Seeing Summer - By Luna-Grace Paterson

Written By: Luna-Grace Paterson

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Luna-Grace Paterson brings us "Seeing Summer," a touching short story entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. With a narrative steeped in nostalgia, Luna-Grace invites readers to reminisce about the innocence and simplicity of childhood summers spent around a beloved pond. Through the lens of cherished memories, this work beautifully examines the enduring bonds of friendship and the comforting escape from reality that these connections provide.

About the Work

"Seeing Summer" is a heartfelt exploration of childhood memories and the comforting refuge they offer against life's uncertainties. Luna-Grace Paterson masterfully uses vivid imagery and a reflective narrative style to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The story delicately intertwines themes of friendship, innocence, and the passage of time, leaving readers with a poignant reminder of the warmth and solace found in cherished memories.

Seeing Summer

Original Submission by Luna-Grace Paterson

Seeing summer

We run around the pond like we used to as kids, the pond where we met. She came every summer to visit her dad, but she was barely ever with him, because every day she would meet me at the pond. We would play a game, talk, or even just watch the ducks, how we loved the ducks.

One day, when we were about thirteen, three of the ducks' eggs hatched. She named two of them, Poppy and Rosy were their names. Even now, while I run trying to evade her from catching me I can remember her explaining to me why: “ This one has cute, rosy cheeks.” She always was very happy with how she came up with that name. As for Poppy, she always said that she loved that name, that she would name her daughter that. Well, as far as Poppy was concerned she was her daughter, she followed her around everywhere.

As for the other duck, she was always my favorite, and I named her Melody, because she was pure white, she was my pure Melody. Melody even quacks now, when Summer finally manages to touch me.

I race after her, my legs aching because I haven’t played like this in a long time. Most boys my age -seventeen- don’t play games anymore, but talk about who is going to sign up to go to war. The war has gotten further away from us now, but closer to her, and I don’t think I would be able to live if something happened. The talk of the war always makes me feel down, and I start to think like those guys, but summer always rolls around and she is back. She always makes my worries disappear. As I chase her around the pond for the thousandth time she puts her hands up in surrender.

She sits down with her feet in the freezing cold water. She puts her head on my shoulder as she watches her precious Rosy and Poppy. My gaze is fixed on something else, though, my Melody, waddling towards me. When she reaches me she nuzzles my arm and I laugh. I let Melody sit in my lap and everything feels okay.

Suddenly I have the urge to feel what is in my pocket. I take it out and realise that it’s a letter from her. Why would she send me a letter when she’s right here? It tells me that she is sorry, but she can’t come this summer, because her mother is ill and she needs to look after her.

Why would she say that? She’s right here.

But suddenly my vision is blurring and I’m not so sure anymore. Gently Melody spreads her big glowing white wings and floats upwards. She smiles down at me and peace flows over my body. I have an overwhelming feeling to follow her because wherever she goes surely there will be light.

No, don’t get distracted. It’s just in your mind. Focus on Summer.

Just when I was sure she was still there- when the blurring was gone- she isn’t. She’s in the water and she calls me to come and join her. Melody seems to be urging me forward too, a comforting whisper in my ear telling me that everything will be fine now.

I miss summer, even though I was sure she was next to me. I walk towards her and my clothes start to feel heavy, I can’t breathe, but I keep going towards her and she embraces me.

I choke out a few words, but it fills my mouth with liquid as I do. “I can finally see my Summer again.”

And everything goes black.

Hello?

Summer?

Are you there?

Shh. It’s okay.

Summer?

…

Summer, please I need you!

It’s okay. You are okay now.

And I am covered in her warm embrace.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates literary creativity from writers all over the world. This prestigious event invites participants to submit their best works in various categories, showcasing their unique voices and storytelling prowess. The competition provides a platform for emerging and established writers to share their artistic expressions and connect with a global audience.

Thank you, Luna-Grace Paterson, for sharing "Seeing Summer" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story offers a beautiful reflection on nostalgia and the enduring power of memory. We are grateful for your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your heartfelt 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.