Shelter - By Zane van der Linde

Written By: Zane van der Linde

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Zane van der Linde presents "Shelter," a compelling short story that delves into the complex interplay between freedom, fear, and the choices we make in life. This narrative invites readers to reflect on the opportunities and obstacles that define our paths, encouraging a deeper understanding of the importance of carving one's unique journey.

About the Work

"Shelter" is a reflective exploration of life's myriad paths, examining the delicate balance between societal expectations and personal agency. Through a metaphor likening life to an open-world video game, Zane van der Linde crafts a narrative that challenges readers to consider their own freedom and the courage needed to forge an independent path. The story's contemplative tone and vivid imagery invite introspection and a reevaluation of what it means to live authentically.

Shelter

Original Submission by Zane van der Linde

Shelter

The world is open and life is full of opportunities. Some opportunities we skip past like flipping a page not thinking much about them. Some we miss due to the walls of fear we hide behind that we built for ourselves. Some we simply just miss by accident not knowing they exist.

This life is like an open world video game. You can run free or you can cause chaos. Both options have their pros and cons.

A person may want to run free and live a full and cherished life uncertain of what it may be. Some may want to go out and see the world or connect with nature. Unfortunately, a person might want to do things a little differently and ruin other’s or their own life.

Some people get their freedom gifted to them and some people get theirs taken away.

But what about the neutral people? The ones that are truly trapped, freedom or not. They tend to choose a different path, one not seen through either freedom nor fear. People watch them walk away and think they are crazy. They walk away because they don’t have a choice. They would rather walk the other direction because no matter how many pathways there are in this life, none of them have their name on it so they would make their own.

They make their own path not just because of the wrongs in both choices between freedom and chaos but because of the rights in their own.

In life we are taught right from wrong, how we can and cannot live. How we should and should not react and feel. But are they really lessons or just a contract signing your life away to prison?

We are taught from a young age that we need to become successful and build a family. We are taught to give everything of ourselves to a society that cares neither about your feelings or passions. People use and abuse you and call it “caring”.

We as human beings are all sheltered from destruction, pain and suffering by love, respect and fear. We let these things control our lives as if we have no say in it.

The truth is we all have a say in our own lives because we are the ones living it.

Choose a path that suits you to the best of your knowledge and don’t follow the crowd, because the crowd can be misleading. Don’t make decisions based on a rough road that don’t even last as long as you think it might.

Be neutral, because you get to catch the mistakes that others make and learn from it.

Create your life because in the end you will end up building your own shelter without even realizing it.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of storytelling and poetry. This competition brings together writers and poets from around the world, offering a stage for creative expression across diverse genres. Participants are encouraged to showcase their unique voices and perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of global narratives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Zane van der Linde for his thought-provoking contribution, "Shelter," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His insightful narrative invites readers to question and explore their own life choices, leaving a lasting impression. Thank you, Zane, for sharing your unique perspective with us.

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.