MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER - By Amayah Barran

Written By: Amayah Barran

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Amayah Barran's gripping short story, "MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER," a thrilling contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As part of the Short Story category, this evocative narrative invites readers into a world of mystery and suspense, set against the backdrop of a serene forest adventure that quickly turns into a harrowing encounter.

About the Work

"MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER" beautifully captures the essence of curiosity and the unforeseen consequences it may lead to. Amayah Barran masterfully uses vivid imagery and an engaging narrative style to convey the protagonist's transformation from tranquility to terror. The story plays with themes of nature, fear, and the power of imagination, leaving readers enthralled until the very end.

MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER

Original Submission by Amayah Barran

Title

MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER

As the sun dipped below the horizon,casting an inferno on the atmosphere,my friends and I decided to go camping in the forest.When we got there,we started putting up the tents.I then got distracted by a big,ravishing,blue butterfly.I told my friends that I was going to follow it to take a picture of it and they said “okay.”

I just kept wandering further into the forest,lured by the butterfly.The trees towered above me like ancient sentinels.I continued to take pictures of the butterfly. It was like if I had seen a mountain of stars by just peering at the butterfly.Everything felt peaceful at first but soon tranquility morphed into an unsettling silence that made my sin prickle.

Suddenly,a rustling noise broke the stillness and my heart raced like a beating drum.I turned around but the shadows seemed to swallow the light,leaving me in a cocoon of darkness.Just when I thought it was my imagination,a low echoed from behind a nearby bush,sending chills down my body and soul.I began to panic and bellowed for help. My voice was piercing the eerie,quiet like a knife through fog.With adrenaline pumping,I took off darting,branches snagging at my clothes like the fingers of unseen spirits trying to pull me back.The path twisted and turned,I could feel the forest closing in around me,its shadows dancing menacingly.Each step felt heavier as I fought against the fear that threatened to consume me.I could almost hear the trees whispering unknown words that only the trees could understand while mocking my frantic escape.

Just when I thought I was lost forever,a flicker of light appeared in the distance. It was faint but it flickered like a lighthouse guiding me.With a surge of hope,I sprinted towards it,the light grew with each step. As I neared I realized it was the campfire surrounded by my friends.

Relief washed over me as I stumbled into the circle of warmth. My friends exclaimed”We were so worried about you!”I shared my wild tale of panic and fear and we all laughed at how myadventurous spirithadturned into a frantic plea for help.From now on I will never go wandering anywhere by myself again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices from around the world, providing a platform for talented writers to share their unique stories. This prestigious competition showcases a wide range of literary works, from poetry to short stories, encouraging creativity and innovation in the literary arts.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Amayah Barran for sharing "MY STRANGE ENCOUNTER" with us. It has been a pleasure to feature such a compelling piece in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We hope to see more of Amayah's 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.