Out of the Blue - By Shavini De silva

Written By: Shavini De silva

Category: short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative short story "Out of the Blue," Shavini De silva invites readers to explore the intersection of familiarity and alienation under the Martian sky. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative delves into themes of adaptation, belonging, and the enduring ties of family. As humanity seeks refuge on Mars due to Earth’s environmental upheavals, the protagonist grapples with her new reality and the poignant memories of home.

About the Work

"Out of the Blue" captures the emotional journey of a young girl adjusting to life on Mars. The story unfolds with vivid imagery of the Martian landscape juxtaposed against the nostalgia of Earth. The narrative mood is reflective and emotional, exploring the tension between loss and hope. De silva uses the protagonist's familial interactions to convey a powerful message about the essence of home being rooted in human connections rather than geographical locations.

Out of the Blue

Original Submission by Shavini De silva

Out of the Blue

Everything seemed familiar and homely as the newly planted trees rustled, while the wind breezed gently against her face and the sun dimmed, appearing smaller beneath the unfamiliar blue of the Martian sky. She sighed as she removed her shoes and dug her feet into the red soil, the tethered, charcoal ground felt rough and eerie, but she knew this was something she would have to get used to.

Noticing her confusion and slight disappointment, her parents approached her and hugged her. "Getting used to it?" her father asked. "It’s alright, " she replied " but it feels unholmely and homely at the same time. "

Her mother lifted her head and replied, “I know, I know but baby we couldn’t stay back home, remember all the floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and global warming …

"…but, wasn’t it us that made them happen?" she cut across, with tears swimming in her eyes. " It’s not right, I don’t think am ready to be a Martian yet, “mommy!" she sobbed. "I belong to Earth Daddy, we all do, Earth is our home."

"Pumpkin", her father replied " But though we had to leave Earth, Earth will never leave us. Its within us. Home isn’t just the soil beneath us, it’s the people that stay close to our hearts. "

That made her smile and she continued to hug her parents, positivity dawning on her face. The family embraced tightly and watched the new land civilization along with them adapt, building cities over the red planet, the home where they were destined to live in. With that, she smiled, tightening her grip on her parents as the beams of the two Martian moons started to slowly glaze the red soil, marking it their first night away from the little blue marble once they called home.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions across the globe. It provides a platform for writers to share their unique stories and perspectives, fostering a rich tapestry of literary art. The competition encourages participants to delve into various themes, showcasing their talents to an international audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shavini De silva for her moving short story "Out of the Blue." Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the profound themes of adaptation and belonging. We look forward to more compelling tales from her creative mind.

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.