she needed to set an alarm.

She stands over the sink before sunrise.

Children run riot.

Weetabix turns to cement.

You stand over the toilet,

reassessing your morning.

You've overslept.

You cannot be late for work again.

She cannot believe she is late for work again.

Her morning started so long ago.

She kisses the boys and her husband goodbye,

kicks breaks off the buggy,

sets off for nursery.

No one to say goodbye to, you lock up your empty flat.

She powers along a frost-sparkled street.

Tendrils of chilly dark steal into the gaps between her coat buttons.

In the buggy, her daughter is singing with the birds.

Rush hour roars as they approach the bypass.

Crawling through traffic, your car grumbles idly.

Longing for the bypass and the open road, you jitter at the wheel.

On the radio, they are saying

it is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

The presenters are men,

talking about men not talking enough.

The static shudders as you change the station.

She shivers at the crossing, waiting for the lights to signal their turn.

A gap appears and they cross halfway, to wait on the island.

Except it feels like they don't fit,

the buggy protrudes disobediently into the road.

Her amygdala lights up in alarm for her daughter. She winces

and rolls their procession backwards.

Now she is the one sticking out, her huge backpack drifting

into the traffic behind her.

She prefers it this way.

She touches the child’s hair to self-soothe.

They wait.

Finally moving, you see the lights ahead turn amber.

You put your foot down with an anxious glance

at the clock on the dashboard.

You do not see the dark shape encroaching on your lane.

The impact is like a lightning jolt.

But you hear it.

The thud of the body

bouncing off your bonnet reverberates through the car.

You feel it in every cell.

She is airborne, thinking only of her daughter

marooned on the crossing.

She lands in the road and thinks no more,

as another car rolls straight over her.

Screams fill the crisp air. The scene is unspeakable horror.

Frozen in your seat, the steering wheel becomes slick

with the sweat from your rigid fists.

You lock eyes with a small child,

peering out of her buggy,

stranded on the island.

Then it's over.

The lights change,

they complete their journey to the other side.

Awoken from her daylight nightmare with heartrate soaring,

she does not pause on the pavement to recover.

So frequent are these intrusions on her psyche,

she barely acknowledges their impact.

A car behind you beeps, rescuing you from your trance.

You realise you’ve just watched the traffic lights cycle

through red, amber, green.

The woman and the child you will never know are gone.

They are some distance down the pavement now,

disappearing into the mist.

You unfreeze and start to pull away.

Frightening thoughts, that’s all,

but the film of cold sweat on your skin is as real as the day.

They make it to nursery.

She warmly greets upbeat staff.

She squeezes her daughter, a too-tight goodbye.

She arrives at work smiling,

does not speak her dark mind.

Who would want to know?

You make it to work.

Your boss eyes his watch.

You speak of nothing,

to anyone.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the power of the written word across various genres, providing a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their creativity and insight. This prestigious event encourages participants to delve into diverse themes, share their stories, and connect with a global community of literary enthusiasts. With each submission, the competition highlights the art of storytelling in its many forms.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Issy Alderson for sharing "Meet Cute" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to capture life's fleeting moments with such eloquence and depth is truly commendable. We look forward to witnessing more of her remarkable storytelling 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.