Silenced - By M. N. Haniya

Written By: M. N. Haniya

Category: short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, M. N. Haniya presents "Silenced," a compelling short story that delves into themes of communication and understanding. This narrative invites readers into the world of a young protagonist who grapples with an unspoken barrier, seeking answers in the faces of family and in the natural world. Through this poignant piece, Haniya explores the profound impact of language and the longing for connection.

About the Work

"Silenced" is a moving exploration of a child's inner world, marked by a sense of exclusion and yearning. M. N. Haniya masterfully uses vivid imagery and reflective prose to convey a deep sense of isolation contrasted with the kindness of nature. The story evokes a gentle yet powerful message about the necessity of language and the human need to be heard, offering a poignant meditation on identity and belonging.

Silenced

Original Submission by M. N. Haniya

Silenced

Everyone Knows Something That I Don't

Their mouths were moving again.

Dad opened his mouth too wide.

Mom frowned.

My brother laughed.

I smiled because everyone else did.

I searched their faces for an answer that lay hidden between their lips. And I smiled because everyone else did.

____________________________________________________________________________________ Memory

What I remembered was hands, not what was speaking, but hands pointing, hands pushing, and the ones that pulled me away.

I remember everyone running in the distant mountains, wording things that I never could put into words, like they were using something that I never knew.

I watched their mouths every day.

Everyone else knew what came next.

But I never knew.

I loved watching the beach, the mountains, the grasslands and daisies, the forests when we went on road trips, and the feeling of when the soft morning sunlight gently touched me. It was all I knew. Because the clouds never expected me to answer. Neither did the waves. And the winds never became frustrated or worried when I couldn't understand.

Nature was kinder than people ever were.

I love watching the rain, and the smell that arose from the ground when it rains... The little raindrops that fell to the ground, hugging each other, was what I loved.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Something Isn’t Right

As time passed, I saw mom and dad looking worried about me, but I never knew why. They never told me why.

And slowly, people ignored me too. I never had friends at school, either. And my teacher seems worried too. Why don't they tell me?

____________________________________________________________________________________ The Little Girl in Disney World

It was the weekend, and a long holiday came up. Me, my brother Scott and my sister Zelda, along with my parents, we all decided to go to Disney World.

There were beautiful princes and princesses, and all the cartoon characters had come to life!

Then I saw something that I've never seen before. Something that amused me the most. A princess raised her hands.

Her fingers danced through the air.

The little girl laughed before moving her own hands back at the princess. But they weren't waving.

They were talking.

All this time, they had been speaking, in a voice That nobody told me. And if I had one chance to look back... ...I wouldn't ask for another life. I'd ask for a language, because every story begins with words.

Mine never did.

____________________________________________________________________________________ "For some, signing is a choice. But for others, it's the whole world.

It's more than words. It's where a child learns that they exist.

Every child deserves a language. Every child deserves to be heard."

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the richness of literary arts from around the world. This competition provides a platform for writers of all backgrounds to showcase their creativity and share their unique voices. It is a celebration of storytelling in its many forms, encouraging participants to explore and express their deepest thoughts and narratives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to M. N. Haniya for sharing "Silenced" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful short story deeply resonates with the power of language and the essential nature of communication. Thank you, Haniya, for your thoughtful contribution and for reminding us of the universal need to be understood and heard.

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.